To make sure your roof will make it through the winter ahead, now is the time to give it a thorough inspection – or hire a professional – and look for warning signs that could lead to expensive repairs if left untended.
Staying on top of roof repairs is money well spent and should be on every homeowner’s autumn job list. If your roof is older than 10 years, making repairs as needed will prevent minor problems from becoming major headaches.
Homeservice Club roofing professionals say these are some of the warning signs that should not be ignored:
Missing Granules – Although a certain amount of granular loss is normal, on an aging roof it is an indication that the shingles need replacing. Look for granules in the eavestroughs or on the ground at the drip line.
Leaks -The most obvious sign of roof trouble is wet spots on interior ceilings and dampness in the attic.
Sagging – If you look at your roof from across the street and the lines and ridges appear to sag, this indicates serious structural problems that should be immediately addressed.
Curling – Curling shingles usually indicate that not enough fasteners were used when installing the shingles, or that the fasteners were not long enough. Inadequate ventilation can also be a factor.
Buckling – Buckled shingles can be caused by movement in the roof deck, poor ventilation, wrinkles in the underlay or improperly installed shingles.
Ventilation – Poor ventilation can shorten the lifespan of your roof considerably. Adding more roof vents can balance the air flow in your attic and extend the life of your roof.
Damaged Flashing – Broken seals along the edge of the flashing and rust spots are warning signs. Have the flashing replaced before moisture seeps in and does its damage.
The following is a rough guide to average roofing material life expectancies:
- Asphalt Shingle – 15 to 30 years
- Wood shakes/shingles – 10 to 40 years
- Clay or cement tiles – 20+ years
- Slate – 30 to 100 years
- Metal – 15 to 40+ years
Give your roof a thorough inspection and take care of minor repairs now, and your roof will reward you by keeping you snug and dry in the stormy weather ahead.
CALL OUR ROOFING SPECIALISTS AND SAVE IN SEPTEMBER! (416) 925-1111
