You rely on your roof to protect the structural integrity of your home. It also has to look beautiful in order to add to your curb appeal. Unfortunately, it can’t do its job effectively if it’s damaged. That’s why it’s so important to spot roof damage as early as possible. By addressing problems while they’re small, you’ll keep them from escalating.
Do an Exterior Check
You can tell a lot about your roof by simply standing on the ground and looking up at it. Watch for shingles that are cracked, missing, broken, or curling. Look at the roofline, too. If it’s sagging or if the roof looks wavy, you could have structural damage due to moisture. Moisture can also cause moss and algae issues. Moss will hold moisture against your roof surface, which leads to damage. Don’t forget about the flashing either. Flashing is the metal strips you’ll see around vents and chimneys. There shouldn’t be any corrosion, cracks, or gaps.
Granule loss is another indication of roof damage. As the granules wear off, they find their way into the gutters. You’ll notice this when you clean them out.
Your Interior Checklist
There are a lot of warning signs inside your home that also indicate roof damage. For example, water stains are a direct result of a leaking roof. These stains can be discolored spots or yellowish-brown rings that you’ll find on your ceilings or walls. You need to watch for peeling paint as well. Bubbling paint near corners where your walls and ceiling come together is a result of moisture making its way through your roof.
Do a routine attic inspection. Your attic will tell you a lot about the condition of your roof. Persistent musty odors indicate a buildup of moisture and mold growth. If you see light coming through, there are more than likely gaps in the roof sheathing that need attention.
Other Indications of Roof Damage
You may not pay much attention to slowly increasing energy bills, but this can be the result of a damaged or poorly ventilated roof. These issues force your heating and cooling system to work harder to keep you comfortable.
Consider the age of your roof. The average asphalt shingle roof has a life expectancy of 15 to 30 years. As a roof nears the end of its lifespan, it experiences more frequent issues.
Keeping an eye out for these warning signs that indicate roof damage will save you time, money, and inconvenience. Scheduling routine roof inspections will further protect your roof. Call Kairos Roofing in Fort Lauderdale, FL today to book your roof inspection.