Visible Signs That Tells You The Roof Needs Repair
The roof is the first line of defence of your home against the outside elements, which is why you must regularly maintain it. If you wait for too long to get the roof repaired or replaced, it can lead to much worse problems. Also, it might be too expensive to get it done by that time because of the extent of the damage.
What To Inspect To Determine Roof Repair Needs
To avoid the minor roof problems from getting worse, you have to be observant. Watch for any signs that tell you that there are developing problems. This way, you can save money in the long run for costly Roof Repair. So here’s what you need to take watch out for:
-
Visual Inspection (Exterior). It’s up there, so it seldom gets that attention that it needs. Most of the time, the only instance when you will notice any damage or repair needs is when the problem is already at its worst. So take the time to do visual inspection two or three times a year. If you think there’s any problem, check it right away.
-
Visual Inspection (Interior). Checking the exterior of your roof is not enough. You also have to check its state inside. You might not be aware, but there can be hidden problems that are more visible when you inspect it from the inside of the house.
-
Moisture, Stains, and Mildew. Unfortunately, you will not be able to see any water leaking quickly. Visible signs will only show up once it has done some damage. During your inspection, crawl through the spaces in your attic to check for water staining, mildew, moulds, or any signs of moisture.
-
Inspect the Shingles. Inspecting the shingles is very important. If you see any missing parts, if it’s cracked, or the edges are starting to curl, then this is a sign that it needs to be repaired or replaced. Also, watch out for any dents or missing granules. Minor problems are repairable. The shingles can be replaced and will not cost you much. But if the problem has affected the entire roof or massive part of it, then you need to replace them.
-
Gutters Are Clogged. If you notice any granules, pieces of shingles, or maybe some sludge inside the gutters while cleaning them, then it’s a sign that the roof is starting to give up. Wear and tear can be the cause of the break down of asphalt roofs. When it’s raining, these debris gets collected into the gutters.
-
Roof Deck Starts To Sag. When looking at your roof, it might have some pitches in different degrees, but they should still be straight along the lines. If you notice some parts are sagging, it is a sign that you have a problem with your roof and it needs repair or replacement soon.
-
Dark Spots and Presence of Algae. While inspecting your roof, take note of any dark spots or streaks. If you notice a change in colour in some areas, it can be a sign that there is algae growth. When this happens, there is moisture that can cause roof deterioration. Please do not waste any time and have it repaired as soon as possible.
Roof Repairs - What To Do When You Need One?
A roof inspection can assess the need for roof repairs. Once the roof is clean, this is when you will notice any visible problems. If you think your roof needs repair, you can call a professional roof repairer to have this fixed for you. They will be the one to determine whether the problem is beyond repair and needs replacement.
Tips On How To Take Care and Maintain Your Roof
Summer is the best time to inspect, repair, and maintain your roof. By this time, the snow already melted and you will have enough time to work on any problems. And this is also the best time to take care of your roof. Here’s what you can do:
-
Clean Any Debris. Any debris on your roof can hold water. In time, it will cause deterioration. The debris can collect behind the pipes, skylights, and chimney. It can also build up in the valleys where your roof section meets.
-
Thoroughly Inspect Flashing. The flashing should be stable and not deteriorating. You might need to reseal it. Make sure that you remove any old caulk and scrub the area until it’s clean before you apply the sealant to ensure that it sticks.
-
Check For Loose Shingles. If there are any loose shingle tabs, make sure that you secure them using roof cement. If you can’t fix them, you might have to replace them with new ones.
-
Trim and Prune Trees. Do you have trees in your yard? If you notice any branches that touch or hangs over the roof, it is time to cut or prune them. It will not only prevent it from rubbing against the roof but will also keep the squirrels away.
How Often Do You Have To Clean The Roof?
One of the common questions that many homeowners ask is how often should they clean their roofs. As long as you are regularly maintaining the roof, like cleaning off debris, thorough cleaning should be done every three to five years. But with your gutters, it needs to be cleaned at least once a year. Making sure that you routinely rinse the roof and fix any loose and missing parts, it can help extend its life.
So if you’re free, it wouldn’t hurt for you to spend some time going around your home and inspecting your roof for any visible problems. Always remember that if you think your roof needs repair, do not wait too long for it to get fixed. If you cannot do Roof Repair on your own, call a professional to do it for you. They have the right tools to do the job for you. In addition to that, you can also hire a maintenance company to clean your roof for proper maintenance regularly.
