How to Identify roof damage
Simply having a roof over your head doesn’t always mean it’s a good roof. If your roof has leaks, mold, loose shingles, or holes your luck would be better under a tree. Issues with roofs can lead to steep costs if not taken care of in its early stages. The following are a few tips to help you identify any potential problems and stay ahead of them.
- Know the history of your roof
The average lifespan of a roof is about 25- 30 years However, this can fluctuate based on the quality, durability of the material as well as location. For example, asphalt 3-tab shingles last around 15- 25 years but concrete or clay tiles can last up to 50+ years. Location is also another important factor. If you live in an area that has higher exposure to a lot of rain, wind/hail, sun exposure or extreme storms this could decrease the life expectancy of your roof. Ideally, you should know what type of roof is over your head, when it was installed, and if it’s had any repairs.
- Mold and Moss
When inspecting your roof make sure to always check if there is any moss, mold, or fungus. If there are signs of mold or moss it means, there is moisture trapped in your roof or vents. As the moisture spreads, so does the mold. This can later lead to bigger problems if it spreads into your attic and living spaces. Mold could potentially lead to health problems or add to the cost of mold remediation.
- Ceiling and wall discoloration.
Leaks from small or big holes should both be treated with the same amount of seriousness. Tiny leaks can lead to a build-up of mold, rotting, insulation, and drywall damage if not taken care of in time. If you see discoloration on your ceiling, attic or walls call your local roofing or insurance company as soon as possible. A bouncy roof is also another sign of a potential leak, damaged decking, or warped wood. If your roof feels like a trampoline or droops down when you walk on it, get down immediately and call a professional for further inspection. A bouncy roof means your roof has had a serious leak and the underlying wood has started or is rotted.
- Damaged shingles
Shingles are the first line of defense on your room. If you can physically see loose, missing, or cracked singles make sure you take care of them as soon as possible as it can lead to more costly damages if left unrepaired. Shingles are most likely to get damaged depending on your location. For example, if you live in an area with extreme weather like high winds, hail, or rain make sure to inspect your roof for any damages after the storm as shingles could have been damaged by hail, been blown off by the wind.
Prolong your roof’s lifespan by knowing how to tell when it has been damaged. Make sure to regularly inspect your roof and fix any leaks, and loose shingles, or handle any mold and moss issues. Putting these problems aside can burn a bigger hole in your pocket, in the long run, make sure to handle them before it’s too late.
