Most homeowners don’t inspect their roof as often as they should. This is mainly because the roof is not in a person’s regular line of site. As a result, it may not come to mind very often. However, neglecting this important part of a home can result in expensive and extensive repairs. While a homeowner can call on professional Residential Roofing services for inspections, there are some things they can look at themselves.
The fact is, even the smallest windstorm can cause roof damage, which is why regular inspections are so important. Some tips for a homeowner to complete these inspections themselves are found here.
Begin in the Attic
When searching for roof issues, start in the attic. While there, look for signs of the following:
- Leaks or other water damage
- Dark spots or trails
- Outside light
Move to the Exterior
Once the interior inspection is complete, it is time to move to the outside and look for issues. In some cases, a homeowner can inspect the roof from the ground; however, if it is difficult to see, then climbing a ladder will be required. During the exterior inspection, look for the following signs of an issue:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Large amounts of shingle granules in the gutters or missing
- Accumulation of moss or algae
The most common type of roofing material is asphalt shingles, and more and more damage will occur as the shingles age. The shingle can become ‘bald’ as it ages, which is a definite sign that repair or complete roof replacement is necessary. If the shingles appear to be curling up, then they need to be replaced right away.
Another popular type of roofing material is cedar shingles. These typically last a period of 30 years, depending on the weather conditions and climate. Look for signs of warping or dry rot in these types of shingles. In most cases, if more than a third of the roof shows signs of damage, then it is a likely time to completely replace it.
It is important to call the professionals for Residential Roofing repairs and have the roof repaired or replaced when the wear and tear or damage are initially discovered. With the modern advances in technology, if a homeowner needs to replace the roof, there are a number of quality products and materials available. More information can be found by visiting Website.com.