The roof of your home should last for 15 to 50 years, according to the material used. Though it is surely a big lifespan but it doesn’t mean that you leave it uninspected for 15 years. Just as you visit your doctor for regular checkups, your roof needs a thorough inspection to catch any possible issue and to treat it. Professional roof inspectors will tell you any issue before they lead to a dreadful situation and cost you premature roof replacement.
How to detect roof leaks and damage?
The major step in keeping your roof damage free is knowing if there is any leak or not. Sometimes you may see signs during casual inspection or home repairs while in other cases, the signs may be more obscure. Take out some time to inspect the less use portions of your house such as attic.
Easily noticeable signs
The most common signs of leaks are stains or marks of water on the ceiling. You may casually encounter them when washing your walls or dusting corners. You will find darker rings on the walls.
Another sign is through smell. Leakage cause rot and mold growth. If you smell musty or rotting odor in the attic or anywhere below your roof, then it is important to inspect the area cautiously.
Less obvious signs
It is important to take a look at your roof when you are outside to find out about any potential leakage or loose or missing shingles. You may come across a damaged shingle which needs immediate repair.
A lot of leaks are usually detected during a rainfall. So, go to the attic and pay attention for any dripping sound. You can also check beams for dropping water and floor for dampness.
A source of roof leaks comes from the walls, dormers as well as windows. Just check the caulk with the help of a putty knife for any loose or damaged parts. Also, notice the siding above the cracks, flashing or gaps. Sometimes damage occurs here which leads to a regular roof leak.
Fine inspection
Sometimes you may suspect a roof damage or leak but will notice no obvious signs or may the signs are indoor. You may also find it tough to reach to the crawl space or vaulted ceiling for inspection. For such occasions, you need to carefully analyze the roof surface for low visible issues such as small shingle damage, torn caulking near the chimney or vent. Remember a small damage can lead to bigger problems in the future, hence you need to fix them as soon as possible.
Sometimes your roof with antenna may have exposed nail holes. They can cause leaks which bring in damage without any obvious interior signs. Such holes require instant inspection.
If you notice leaks or damage in your home or if it has been a while since you have done metal roofing inspection, then it is time you hire metal roofing inspector and get your roof checked by professionals.
