The roof is one of the most important parts of any home, but it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. While we aren’t expecting dozens of roof-related pins to overtake your Pinterest boards anytime soon, your roof should at least make your list of regular home-care priorities. When it’s time for roof repair, you won’t be surprised if you know what signs to look for.
The condition of your roof can have a significant impact on your house and your living situation, so it’s important to inspect it regularly. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NCRA), homeowners should inspect their roofs twice a year: once in the spring and then again in the fall. (Though if you’ve lived in the Wabash Valley for a few years, you already know we can get all four seasons in a single week!) You can hire a contractor for peace of mind, or you can undertake the initial assessment by yourself if you’re confident you know what to look for.
Interior Inspection to Identify Needed Roof Repair
Arm yourself with a flashlight and head to the attic during daylight hours—you’ll begin with an indoor inspection. Here are your first clues that your roof needs immediate repair:- Signs of leaking or water damage
- Dark spots or trails
- Light from outside is visible through the roof
- Spots where the roof deck is sagging or buckling
For more information, be sure to read our article called 7 Early Warning Signs Your Roof Needs Repair.
Exterior Exploration to Identify Needed Roof Repair
Once this step is complete, grab a ladder and take care of the exterior roof inspection. Here’s what you’ll want to keep an eye out for:
- Cracked, torn, curling, or missing shingles
- The presence of shingle granules (they’ll look like large grains of sand) in your gutters
- Damaged flashing
- Buckling or sagging
- Loose material or excessive wear around any areas of penetration (vents, pipes, chimneys, etc)
- Signs of moisture, mold/fungi, or rot
This is also a good time to double check that all gutters and downspouts are securely attached and clear of debris for an effective drainage system, as well as that all bath, kitchen, laundry, and other vents lead outside of the home (rather than outletting in your attic).
