There are some things that you should look out for when you are looking to replace your rooftop. Many people do not pay attention to their roofs until something such as a leak happens. You should not wait until there is a waterfall pouring through your ceiling before you go to repair your rooftop. There are signs to look out for that can prepare you in advance. The Shrouder Brothers may also be able to give you great advice on what to look for when examining your rooftop.
Attic
The first place that you should look at is definitely your attic and not the exterior of your home. If you have an attic in your home the best thing to do is grab a flashlight and climb up through the attic. You want to make sure that you know what to look for such as any light shining through the top of your house. You may also want to look for and streaks and strains which may as well indicate that your rooftop is leaking.
Review Records
It is also good to go back and find any home improvement records that you have to check for dates. Look for the date the rooftop was replaced or repaired. This will give you great insight into how much time you have left before you need to repair or replace the rooftop again. Normally you can get anywhere between 20 to 25 years out of an asphalt shingle rooftop. You can get at least 20 years out of a rooftop that was installed over a shingles layer that was already there.
Shingle Check
The best time to check your rooftop for any damages if after heavy storms. You can always check your rooftop in between time but you always want to make sure that it is in great shape. Checking the shingles on your roof is important. They should always lie flat on your rooftop. Damages or patches which may be cracked can indicate an issue. Checking the gutters is also important while you are checking for shingles. This is because a rooftop may be coming to the end of its lifespan if it is losing granules.
Examine Flash Points
You want to make sure that you check for points on your rooftop for cracks and breaks. These can ultimately cause leaks in the roof. There should be many flashing points located around chimney seals and skylights that you want to inspect. If you have an older home, you may find that your flashing is made out of tar or cement. If this is the case, you may want to consider installing a metal flashing system. They are much more reliable and durable.
Sagginess
Saggy rooftops are a sure sign that a replacement is near. If a saggy rooftop is not taken care of right away, it could cause more damage to your home. Always make sure that you look for any moisture that may be trapped and boards that may be rotting. The lowest points within your rooftop tend to have most of these saggy spots.
Check for Moss
Always make sure that you check for moss on your rooftop. This can indicate trapped moisture if it is seen on your rooftop. This type of fungi can damage the rooftop entirely. You can always use a stiff brush to try and remove some of the moss on your rooftop as it is normally seen in corners. Even if you get rid of it using a brush, make sure that no further damage has been done.
Streaks
While you are checking for moss, make sure to check for dark streaks on the deck of your rooftop. It may not look good even though it may not mean that your shingles are in immediate danger. You can easily remove algae streaks on your own using half of mixture of water and half mixture of bleach. Make sure that you use a garden hose that is low volume so you do not damage any of your shingles.
Remain Calm
If you have noticed some shingles that have damage to it or a minor leak, do not assume the worse. These issues may not immediately mean that you need a new rooftop. You can probably get away with installing a new rooftop and instead just doing a basic repair if your rooftop is not older than 20 years and has been installed correctly. Always make sure to seek out the advice of a professional if you are unsure of your rooftop issues.
It’s important to check often for any possible issues within your rooftop. You can always consult the assistance of the Shrouder Brothers for professional advice.
