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Why A Roof Inspection Is Important For Your Home

Roofing with asphalt shingle roofs is a great investment, but these shingles do have a limited lifespan. Since ten years is an average lifespan, it is always wise to have a professional inspect your house’s roof and give you an evaluation at least every two years, and after major wind or hail storms. Frequent inspections will help you avoid major problems such as a leaky roof, and will assist you in planning a timeline for replacing those asphalt shingles. So, if your house’s roof is ten years old, now is the time to have a professional roof inspection.

The lifespan of asphalt shingles is determined by several factors:

Weather

When you live in an area with extreme weather changes, the lifespan of your asphalt shingles will be reduced. Cold weather means ice forms on the roof and creates cracks in the shingles. In time, these cracks become bigger and create roof leaks. Very hot weather can also shorten the lifespan of asphalt shingles due to the sun’s rays deteriorating the surface of the shingles. If you live in a humid climate, your asphalt shingles can be damaged by algae growth.

Any time you have a hail storm in your area, it is time to have a roof inspection. Hail can severely damage a roof. The hail hits the shingle and dents it. In time, those dents become cracks, and then you have potential for a damaging roof leak. One way to spot hail damage is if you see dark spots on the roof.

Some areas of the country are more prone to storms with strong winds. These strong winds usually lift and fold aged shingles. In time, the folds become broken shingles and your house’s roof is then vulnerable to more damage. If your original roofer did not install the shingles with nails properly placed, your shingles are more vulnerable to wind damage. With wind, there is also the problem of damage if the tabs did not seal properly. If there was a strong wind shortly after the roof was originally installed, then you will want an inspection to determine if there is wind damage.

Slope

The slope of your roofline can affect the lifespan of asphalt shingles. If your roof slope is steep, then water and other things that can damage shingles roll off. Puddled water is also an opportunity for mold and algae to grow. Roofs that do not have steep slopes tend to have water and other things staying on the roof that can damage the shingles.

Traffic

While it is important to have frequent roof inspections, you want to limit the foot traffic on your house’s roof. Individuals walking on the roof can damage the shingles and cause them to fail faster. Having a professional is important since experienced roofing contractors know how to walk on roofs during a roof inspection without damaging the shingles.

But what if your roof is not ten years old? Are there signs that your roof has aged prematurely and needs replaced? Are there signs besides yellow stains on ceilings, or water coming through the ceilings? Yes, those signs include:

  • Missing shingles
  • Curled or folded shingles
  • Shingle granules coming off the roof during rain
  • Mold or algae growing on the roof
  • Places where the roof seems dented or sagging
  • Water dripping through the roof into the attic
  • Daylight showing through the roof when looking in the attic

So, take some time and check to see when your roof was last replaced and last inspected. Remember the ten-year rule and take care of that roof. Contact us today and get a roof inspection and have a plan to replace those asphalt shingles.

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