This guide will help you search for the most common warning signs of Roof Damage (from the ground).
ATTN: Please leave your ladder where it is at. Do not put your personal safety in jeopardy, let our Experts inspect Your Home's Exterior for You.
This guide we help you search for the most common warning signs of roof damage; from the ground looking up (binoculars help if possible).
#1 Looking up from the ground do you notice any Shingles that look to be curling, cracking, blistering or do they look dry?
Shingles will start to show signs that that they have reached the end of their service life. These signs are noticeable even to an untrained eye and usually mean that your roof will need to be replaced. Some blistering may look like hail damage, it may be that it is something else. Excessive moisture is due to extreme humidity and is the result of a poor or improperly vented attic space.
#2 Do you notice any loose or missing shingles?
Usually missing shingles are a sure sign that your roof is past its prime. More often than not, missing shingles are the result of storm damage. Missing shingles are the leading cause of water damage to personal items inside the home.
#3 Is your roof is sagging?
If your roof looks to be sagging it may be the result of improper installation methods, or it could mean that your roof is supporting too much weight. Either way, your roof is weak and deteriorating, and sagging is a definite sign that roof replacement is a priority before total collapse
#4 Are there roofing granules in your rain gutter system or at the bottom of down spouts?
After aging for at least 4 seasons, if you notice these granules it means that your roof has reached to end of its service life and should be replaced. For more information on acceleration deterioration of asphalt shingles please read the Roofing Blog dated 3/10/19.
#5 Look for exposed nail heads or screws.
Overtime, the biggest offender of roofing systems is the change in weather. All roofing materials will expand or contract due to the roof's environment and, with most roofing systems this will lead to larger holes around roofing nails, popped grommets and screws, or entire roof panels that can lift above the roof decking. If you notice nails, screws or fasteners that are popping out of place your entire roof may be in danger of water penetration, slippage, or uplift that can completely remove the existing roof. It your home is located in a Wildfire Zone this event is the leading cause of total destruction to property and personal items.
#6 Is there an area of your roof that looks dark, damp, or dirty?
A Dark area on your roof usually means that your roof has aged and granule lose has become apparent. Be careful here, you do not want to dismiss a more serious problem by thinking that you will be replacing the roof soon anyway. Dark areas can mean that algae, moss, or mold has taken hold on your roof. It may be, if your roof is layered, that this issue was simply covered up when the second layer of roofing was installed. Mold can easily turn into a health issue that should be remediated as soon as possible.
#7 Look for any trim pieces that are damaged or missing.
Roof flashings are trim pieces or accessories that are placed anywhere that the roof intersects with a different projection. They can be different roof elevations, pipe jacks or vents, chimneys, or HVAC systems and they are meant to aid in sealing the structure. If they are improperly installed or failed for any reason water will easily leak into your home.
#8 Do you have water damage inside your home or attic?
Water leaking into your home is a common issue that can easily go unnoticed until it is too late. It starts in the roof decking, goes thru ceilings and continues to leak down walls until it ponds up on your basement floor. No matter what material is on your roof, routine inspections by professionals will expose this issue, hopefully before the big screens in your basement theater room mysteriously short out. Today's metal roofing systems are designed to eliminate this problem for homeowners once and for all.
#9 Have you have been in your home longer than 7-10 years?
If you have an asphalt shingle roof chances are that it has deteriorated long before you may have expected. If your present roof is a second layer to a previous roof (new roofing installed over the top of existing roofing) then you may want to look into your roof's condition deeper than just a visual inspection. Our experts know what to look for on the surface and below the surface, they know how comparable building products stand the test of time, and if you have hidden issues with your roofing system they will expose them, and recommend solutions to building your roofing system to last for the life time of your home.
#10 Have you noticed a considerable increase in utility costs?
As building codes, and home owners alike demand energy efficiency in building products this has lead to over-insulating, insufficient attic ventilation, trapped mold particles, sweating caused by humidity. Increased heating and cooling costs are the first indicator that something is wrong, and should be considered with a professional.
SOLUTIONS: Roof management professionals have systems in place to keep home owners informed while addressing small repairs, upkeep, and other scheduled maintenance. Today's homeowners are starting to consider that their roof can either be a source of continued expense, or it can be solution that will protect the future of your home for a life time.
Our professionals will look out for you and your roof with scheduled inspections, or if you are a business our roof management plans will exceed your expectations and save your business thousands of dollars both in tax incentives, and permanent solutions to roof maintenance and management.
Give us a call today to arrange for a contactless storm restoration inspection. After our professional inspection, if we find that your exterior is not in need of repair, we will issue a Roof Certification ($500 Value).n On the other hand, if your exterior needs repair, we will outline the scope of the project and document it for your property insurance claim. Either way, we will make sure that the restoration process is accurate, complete and hassle-free.
And we can do it virtually...
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