It’s common not to think about your roof until it starts leaking. Waiting until water begins pouring through your ceiling might force you to urgently begin looking for a roofing company in Howard County, MD.
Besides offering structural support, your roof protects you as it stands between your home’s interior and the exterior world. Therefore, keeping your roof in its best condition is essential. So, here is what to check on your house’s top to determine if it’s time for a new one.
Inspect Your Attic
The attic is the first point to check if you suspect your roof might be worn-out, damaged, or old. Armed with a flashlight, climb up under the eaves and search for leaky roof signals like streaks, stains, or light beams coming via the housetop. Be sure to be careful as you do this or call professional roofers to ensure you avoid injury.
Check for Last Roof Repair/Replacement Records
Reviewing your home improvement records helps you know how long ago a roofing company installed, repaired, replaced, or re-shingled your roof. Having such information about your roof lets you realize how much time remains until the end of its lifespan. For instance, a roof installed over an existing layer of shingles lasts up to 20 years, while an asphalt shingle roof should typically undergo replacement after 20 years to 25 years.
Check Roof Shingles
After a heavy storm, you might find damaged, buckling, or cracked patches that signal the need for immediate repairs. Usually, shingles are designed to lie flat against the roof. Additionally, noticing a lot of shingle granules on the downspouts and gutters might signal a rooftop that is fast approaching the end of its functional life.
Is Flashing in Good Shape?
Examine the flashing around skylights, chimneys, and vents that typically seals the roof seams from weather and rain. Ensure these points don’t show any signs that could lead to leaks like breaks or cracks.
What are the Signs of Roof Rot?
A sagging or droopy roof is among the primary signs of rotting. Therefore, inspect your roof’s surface for rotting boards, hanging spots, or trapped moisture signs.
Look for Moss/Mold/Fungi
Moss, Mold, and Fungi are unwanted houseplants that often spell trouble once on your roof. They are an excellent indication of trapped moisture that can ruin your roof. Using a stiff brush can help eliminate moss, mold, and fungi accumulating in your roof’s shaded corners. However, care is needed to address any underlying issues.
Contact a Roofing Company in Howard County, MD Today
There is no need to panic though, you may only need repairs, not a replacement. So it’s vital to have professionals from a reputable roofing company in Howard County, MD (or the surrounding counties in the Baltimore, MD metro area) take a look before things worsen. With that said, you can contact Home Crafters Roofing & Contracting to get a roofing inspection and to learn about our other services.