If you’re like most people your day is a mix of work, errands, three square meals, and a warm bed. Days are busy and filled with activity. You’re probably in and out of the house several times. You may notice a bush, the lawn, or a crack in the steps, but how often do you really look at your roof?
Probably not much, right? It’s just “up there.” Yet, full roof replacements sit somewhere in the Top 8 of large-scale home project expenses. So getting into the habit of looking up can stop a small roof problem from becoming a big one. When you do look up, here are some things to look for to ensure your roof (and home) is happy and healthy:
Inside the House
Sagging – Take a nice long look in the attic on a quarterly basis. Check for any sags on the roof deck (wood). Any sagging would indicate an issue with the shingles or underlayment.
Water – Attics should be dry. If there are any signs of water, chances are you have a leak. This includes any dark spots on the wood.
Light – Can you see any outside light shining through? If so you have a seam in the roof deck that needs immediate attention. Make sure to look extra close at any venting; kitchen bath or otherwise. Often times a problem will start there.
Outside the House
Shingles – How do they look Shingles should lay flat with no waves and be consistent in color and texture. Are any shingles cracked or missing? If so, you should replace them immediately.
Shingle Granules – If you’re seeing a lot of them on the ground or in the gutters it means your shingles have degraded. You may be able to replace some if it’s one trouble area, but if the granules are scattered throughout and the roof is long past new it’s probably time to replace it.
Debris – Nothing should be “loose” on a roof, so examine anything that moves up there closely.
Moisture – Water should flow down the shingles and either into gutters or off the house. If you have water staining on a dry day it’s a sure sign of an issue.
Drainage – While you’re at it, make sure all gutters and downspouts are free of clogging material and are functioning properly. This includes ensuring they are attached firmly to the fascia of your home.
Now that you’re in the habit of “looking up,” you’ll be far more likely to spot any small problems before they grow into something larger. If you do see anything, please feel free to call the experts at O’LYN Roofing and we’d be happy to come take a look “up” with you. We can be reached at 1-855-280-6691 or through our website.
Written by Dan Hamilton, Sales Manager, O’LYN Contractors, Inc.
