Hurricane season is right around the corner. Now is a good time to take a look at your roof to see if it will hold up for another year or if it is time to call for a roof inspection in Daytona Beach. Below is a list of issues that indicate your roof needs help. The best part is that won’t need a ladder.
Condition of Shingles
Asphalt and fiberglass are the most common materials for roofing shingles and they tend to last about 20 years depending upon weather conditions and sun exposure. Shingles should lie flat. If they are curled, cracked, broken, this could let moisture in that will damage your roof, so they should be replaced.
Another potential problem with asphalt shingles is the loss of surface grit. Tiny rocks are embedded in the shingles to protect them from the sun’s UV rays. If you find piles of grit or sand in the gutters or on the ground near the walls of your home, it is time to call a professional roofer.
Problems with Flashing
Flashing is the metal around chimneys and anywhere that the roof changes pitch. Its purpose is to divert water from the “valleys” on the roof and channel it toward the gutters. If the flashing is rusty or the caulking around it is cracked or missing, your roof needs attention to keep water from getting to the structure.
An Unintended Roof-top Garden
Unless you planted something there, nothing should be growing on your roof. If you find moss, lichen or grass on the roof, it could mean that the underlying wood has gotten wet and is decaying. Black marks on the roof, however, are not usually a concern. They are algae stains and don’t damage the shingles.
Structural Problems
Your roof should be straight along the ridge and sides. If you find any bowing, call a roofing company. This could mean broken or sagging supports.
Taking the time to look at your roof can help you avoid expensive problems the next time the wind starts to blow.
