A quality roof is important for maintaining a home’s overall structure and soundness. However, sometimes homeowners don’t know what signs to look for when assessing the health of their roofs. There are a number of factors you should take into consideration when determining how intact your roof is, and staying on top of maintenance can help you retain the value, and visual appeal, of your home.
Age
Most roofs have a 20- to 25-year lifespan. If yours is older, there is a good chance it needs to be replaced. This is especially true if it was installed on top of another, older one. Of course, sometimes roofs need to be replaced before this time frame, especially if it has encountered severe weather, including both chronic weather patterns and short but damaging storms.
Roof Valleys
Roof valleys are the dips in a roof that occur between the different angles. Valleys are very important for a roof’s construction, as water is carried through the valleys to the gutters. If you notice shingles coming loose or falling off around your valleys, you will want to get a new roof. Otherwise, the water can seep through the cracks and into your attic.
Shingles
Of course, it’s not just the shingles around the valleys that are important for a roof’s health. Shingles that are missing, cracked or loose can also signal a failing roof. Shingles also show their damage through curled edges and dark areas. You often don’t need to climb on your roof to check the shingles. Rather, have a professional perform an inspection. This is a safer and more efficient option and may even catch hidden issues.
Shingle Granules
When you notice smooth, dark areas in your shingles, this means the protective granules have come off the shingles, creating roof damage. You can often spot these granules in the rain gutters, and the older the roof is, the more these granules will pile up.
Chimney Flashing
Step inside your attic on a sunny day, and check under the chimney. Be sure to turn off the lights, and look at the stack vent as well. Little spots of light are evidence that the flashing is no longer working properly. While you’re there, take a look at the underside of the roof itself, and check for any light coming through. Also, check for water staining and areas that are soft or moist.
A happy, healthy roof protects a house’s interior and can increase the lifespan of your home. Maryland homeowners trust Severna Park-based Landmark Roofing with roofing needs big or small. Give our team a call at 443-292-5242.
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After starting his first business at age 26, Artie Hendricks partnered with his best friend Rob Calhan and they have assembled a team of skilled and conscientious friends to be the core of Landmark Roofing. He largely credits his father’s strong and consistent work ethic and his father’s best friend Jerry, who owns a construction company and trained him through his first building experiences. Artie has since advanced through degrees in architecture, auto-CAD and construction management to build a business that prides itself on the care it shows for its work and its customers’ satisfaction.
