Old roof with hail damage--chalk circles mark the damage.
Is it time to replace your roof?
A sound and solid roof plays a vital role in protecting your home. A compromised roof won't protect your house from water damage, such as structural rot, mold issues, electrical problems and compromised insulation.
Inspect your roof twice a year, ideally in the spring and the fall. When you clean your gutters is a perfect time to assess its condition.
First, check from inside the house and attic. Look for:
- Sagging ceiling or roof deck
- Signs of leaks or water damage
- Dark spots and trails
- Daylight showing through the roof
- Confirm all bath, kitchen and dryer vents discharge entirely outside of your home, not just into the attic space.
Next, check the ground around your home for shingles or shingle fragments that have blown off the roof. Excessive shingle loss suggests it's time to replace the roof.
Now pull out that ladder and check your gutters. This is important: Take every safety precaution when climbing ladders or getting on the roof. If you can't do it safely, call a professional.
- Inspect the gutters for excessive shingle granules (they look like large grains of sand), a sign of advanced wear
- Make sure gutters and downspouts are securely attached
- Check that all drains are open and allow water to exit
- Confirm all gutters and downspouts are free of debris
Lastly, inspect the roof itself. Look for:
- Damaged flashing
- Missing shingles
- Damaged shingles: note any rotting, curling, blistering, buckling, cupping, torn, cracked, worn or bald shingles
- Loose material or wear around vents, chimneys, pipes or other penetrations
- Moisture or mold. Note that wet spots may not be directly under your faulty shingle; water can travel down to its lowest spot before it drips
- Algae growth, which is most common in humid climates and appears as dark or greenish stains
- Moss--it grows on surfaces that don’t get much sunlight, especially in cool, moist climates. Because it holds moisture against the roof surface, it can cause damage to the layer of granules on the shingles, especially in freezing climates
We also recommend a periodic inspection by a termite control expert.
If your roof passes inspection, congratulations! Make a note to check it again in six months or so.
If you've found some trouble spots, call All Elements Roofing Inc. today at 763-314-0236. We'll be happy to check out the condition of your roof and advise whether repairing is an option, or if it's time for a full replacement.