Protect your assets

Most of the time, your roof is probably "out of sight, out of mind", however, your roof protects your most valuable assets: your family and your home. It's also the single most expensive part of your house to have replaced, so it just makes good sense to maintain it and to keep an eye out for minor problems before they become major repairs.

We'll discuss five of the most common areas of your roof that are likely to develop leaks or other problems.

Grab a pair of binoculars and give each of the following areas a careful and regular once-over. (Of course, if you don't feel comfortable checking these items out yourself, contact a reputable roofing company.

Shingles

The main expanse of the roof (called the "roof field") is commonly covered with shingles, tiles, or wood shakes.

With shingles, things you want to look for include discoloration, curling, cracking, missing shingles, and missing granules. Look for nail heads that have popped up. Take your time and examine each row carefully.

If you have a tile roof, look for cracked, chipped,and missing tiles. Don't allow anyone other than a qualified roofing contractor walk on your roof; doing so could easily break tiles and cause problems.

With a wood shakes, you should look for shingles that are curling, cracking, lifting, warping, or missing. Also look for moss growing on the roof. If left to grow, the moss can cause serious long-term damage.

Fascia

The fascia is the board running along the roof line that covers the area where the roof is joined to the wall.

Because the fascia is continually exposed to the elements, it is likely to deteriorate over time. Often tucked behind gutters and not easily seen, it's common for the deterioration to progress without being noticed.

Carefully examine each board for areas of moisture penetration or wood rot. For proper repair, damaged boards should be removed and replaced.    

Soffit

The soffit is the horizontal section of the roof below the roof eaves. It is also exposed to the weather and subject to deterioration over time.

Thoroughly inspect the soffit all the way around your house for areas of damage. Damaged areas should be removed and replaced.

Gutters

Gutters are an important part of your roofing system. They're designed to collect rainwater pouring off your roof, direct itto the downspouts, and drain it away from the house.

If the gutters aren't working properly, water can back up and puddle on your roof-- which will cause sure and swift damage.That's why it's important to keep gutters free from debris such as leaves,dirt, and plant growth.

Flashing

Flashing is the thin strips of metal that are installed to seal and protect the joints of a roof from water intrusion. It's typically found around pipes and chimneys, as well as around skylights and dormers.

The most common type of flashing damage to watch for is either corrosion to the metal, or pieces that have come loose from theiroriginal placement.

Check the Attic

When you’re inspecting your roof for signs of damage, don’t forget to check your attic if you have one.  It’s often the first place you’ll find signs of roof problems.

Take a good flashlight with you and inspect the ceiling, floor, and insulation for any signs of water intrusion. If you see any stains or notice any weird smells, be sure to check them out carefully.

All roofs will deteriorate with age. But by inspecting the areas described here and catching roof problems early, you can help prevent many of them from turning into expensive repairs down the road.

If your roof is leaking or shows any other signs of problems, give us a call now for a professional inspection and evaluation.

‍