As a newbie homeowner, there are several things that you need to look out for, and the roof of your house is one of them. Now, the thing about the roof is that it is one of the most neglected areas of the house.
As a homeowner, you might already find this aspect relatable. How many times have you visited the roof since you have become the owner of the house? If the answer is zero, then we are here to tell you that you need to assess your roof. Ideally, you should inspect the roof of your house at least twice a year.
That said, if you have never climbed up the roof before, then you will want to hire the services for residential roofing and have a professional climb up the roof to assess the roof for potential signs that might require fixing.
Nonetheless, as a newbie homeowner, you should be inspecting the roof of your house for the following things:
Moss Growth
If you haven’t climbed the roof before, you can also make efficient use of a drone and fly it over the roof while looking for green spots. If you detect green spots, you will want to see these as an indicator of fungi or moss growth.
The presence of moss indicates that the moisture has no space to evaporate or escape. That said, if you detect a few flecks of moss, you have nothing to worry about. However, if you detect large green areas where moss is growing on the roof, then you will want to see it as an emergency sign to call for the roofing service and get things fixed professionally.
If you want to indulge in a DIY home renovation project, you can also consider taking a brush and stroking the area with it to remove the mossy patch. Once you get there, you will want to see what lies below the moss. If you can detect visible rotting, you know that it is time to get the roof repaired.
Wall Stains
As a newbie homeowner, you will want to look out for stains on the walls. Also, assess the ceilings for potential stains that a roof leak could cause. The thing about ceiling and wall stains is that these look bad and are also serious indicators that the roof is leaking.
Peeling Paint or Wallpaper
If you notice peeling paint or wallpaper inside your home, it could be a sign of roof damage. This often happens when moisture seeps through your roof, making its way down the walls. The trapped moisture causes paint and wallpaper to bubble, peel, or warp. While it might seem like a minor cosmetic issue, it’s actually a red flag indicating that water is entering your home through a compromised roof. Addressing this early can prevent more extensive damage and costly repairs.
Cracked or Worn Flashing
Flashing is the material placed around roof joints, chimneys, and vents to prevent water from seeping in. Over time, flashing can become cracked, worn, or loose, especially in older homes. When this happens, it loses its effectiveness, allowing water to penetrate these vulnerable areas of your roof. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your flashing is crucial to avoid leaks and ensure the overall health of your roof.
Missing Tiles/ Cracked Tiles
Examine the shingles of the roof and look for cracked or missing tiles. Missing tiles can develop into serious problems. In the worst-case scenario, you might have to deal with water damage, which can potentially damage the foundation of your house to the extent that you might need to opt for roof replacement.
Nonetheless, missing shingles are an indicator that the shingles have reached their expiry date and require a replacement. Believe us when we tell you that you will find replacing missing shingles easier than replacing the entire roof.
The more cracked tiles or missing shingles you see, the bigger the scope of damage can become. So, even if you see a few missing shingles only, you will want to take it seriously and call a professional roof repairman to fix the damage before things get worse.
Ignoring these signs can lead to more significant problems, so it’s important to take action as soon as you notice them.
