Your roof is one of the most important components of your home. It provides protection from the elements, helps regulate the temperature inside, and plays a key role in maintaining the structural integrity of your property. However, over time, even the most well-built roofs can develop problems. From minor leaks to major damage, these issues can be a cause for concern for any homeowner. In this post, we will explore some of the signs that your roof may need repairs, and provide you with information on how to address these issues to ensure that your home remains safe, sound, and secure.
Starting from the Inside: Tips for Checking if Your Roof Needs Repairs
Periodically checking to see if your roof needs repairs start inside. Go into the attic. With a good flashlight, look for stains or streaks that indicate moisture may be getting in. Turn off the flashlight and look for any rays or spots of sunlight.
The next interior location is your documentation. Check to see the last time you had any work done on it, including shingles. See what the roof is made of. Asphalt shingle roofs last about 20 to 25 years. If no work has been done over that time frame, or if it has been a while since it was repaired, it might be time for some work.
What to Look For
After a big windstorm or a particularly bad rain, look up to see if the shingles are all still lying flat. Check the residue at the bottom of the gutter downspouts to see if there are any grains. A roof losing many granules will probably need some work soon.
The seals around vents, chimneys and skylights are called flashing. Frequently these need to be resealed. If the flashings are made of roof cement or tar, have them replaced with metal for greater durability.
Look at the roof from all angles. If you see some dips or sagging, this is not good and a pretty good sign that you will need a new roof. Make sure there are no low hanging tree branches that will rub on the shingles during the wind. If so, have the limbs removed to avoid future damage. Also, see if there is any moss. This can indicate poor drainage and not enough sun that can result in mold and mildew.
Just because there is some indication of damage, you may not need to replace the entire roof. It is very likely that a few repairs will do the trick. If so, get the work done quickly before the problem gets any worse. If it is a matter of sealing the flashings, replacing a few shingles, or patching, the cost will be significantly lower than even a roof over the existing one.
The best way to know is to have a professional roofer come to inspect the roof. Even if there are no obvious problems, having someone look things over every few years is a very good idea to avoid a big mess.
Hire a Roofing Company
A reputable roofing company will be happy to have one of their specialists come to your home or building to check things over. They will be able to offer an expert opinion and give you an estimate of the cost of any repairs that are recommended.
If repairs or replacement is in your near future, don’t be swayed by price alone. Using a roofing company like Vanity Roofing in Ottawa means you are opting for quality workmanship and a solid reputation in the community. Investing in a quality product and expert installation can mean years of worry-free enjoyment. Keeping a solid roof over your head should be of primary importance. Contact us to learn more.
