During hurricane season and beyond, a simple DIY roof check is something homeowners can (and should) do to head off problems. While major storms can be damaging, the impact of thunderstorms, lightning, and years of sunshine affect a roof, too. Roofing and home inspection professionals suggest three things homeowners can do to protect not only their roof but also their entire home.
First: Survey the Ground Around the Home
Inspect around the base of the home after it rains. Observe what’s on the downspout splash block or the ground just beyond. If there’s granulation, that’s a tell-tell sign the shingles are aging, compromised, and may need to be replaced.
“As a roof naturally ages, there will be more granulation washing off the shingles,” said Eric Bergin, general manager for Florida Fortified Roofing Services. “When hail strikes a roof, ice can break off the granulation that protects the shingle’s matting below. With hail damage, homeowners may have a case for their insurance company to replace or repair the roof.”
Second: Inspect the Attic
Inspect the attic after rain. Look for saturation spots above, on the sheathing or plywood. If there is saturation or water stains, there is likely rot from the top down.
“If there are water marks, but nothing dripping into the attic, water may be running down the main structure eaves,” added Nathan Lippincott, owner of Birmingham, Ala.-based Knockout Inspections. “Water can spur mold growth. Water spots are also an indication the roof has failed, at least partially, from the top down.”
Three: Back Up and Zero In
While at ground level, back away from the home and take stock of the roof’s shingles. Look for missing shingles. This isn’t always obvious since shingles are staggered. And the profile of architectural shingles makes them tougher to survey than other types (e.g., 3-Tab shingles). Use binoculars (or the camera on a smartphone) to scan the roof. Even a home just a few years old can have loose or missing shingles from high winds, storms, or improper installation. Inspect the roof in this way once a year or after a significant weather event.
“If homeowners spot a shingle problem early, they can limit repair to a small area and extend the life of their roof by years,” said Bergin. “This can save tens of thousands of dollars on construction costs.”
Lippincott said homeowners can complete the inspection points mentioned above in about 25 minutes or less, depending on the size of the home. A home is often a person’s largest investment. Despite the importance of a roof, other areas of the home (e.g., bathrooms, HVAC, appliances, etc.) often receive more attention. By simply keeping an eye on their roof, homeowners can protect themselves and their investment.
For more information or help, contact Florida Fortified Roofing Services at 321-285-4965 or info@floridafortifiedroof.com.
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