If you do not inspect your roof at least once or twice a year you could be missing important warning signs that your roof is damaged. All roofs need maintenance, and if you are ignoring the small damages you could be causing your roof to deteriorate at an accelerated rate. Here is a guide on how to inspect your roof and what you should be looking for.
How Often to Check the Roof
First of all, you need to know how often you should inspect your roof. We here at Able Roof, the roofing professionals recommend that you either inspect or have your roof inspected once or twice a year. If you do it any less than this, then the problems could start to add up over time. And if there are heavy storms or adverse weather, you should check the roof in its aftermath. Anything that could potentially cause damage to your roof should be taken seriously. Even a small problem can have big implications if it isn’t properly addressed.
Put safety first
I can’t say it enough, safety always comes first. If you are going to be climbing onto your roof and walking around consider using a harness. No matter how confident you are there is always a chance that something could go wrong, and you do not want to fall from those heights. Footwear is another important aspect of roof inspection, you will want shoes that are easy to walk in and help you stay gripped to the roof. If you are uncomfortable inspecting your own roof, don’t worry, here at Able roof we offer free estimates, so you never have to set foot on the roof if you don’t want to. We have 30 years of experience and over 200,000 happy customers, so you can feel confident about the quality we provide.
Clear Off the Moss
One common problem that pretty much all roofs face at some point is moss. Moss grows on the shingles and makes the roof look messy and unkempt. So, make sure that you brush off any moss that is starting to grow when you get up on your roof. It’s easy to do, and it will help you prevent growth underneath and in between the shingles on the roof, which can cause bigger problems. It’s better to use a brush than a power-hose because they can cause damage.
Know the signs of leaks
Leaks can cause big problems for your home, so look for the warning signs and get it fixed before you have to pay for excessive amounts of damage. Leaks can cause structural damage to your home, mold growth, and if you defer maintenance you may not be covered by insurance. Some things to look for are damp spots in your attic, wet insulation, water stains, loose, broken or missing shingles, and damaged flashing. These are all signs that you might have a leak, or that your roof may be susceptible to leaks. If you’re not sure what’s causing it or how to fix it, it’s better to call a roofing expert who can fix the problem.
Curling Corners on Shingles
If you start to notice that the shingles on your roof are curling up at the corners there is a good chance they need to be replaced. This often happens when the ventilation in the attic is not very good. The heat will leave through the roof, and it will be the shingles that sustain all the damage. When the corners turn up, it becomes much easier for the wind to get underneath them and blow them off the roof. So, it’s a problem that is best addressed by focusing on root cause and fixing the attic ventilation first.
Black Stains on the Roof
When you spot black stains on your roof, it means algae is starting to grow on the shingles. This makes the roof look like it’s in really bad condition, but don’t freak out, algae isn’t actually that damaging for your roof. It can cause some aesthetic problems, but not much more than that. Still, you don’t want your roof to look dark and patchy, so you should do what you can to remove it. The best thing you can use to remove algae from the roof is zinc strips, or you could buy shingles that are resistant to algae.
Missing Shingles
One of the most obvious problems you can find when you inspect your roof is missing shingles. This is a problem that is evident as soon as you get on your roof and look at it. There are so many things that can cause shingles to fall off or come loose. Sometimes, it can be something as simple as insects or birds causing them to loosen, but heavy wind and rain are the most common causes of this problem. When you do find a missing shingle, you should replace it as quickly as possible to keep rainwater from getting through.
If your roof is in need of maintenance or even a replacement call Able Roof. We can assist with all of your roofing, insulation, gutters and even window needs. We are dedicated to providing the highest possible quality in every sense of the word. We provide the best customer service in the industry, highly trained professional services, and our materials are specifically manufactured to meet or exceed our high standards. We are so confident in our work we back it up with a lifetime warranty. So, if you want it done right the first time choose Able Roof.
