Having a roof over one’s head is one of life’s most basic necessities, so it only makes sense that we ensure that our roofs are in good condition at all times. There are numerous factors that will affect the condition of your roof, and homeowners bear the responsibility of knowing when their roofing requires repair, and when it needs to be replaced entirely.
Luckily, roofing damage and deterioration is easily detected, if you know the signs to look out for. That said, here’s a quick overview of the destructive factors and warning signs to look out for, when it comes to the condition of our roofs.
Shingle State
A regular inspection of your roof should be a part of every homeowner’s care-taking routine. Pay close attention to the shingles up there. A couple of missing, wobbly, or skewed shingles might require a simple repair job to fix the minor issues.
Should you, however, notice entire roof areas with curling shingles, significant discolorations, or a roof deck that sags towards the center, then a re-roofing operation will be required.
Leakages
These are some of the most most alarming signs of roof deterioration. When you’re in your attic, switch off the lights and look up at the ceiling. If there’s sunlight penetrating through in some places, then your roof is in bad shape. These openings will allow water and pests, such as birds and squirrels, to gain access to your home’s interior.
Water seepage, in particular, should not be allowed to go on once it is discovered. Look out for signs of water damage to your walls, ceiling, and attic. The inherent risk of water leakage is that it may lead to the formation of mold, which can pose a serious health risk to the occupants of a home.
Water seepage can also lead to structural damage and a hefty reconstruction bill, which could have been avoided with an earlier roof replacement. You can also as roofing contractors to look for leaks and damages to your roof.
The Time Factor
The most inevitable factor affecting roofing quality is the unavoidable passage of time. The average lifespan of a shingle roof will be about 20 years, though this might be a bit shorter or longer, depending on the area’s climate.
Should you be approaching the 20-year mark, a look at your roof should tell you what needs to be done. If it’s looking good, then you could probably get a few more years of protection from it, but if it’s showing signs of wear, a replacement is called for.
Gutter Accumulation
A good way to quickly check on the condition of your roof is to take a look at the gutter that runs along its edges. Shingles are coated with a layer of minerals, and as a roof deteriorates, these minerals are stripped off the shingles and accumulate in the gutters.
Simply take a look at your gutters. Should you see these minerals, which look like small pebbles, then you’ll know your roof is getting worn out and is calling for replacement, sooner rather than later.
Conclusion
The fact of the matter is, the state of your roof plays a huge role in the overall quality of your home, as well as the physical integrity of the house itself. The key here is to take a proactive approach.
Fix any minor issues as they appear, and don’t put off a roof replacement operation when it is called for. That’s the way to keep your roof doing what it does best, keeping you and your family safe, protected, and comfortable.
