You may have noticed a few shingles on the ground after that last big storm or some bare spots on your room – not a good sign. Worse, maybe you have some leaking or water damage. Well, it just might be time to get a new roof. After some of the crazy weather we’ve had, particularly in Knoxville roofing should be a priority for any homeowner. But how do you know when it is time to replace? It is rather simple, actually.
Experts advise that you should inspect your roof twice a year, usually in spring and in the fall. Start inside, go to the attic, trusty flashlight in hand and look for these telltale signs:
Next you want to check out the outside which means actually getting up on the roof. Look for missing or loose shingles or shingles that are cracked, curled or buckled. Really, if your shingles have anything but a normal, smooth appearance, you want to check it out. Also look for any signs of rotting or greenish stains (or they may be dark) which indicates algae growth. In more humid climates such as in Tennessee roofing can be more prone to moisture related damage such as algae.
Pay close attention to the shingles that butt up against pipes, vents, gutters and chimneys. Look for shingles that appear to be worn or loose. If you see a lot of shingle granules in your gutters that can be a sign that the shingles are worn. Shingle granules are coarse, like large grains of sand or finely chipped granite. Check your gutters and make sure that they are securely attached. Make sure that your gutters are clean and that all drains are clear so that water can run off your roof and isn’t left to sit on any part of it. Standing water can create a lot of problems.
You want to be on the lookout for any signs of moisture. This may include mold or rot. But beware, water can travel, so where you see water damage may not necessarily be where the problem shingle is located. Fungi, bacteria and mold all grow rapidly, usually within 24 to 48 hours of the water leaking in. You don’t want to play with that. Look for signs of mold and fungi on the inside as well as the outside. If you see crumbling wood or fascia inside or out, you want to investigate further, particularly if it feels moist to the touch. Wood can hold water for a long time.
You should also check your roof after storms, especially if there were high winds or pounding rain. Extreme weather can cause a lot of wear and tear on a roof and it is better to find a small problem early than correct a large problem later.
Experts advise that you should inspect your roof twice a year, usually in spring and in the fall. Start inside, go to the attic, trusty flashlight in hand and look for these telltale signs:
- · Sunlight shining through the ceiling (the roof) – not a good sign
- · Signs that water has been leaking or is leaking
- · Signs if water damage such as dark spots on the wood, ceiling, walls or anywhere inside (a note, you may see water damage in your ceiling as well which is also a sign of your roof leaking)
- · Sagging of the roof deck
- · Discoloration of the roof deck or supporting structures
Next you want to check out the outside which means actually getting up on the roof. Look for missing or loose shingles or shingles that are cracked, curled or buckled. Really, if your shingles have anything but a normal, smooth appearance, you want to check it out. Also look for any signs of rotting or greenish stains (or they may be dark) which indicates algae growth. In more humid climates such as in Tennessee roofing can be more prone to moisture related damage such as algae.
Pay close attention to the shingles that butt up against pipes, vents, gutters and chimneys. Look for shingles that appear to be worn or loose. If you see a lot of shingle granules in your gutters that can be a sign that the shingles are worn. Shingle granules are coarse, like large grains of sand or finely chipped granite. Check your gutters and make sure that they are securely attached. Make sure that your gutters are clean and that all drains are clear so that water can run off your roof and isn’t left to sit on any part of it. Standing water can create a lot of problems.
You want to be on the lookout for any signs of moisture. This may include mold or rot. But beware, water can travel, so where you see water damage may not necessarily be where the problem shingle is located. Fungi, bacteria and mold all grow rapidly, usually within 24 to 48 hours of the water leaking in. You don’t want to play with that. Look for signs of mold and fungi on the inside as well as the outside. If you see crumbling wood or fascia inside or out, you want to investigate further, particularly if it feels moist to the touch. Wood can hold water for a long time.
You should also check your roof after storms, especially if there were high winds or pounding rain. Extreme weather can cause a lot of wear and tear on a roof and it is better to find a small problem early than correct a large problem later.
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