Is it a good idea to climb on your roof? Probably not. Even if you are not afraid of heights, roofs can be pretty steeply sloped, which makes standing up there risky. You might assume that this means you can't really keep an eye on your roof's condition. But luckily, that assumption is incorrect. While some types of roof damage might be hard to spot if you're not on the roof, many types of damage really are obvious from the ground or from inside the home. Don't climb on your roof, but do call a roofer if you notice any of these issues.
Asphalt Granules in the Downspouts
Every so often, take a look at the ends of your downspouts and the area beneath them. Do you see any little grayish-black, shiny bits? These are shingle granules. They were originally put on the shingles to help them shed water and protect your roof. Over time, as the shingles age, the granules start to fall off. When shingles lose enough of them, they stop doing their job well and need to be replaced. So, if you're seeing a lot of granules, have a roofer come look at your roof. They can tell you how long it has before it will need to be replaced — which could be anywhere from a few more months to a few years.
Moisture in the Attic
It should be pretty easy to tell whether your attic is becoming moist. Often, you can tell as soon as you poke your head up there. The air feels heavy and close, and you may feel the moisture in your throat as you breathe. The odor will often be musty and moldy because, after all, mold likes to grow in moist spaces. You might also see mold on some attic beams or insulation. These are all signs that your roof is leaking — somewhere.
Shingles in the Yard
Every time there is a big storm or even a windy day, spend a little time walking around your yard. Do you see any shingles or pieces of shingle in your yard? If so, your roof is probably starting to break down, and a roofer will need to either patch or repair it.
While walking on the roof may not be wise, assessing your roof for damage is very wise. Keep your eyes out for these common signs of trouble.
For more info about roofing replacements, contact a local company.
Share24 March 2023
When it came time to install a new roof on my home, I had no idea where to start. In fact, I was exploring roofing options that were a really poor fit in my climate. It wasn't until I reached out to a local roofer that I got some lessons on how to choose the right roofing material for my home and the weather exposure it is subjected to. I built this site to share my journey, including the mistakes I made and the things that I learned along the way. If you are considering replacing your home's roof, I hope that the information here can help to guide you through the process.
