Signs You May Need a New Roof
Most people know it is time for a new roof when water starts to leak through the ceiling. Although it is a simple way to tell that you need to call a roofer waiting for a leak is not always the best idea. By the time the water has broken through the ceiling and into the home a wide range of damage may have already occurred. The damage could be something low maintenance and visible like water spots in the ceiling or it could be something extremely costly such as rotted trusses, hazardous mold or electrical system damage.
In order to prevent yourself from incurring these unnecessary expenses there are a few things you can check on periodically to determine if a call to your local roofing professional is in order.
Find a safe place to stand where you can see your roof. Look at the shingles. Shingle damage is a good indicator of when you should consider a new roof. A shingle that is towards the end of its life span appears brittle and curled. If you can safely get within reaching distance of your shingles you can try to lift one a little. A bad shingle is not flexible and if lifted too much it will break or crumble into pieces, a healthy shingle will bend. If you are able, look in your gutters. If you see little granules accumulating, the shingles are wearing down. If you are unable to safely examine your gutters look around the outside of your home, sometimes the granules may fall onto the ground during a storm. Also look for any missing shingles or exposed tar paper. Pay special attention to areas around corners, peaks, metal flashing and siding. Shingles around these parts can show early signs of wear and tear.
If you notice or suspect that any one of these things are happening do not hesitate to call for a Free Estimate. A professional Roofer will take a look and determine if its time for a new roof. With hazardous mold and rotting wood just a few of the concerns of a damaged roof it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Leakage in Attic After Wind-Driven Rain
Possible cause: Leaky or inadequate shingle underlayment or deteriorated flashing.
Blistering and/or Peeling of Interior and/or Exterior paint
Possible cause: Excessive temperature or high humidity due to poor attic ventilation.
Stains on Interior Ceilings and Walls or Mold and Mildew Growth
Possible cause: Inadequate or faulty shingle underlayment allowing leakage or inadequate ventilation.
Exterior Decay, Sheathing, and/or Siding
Possible cause: Poor attic ventilation.
Missing, Cracked, or Curled Shingles
Possible cause: Shingles have reached the end of their useful life.
Dark, "Dirty-Looking" Areas On Your Roof
Possible cause: Loss of granules due to age of shingles.
Excessive Energy Costs
Possible cause: Insufficient attic ventilation causes heating/cooling system to run excessively In warm weather, inadequate ventilation will trap hot air in the attic, causing air conditioning systems to work harder, or leaving your home’s interior hotter and less comfortable. Attic Ventilation: In both hot and cold weather, insufficient attic ventilation may cause moisture in the attic to become trapped and condense on the rafters. This condensed moisture can drip down onto the insulation and reduce its effectiveness. Excessive energy costs can result.