3 Tips for a Happy Roof

Roofs are one of the most essential parts of the house, keeping us cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and dry all year round. So, how do you check for roof damage, and what steps can you take toward roof maintenance on your own?

A roof can be damaged by a number of factors ranging from the wear-and-tear of age to raging water, wind, hail, snow, and ice storms. Depending on the kind of roof you have, you will want to inspect for different signs of damage.

Asphalt-shingled roof: Look for broken and cracked shingles, as well as any bubbling on shingle surfaces. Bubbles might indicate moisture building inside the shingle, potentially leading to water damage.

Wood-Shingled Roof: Search for shingles that are separated, broken, or cracked, as any of these damages can cause leaks quickly.

Tile Roof: Damaged tile roofs may have broken or chipped tiles. They also may have extra damage after a windstorm, as tiles can fly out of place, damaging other tiles in their wake and making space for water build-up.

Metal Roof: Metal roofs allow you to see dent damage easily, but not all dents need fixing. Look specifically for punctures and be careful about rust growth.

Flat roofs: Pools of water and torn seams are the most common problems for flat roofs. Make sure your roof’s drainage is working, as these roofs do not drain naturally like sloped roofs.

When inspecting your roof for damage, you’ll want to check for both exterior and interior signs of problems:

Exterior

·Examine shingles, as listed above
·Examine other exterior parts, like vents, pipes, and chimneys
·Look for signs of rot or mold

Interior

·Watch for mold and water stains on your ceilings
·Check for any sagging in ceilings
·Search for signs of animal life in the walls or attic—this could indicate a hole in the roof

Although time and weather damage is unavoidable, you can take steps to maintain and keep your roof in good standing as long as possible.  Here are just three tips for keeping a happy roof:

1.  Check your gutters regularly to ensure they are not clogged and no water or debris build-up is on your roof. Want to learn more about this? Watch Just Maintenance’s video, The Importance of Clean Gutters

2.  Trim trees to avoid damage from large branches.
3.  Get your roof inspected regularly by professionals. Just Maintenance is here to help keep your roof and your home safe with our sister company Just Maintenance’s Home Health Check plans.