The roof over your head is the ultimate protection for you and your family. It shields you from the hot sun and protects you from the rain and snow. Any damage to your roof, no matter how small, can develop into something serious quickly, costing you time and money. Unfortunately, roof issues often go undetected until they have caused damage not only to your roof but to the frame and even the interior of your home. Here are some steps you can take to keep your roof in top shape for many years to come. Make a roof checklist so you can mark things off as you go along.
Damaged or Missing Shingles or Tiles
It’s a good idea to check your roof for damage a few times a year, especially after severe storms. Replacing any compromised shingles or tiles should be done immediately. Often, debris may damage shingles, but weather and time can also erode them. If asphalt shingles are losing their granules or curling up at the edges, they need maintenance. If clay tiles are cracked or broken, replace them. If you have a metal roof, check for signs of rust and degradation. Check for loose or exposed nails, which can cause open holes and allow water to seep into your home.
You should hire professional roofing contractors to repair your roof. To make sure that the problem doesn’t extend beyond the tiles themselves, a full inspection to the roof is necessary. Replacing a few shingles without realizing there’s water damage underneath them could prove very costly in the long run.
The Integrity of Sealants on Roof
Check the roof sealants around skylights, chimneys, vents, or any roof penetrations. Inspect your roofing tiles to ensure that the sealant is still in good shape and not cracking. Water can easily seep into any space not sealed against it, so old or eroding sealant on an otherwise well-maintained roof may still cause damage.
Roof Debris
Although mold and fungus don’t damage your roof in the short-term, over time, this growth can erode your roofing materials and cause leaks and intrusions. Cleaning your roof once a year will keep your roof looking great and help to maximize its lifespan. Power washing your roof may cause damage, so check with a roofing company in your local area first about the best way to clean algae or moss. Trim any branches that are hanging too close to or directly above your roof.
Gutters and Flashing
If you see many granules or a lot of roofing debris in your gutters, that could be a sign that your roof has damages from a storm. Check your flashing—the metal around joints, like chimneys, valleys, and vents, in the roof. Make sure your flashing is intact and hasn’t peeled away. Check for water collecting near your foundation or gutters that overflow and wash out mulch beds or dirt around your home.
Your Attic
Paying attention to your attic can also dramatically increase the health and longevity of your roof. It may be easier to spot certain issues with your roof, such as leaking, from your attic. Keeping an eye out for dark spots on your attic walls and ceilings can help you catch a leak early. You can look for missing shingles or any other exposure by scanning the attic ceiling for daylight, a sign your roof has thinned or has a hole.
I hope this roof checklist will help you when it comes time to check your roof.
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