The “roof over your head” is more than just a “roof over your head”. The reason that having a roof over your head brings about a sense of security is because your roof protects you and your belongings and insulates your home to ensure that your thermostat settings are keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Did you know that your roof contracts and expands extensively at the change of every season? This is why home owners winterize their roof. But as long as you routinely inspect the roof, you can always be on top of whether the roof over your head is still in good condition.
So, how often should you do a roof inspection? According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, all homeowners should do a roofing inspection at least twice a year to ensure that it is in good shape and will withstand even the roughest weather conditions. Roofing inspections can also help prevent serious roof damage or leaks.
DIY Roof Inspections: What to Check for
If you don’t like heights or aren’t able to safely climb a ladder — or if you would simply rather have your roof inspected by an experienced professional, call Bromwell Construction Company to have a free, thorough, no-obligation inspection before the cold weather sets in.
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But if you decide to cautiously take on the roof inspection yourself, below is a roof inspection checklist to help you determine if it is time to call a professional:
1. Roof Age
A roof can last up to 100 years depending on the material. Older asphalt shingles last about 20 years. Today, with the right product and proper ventilation, you can get a guarantee of at least 50 years out of your roof.
2. Dark Streaks
These are caused by algae sticking to your roof over time. Clearing out gutters and trimming trees to allow sunlight to hit your roof can assist in slowing down the algae growth process.
3. Curling and Cracking Shingles
This is a major sign that your roof has reached its expired time. With the proper ventilation and the right products, you will not see this. Today’s shingles are manufactured for durability.
4. Missing Shingles
This is a definite sign that you are in need of a professional to look at your roof. The roof could be past its lifetime or a storm could have compromised the integrity of your roof.
5. Granules Washing Away
Look in your gutters and at the bottom of your downspouts for roof granules. Roofs will start to lose more granules at the end of their life. Dark and light color spots on your roof are also a sign of granule loss.
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6. Spongy, Soft, or Bouncy Roof
If you can safely walk on the top of your roof and it feels like a trampoline, this is a sign of a leaky roof. Take precautions before attempting to walk on your roof as this is not only dangerous, but it could cause more damage to the roof or structure. Do not wait until water is pouring through the ceiling or you could end up with a lot more problems and spend a lot more money fixing them. Again, remember, walking up and down a roof is very dangerous. Please contact a professional if you cannot safely walk on your roof.
7. Flashing Around Vents, Skylights, and Chimneys
Examine these points to make sure that there are no cracks or breaks in the chimney mortar which could lead to leaks. In older homes, flashing is often made of roof cement or tar.
8. Attic Inspection
If you can safely access your attic, use a flashlight and climb up toward the eaves of your roof. Look for stains, streaks, or beams of light coming through the top of the house. These are signs of a leaky roof. Even the smallest signs of leaks in your roof should be addressed. These signs can lead to major problems and added costs down the road.
9. Neighbors Replacing Roofs
If you notice that neighbors have been not just repairing, but replacing their roofs, chances are they were built around the same time and have reached the end of their life. Be proactive-do not wait for your roof to fail and costs to repair or replace increase.
DIY, or Work with a Professional
If you are concerned for your safety, or simply would rather have a professional take a look for you to avoid the common roofing mistakes, give us at Bromwell Construction a call. We do free inspections, and we are currently offering roofing repair specials. We are also considered one of the best roofing contractors in Delaware.
