My dad used the old “putting a roof over your head” speech to me on many occasions when I was growing up. Now that I’m grown-up (at least according to the date on my driver’s license) I have a deeper appreciation for what my old man was really saying.
A roof protects you; helps keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. A roof shields your home and your family from wind, rain, snow, and whatever else the crazy Michigan weather can throw at you.
For most people their home is their single biggest investment and you can help protect and extend the life of your roof with a simple inspection. Spring is a perfect time to check out your roof. We’ll outline below what to look for, and catching these small repairs early will help stop moisture damage and head off expensive repairs.
Most things on the list can be accomplished by looking at your roof from the ground, inspecting your ceilings for cracks or water spots, and taking a peek inside your attic. A (more) thorough inspection requires getting on your roof, which not everybody is comfortable with, so if you’re not a fan of heights, just give us a call. We’ll come out and check it out for you at no charge.
Here’s What to Look for Inside:
- Dark areas on ceilings.
- Peeling paint on the underside of roof overhangs.
- Damp spots alongside fireplaces.
- Water stains on pipes venting the water heater or furnace.
Here’s What to Look for Outside:
- Cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing.
- Shingles that are buckling, curling, or blistering.
- Missing or broken shingles.
- Cracked and worn rubber boots around vent pipes.
- Missing or damaged chimney cap. (OK, that’s technically not part of your roof, but since you’re looking anyway.)
- Masses of moss which could signal the roof is decaying underneath. Black algae stains are just cosmetic.
- Check your gutters for any loose sand-like grit from you shingles. These are important to the shingles ability to shield UV rays.
To see some “What to Look For” pictures mentioned above CLICK HERE:
Easy Fixes for Roofing Problems
Any loose, damaged, or missing shingles should be replaced immediately. Check for popped nails that need to be hammered back in place.
If you’re comfortable working on a roof, then it’s not too difficult to replace shingles and caulk flashing yourself. You just need to buy a bundle of shingles and some roofing caulk. Allow about a half-day to make a few shingle repairs.
Metal and vinyl flashing around chimneys, skylights, and attic vents that has separated needs to be resealed with caulk. However, flashing and vent boots that are beginning to rust or deteriorate should be replaced.
If you find these worrisome signs, especially if the roof is old, set about fixing them right away. All of these repairs are relatively easy and inexpensive, BUT absolutely will lead to major and costly repairs down the road if not attend to.
For more information contact Terry Burke or to schedule a Free Inspection of your roof click HERE.