The roof is the first line of defense of your house, which protects your family and your possessions against precipitation, wind, snow and extreme temperatures. Although it is a very important aspect of a house, it is usually one of the most overlooked parts of a house until something goes terribly wrong. It may not help to wait until a leak shows up on your living room floor before repairing it becomes a very expensive affair that would otherwise have been avoided. The first step of being proactive with the maintenance of a roof is to notice the indications that the profession of the roof requires a check-up.
Easily Noticed Shingle Damage and Age
The physical state of the shingles can be viewed as one of the most obvious indicators in case your roof requires attention. It is possible to notice the possible problems at the ground quite often without climbing a ladder. Search through shingles that are pealed or twisted, or lost. When you find dark spots and patchy spots on your roof, this may be an indicator of the wearing away of the protective granules that leave the asphalt vulnerable to the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Another crucial criterion is age. The life span of most asphalt shingle roof is 20-25 years. When your roof comes to this age bracket, it is prudent to book an evaluation despite the fact that there could be no evident failures. A professional will be able to offer a comprehensive roof quote which will specify the condition of your system and whether a basic repair or a complete replacement is the most cost efficient route to take. This is a proactive move in ensuring that you budget yourself on future work than being taken by surprise by an emergency.
Interior Warning Signs
In some cases, the most indicative roof trouble would show up indoors and not outdoors. The presence of water spots on your walls or ceiling is a unique red flag that moisture has broken the level of protection of the roof on your home. These spots are usually similar to yellow, brown or gray rings. Not every leak, however, leads to the de facto dripping to the eye; some lead to the appearance of peeling paint or wallpaper, especially around the ceiling line.
It is also useful to check your attic in a regular basis. On a sunny day enter your attic and see whether you can find beams of light pouring through the roof boards. Provided that light is capable of entry, then so can water. When you are there, look at the insulation or wood rot on the rafters to see whether there is any sign of moisture. The musty smell in the attic is also a sign that the place is poorly ventilated or the moisture is trapped and that may ultimately affect the structural integrity of your roof over the time.
After Severe Weather Events
One of the causes of premature roof failure is storms. Strong winds may blow off the shingles and break the sealant that is used to fix the shingles whilst the hail may bruise the shingles resulting in eventual decay. It is possible that your roof may appear to be alright following a terrible storm, but the damage could be so minimal that the eye would not notice it.
After any significant weather event, be it a heavy hailstorm, a warning of a tornado, or a heavy snow load that causes a blizzard, it is only wise to request the services of a professional. They are experienced in detecting undetected harm that would cause leakages in the weeks or months to come.
Conclusion
Your roof is an investment into the life of your home and safety. Through shingle inspections, checking the inside of your house to check the presence of water, and inspections of the house following extreme weather, you will be able to detect the minor problems before they develop into a massive disaster. Professional inspection at the right time gives tranquility and assurance that your “nest” will be safe and dry in many years to come.