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Roofing
How to tell if you need a new roof
A leaky roof can be one of the most difficult problems to deal with for a homeowner. Its one of those jobs that you can’t really put off, since it’s uncomfortable to always be wet, and since water can damage nearly every item in your home. Roofs, regardless of how well they have been designed will eventually give out. It’s important to know when to get your roof repaired or replaced and how to go about getting it done.
The first and most basic step you can take toward analyzing the quality of your home is taking a good number of steps backwards and viewing your roof from a distance. If there is any major damage or even any odd patterns that might hint at damage, you can spot them.
Next, you should get on a ladder and look at the roof closely. BE CAREFUL, since the damage you’re looking for can cause you to fall. You could also exacerbate existing damage with your presence on a spot that is particularly weak. Also, if you have gutters, don’t put too much weight on them with the later, as they can break or bend, and you could fall. The things you should inspect up close are:
- Loose or popped nails
- Flashing around vent pipes, chimneys, or wall junctions that is damaged or missing
- Cracks or gaps in caulked areas
- Holes in shingles
- Rotting: use a putty knife or screwdriver. If you can push it into the wood more than half an inch, a fair amount of rotting has occurred.
The next step is to check the interior of your roof. This is done in the attic. Even if you haven’t noticed any leaks, you should check your attic for traces of water getting in regularly. Leaks can occur that haven’t yet reached through your interior ceiling. When up there, look for obvious signs of leaks: puddles, matted or deteriorating insulation, and rotting wood. Just because you notice signs of leakage doesn’t mean you need a new roof. Depending on the age of your house, the quality of wood, and amount of moisture your area receives, a simple repair might suffice. Also remember when you check for damage to your roof that decay can come from sources other than water. Termites, ultraviolet rays, and wind can also cause problems. Be on the lookout for damage resulting from those things as well.
Other Forms of Damage
- Sun
The combination of heat, light, and ultraviolet rays can over dry and deteriorate the materials in your roof after a few years.
- Rain
Shingles are in place to protect from moisture and ensure that your roof has a waterproof surface. However, once rain penetrates that barrier, be it through a leak or some form of damage, it wreaks havoc on the timbers and rafters of your home.
- Wind
Wind, especially if it is traveling particularly fast can lift and peel any exposed edge. This is particularly true of the edges of your roof. With shingles or flashing damaged, rain and any other number of elements can damage your home.
- Condensation
Poorly ventilated attics will trap all the moisture from in and around a home. Relatively warm and dense, it can decay wood throughout.
- Moss and Algae
Moss easily grows on shingles, since they stay moist and without sunlight if they’re in shade most of the day. Algae develop on wood in poorly lit, cool wet places.
- Trees and Branches
Trees and branches are the cause of shaded, damp areas on your roof and house. They should be trimmed away from the house to avoid this and so they don’t clog your gutters.