Making sure the fundamentals of your home are in good shape is a perfect (and ongoing) activity for the warmer months. Since it’s much easier to conduct repairs and routine maintenance in this kind of weather, homeowners across the country are gearing up for various checks, adjustments and repairs. This is part of the responsibility (and for many people, the joy) of being a homeowner.
If we try to list all of the most important areas and aspect of home maintenance, we’ll end up with a fairly long list. But really, there are a few aspects of the home that will always be high up on that list, no matter where the home is located or what season it happens to be.
Roofing is one of those items — if it’s not right at the top of the list, it’s going to be very close every time. There’s just no getting around the fact that roofing is a hugely important aspect of every single home.
Usually, seasons come and go without much attention paid to the roof — and in many ways, this is the ideal state of affairs. If your roof was installed by a reputable professional, you should be able to “forget” about roofing for quite awhile.
The danger here, of course, is getting in the habit of taking your roof for granted. Because eventually, there will be a need to repair it — and doing it right will start with a timely recognition of the fact that repairs do need to be made.
So what about right now? Do you know what kind of shape your roof is in? Could it be that roof repairs are necessary? How would you know if this was the case?
Here are a few red flags to consider:
Missing or damaged shingles: This often means that your roof as a whole is getting old and weathered, and may be in need of replacement. Shingles are your first line of defense, and if they aren’t looking too good, it’s time to call the pros.
Gutters full of granules from your shingles: When your gutters are full of granules from your shingles, it can only mean those shingles are advancing in age and may need to be replaced soon.
Damage around openings: Your roof has openings for the varies vents and chimneys that your house may have. Is damage around these areas becoming noticeable? If you move quickly, repairs can be minimal.
Water stains: If water stains are creeping down walls or ceilings in your home, there’s a good chance your roof is to blame. It’s better to act quickly and get a professional on site to inspect the roof.
What to do if you’re not sure
Understandably, most homeowners aren’t always going to know for certain if roofing repairs are necessary. There are situations in which there is no doubt whatsoever, but it’s also possible that roofing problems might be harder to notice. What’s more, deciding to “leave the repairs for next year” could turn a small problem into a big one. If you’re unsure, the best course of action is to get in touch with a qualified, reputable roof repair specialist for a detailed assessment of your roof.