We tend to maintain certain aspects of our lives, get regular dental and health checkups and we bring our car in for oil changes. Why don’t we think about checking out the roof over our heads periodically?
Some of the worst roof damage can be the hardest to identify.
Most people don’t know how to inspect their roof effectively. Waiting until after problems arise to call their local roofers. Determining the warning signs before a large roofing event can save you thousands in the long run.
Hurricane Season is on its way. You need to know how to assess damage to your home after a storm rolls through your neighborhood.
Some of the worst roof damage can be the hardest to identify. Use the I.O.U. Method to inspect your roof and diagnose any damage that it has incurred.
I.O.U. stands for Inside. Outside. Up the Ladder.
Inside: Pick Up Your Flashlight
Start your roof inspection on the inside of your house. There are many telltale signs of roof damage that impact the ceilings on your top floor. Grab your flashlight and start checking for signs of weakness.
Urgent! Speak to a Roofing Professional Immediately
- Light Showing
If you have sunlight peering into your home, you have a hole and a serious problem. Your home is now exposed to the outside elements. Animals, insects, rain water and other variables can start to impact your day to day lives. - Roof Sagging
If you are seeing your roof sagging inward, your deck? has been weakened typically from excessive moisture. You could have a structural problem with your roof.
Keep an Eye on It
- Dark Stains
The dark stain is created by moisture. Poor ventilation or rain water is typically the culprit. You won’t need to panic, but you should call a local roofing professional to get it checked out.
Outside: Pick Up Your Binoculars
Now, it’s time to go outside! Grab your binoculars because you will be trying to spot any visible issues with the structure of your roof including flashings and shingles.
They can be hard to see so make sure you are thorough. Anything that looks suspicious, note for the final stage of the inspection- “Up the Ladder”.
Urgent! Speak to a Roofing Professional Immediately
- Missing Shingles
Shingles are an important layer of protection for your roof’s infrastructure; a coat of armor for your home’s top layer. Without that armor, your home will be exposed to more damage that could spread throughout the roof. If you are missing shingles on your roof, they must be replaced as soon as possible.
Get it Checked Out
- Cracked or Curled Shingles
Typically cause by debris or high winds, its best to talk to your roofing professional about any shingles that look deformed or cracked. That coat of armor doesn’t need a chink. - Debris on Your Roof
A branch that broke off or another random piece of debris that has impacted your roof could be an issue. The debris could be covering up impact damage that will lead to more problems. However, if there is no damage at all, the debris will eventually harm your shingles. Keep your roof clean from debris for a safer, healthier roof. - Detached or Deformed Flashing
Flashings prevent leaking through your roof. It acts as a sealer between the joints of the roof. If your flashings are not flush, your roof and home will be exposed to water damage. The longer it goes unfixed, the bigger the potential damage will be.
Keep an Eye on It
- Dark Patches
In the hot Florida sun, granules on your shingles are important to protecting your roof from UV rays. When these granules are rubbed or worn off, dark patches arise. Try to replace them as soon as possible as your shingles may dry out from the sun and begin to crack.
Up the Ladder: Be Careful
The final stage of the inspection is getting your ladder out and getting up on the roof. If you aren’t comfortable or don’t have a ladder, outsource this part of the inspection to a roofing professional.
If you are comfortable, then head on up there and finish off your inspection with a great view.
Urgent! Speak to a Roofing Professional Immediately
- Loose Nails
Wind can get underneath your shingles and begin to lift them up, exposing the nail and your roof to a real problem: blow offs. Nails are the “glue” that keeps your shingles in place and your home protected. Make sure that your nails and shingles are nice and tight or in the next big storm, you may have to get part of your roof replaced.
Keep an Eye on It
- Gutter Junk
Clogged gutters are very common, but they can cause big issues if not maintained regularly. Gutters are the drainage system for the water and debris that impact your roof. Keeping your gutters repaired and cleaned can add years to the lifetime of your roof.
Write Yourself an I.O.U.
Make sure that at least twice a year and after every major storm, you use the I.O.U. method to make sure your roof is in tip top shape.
If you are too busy or don’t feel comfortable getting on your roof, don’t put it off, contact your local roofing specialists at Secured Roofing and Restoration. We are the premier roofing company in Central Florida.
