We’ve had our fair share of precipitation recently, between the seemingly endless winter we had with numerous disruptive weather events, and lately with rainstorms that apparently last days. Hopefully your roof is in good shape, because if it isn’t- you are probably well aware. GAF, a premiere roofing materials manufacturer, details the signs of roof damage in their Roofing Guide:
- Leakage in the attic after wind-driven rain or ice build-up
- Blistering and peeling of interior and/or exterior paint
- Stains, mold, or mildew growth on interior ceilings and walls
- Exterior decay of sheathing and/or siding
- Missing, cracked, or curled shingles
If you have found evidence of any of the above signs of roof damage, it’s probably a good idea to inspect your roof. If you are uncomfortable with inspecting your roof, or are afraid of heights- you could certainly have a professional take a look. Once you’re on your roof you should:
- Examine shingles for any that are missing, cracked, curled, torn, or warped
- Look for any open seams or joints that could lead to leaking
- Look for popped or rusted nails, or stains around nails
- Check for unevenness, sagging, or unsound areas
- Check for dark patches or growth
- Check around pipes and roof penetrations to make sure they are sealed and in good shape
- Look inside the attic for signs of leaks, dark spots, holes, or sagging sheathing
A new roof with asphalt shingles can generally last up to 30 years, depending on the quality of the shingle. If your roof is relatively new and only shows minor problems, you might be able to fix it yourself. GAF has a section of their website dedicated to common DIY fixes.
If your roof is in bad shape and you think it might be time to replace it, Chesapeake Thermal would love to help. Give us a call at 301-261-3700 to schedule a free estimate.