How to tell when your Home needs Re-Roofing

 

The time to re-roof is a decision not lightly made. It could cost you more than you’re willing to pay, or may come at an inopportune time when you’ve got other irons in the fire, straining your budget. But you’re not going to be able to keep a roof over your head, metaphorically speaking, unless you take a look-see at what constitutes the replacement rather than the repair of your roof.

 

Start inside

 

The first place to begin the inspection of the state of your roof is interior. If you're ugly, dark water stains trickling down your walls, water plopping onto your flooring or carpeting from the ceiling, dribbling door frames, a buckling wall or doorway, it’s a no-brainer. Get on the horn to a roofing contractor on the spot. Don’t see any obvious signs in the main part of your home? Climb up to the attic and check there too.

The best time to check your attic is in daylight. And do it with a flashlight unless you have good sun exposure. The number one thing you should look out for is sunlight streaming through holes in the roof. Number two, look for evidence of moisture and dark areas on the wood and insulation. Notice if the roof is swelling or any other noticeable disfigurement. Lastly, if you detect a rank odor, could be a rodent entered through a destroyed part of your roof.

 

Exterior inspection means caution

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For safety’s sake use a ladder designed for scaling the side of your home to inspect your roof’s exterior. And don’t get up on the roof itself. Leave it to a roofing specialist. Instead, to inspect your entire roof, set and re-set your ladder going around the perimeter of your home. That way you can conduct a complete examination of your roof without risking harm to yourself.

While inspecting your roof look first for broken, torn, eroded, or warped shingles. Second, inspect for detached material surrounding your chimney, vents, or other structures. All the while you should be on the lookout for evidence of water damage, sagging, or rot. Your final inspection step is to exam your gutters and downspouts. Are they secure? Filled with debris? Excess debris can cause water to dribble down the siding of your home and into your home’s interior.

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If any evidence of damage compromising your roof’s structural wholeness shows up then it’s time to seriously consider replacing your roof.