3 Ways To Check The Health Of Your Roof

27 July 2021
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog

Share  

A roof requires routine maintenance and repair to remain strong and capable of repelling water. Many homeowners neglect their roof until the damage is so severe that major repairs are needed.

You can help minimize the cost of maintaining your roof by conducting periodic health checks to determine if repairs are needed.

1. Evaluate the Shingles

Asphalt shingles are among the most common roofing materials used on residential properties today. You can easily assess the health of your roof by examining the shingles that cover your roof decking.

Shingles should lay flat and appear uniform in color. Any shingles that have been damaged or that are starting to curl can allow water to seep into your home.

Dark spots on your shingles mean that granule loss has occurred. When the granules coating an asphalt shingle slough away, the shingle itself is vulnerable to damage caused by sun exposure.

Contact a roofing contractor to make roof repairs if you notice any shingle damage in the future.

2. Examine All Flashing

Residential roofing systems are equipped with metal flashing. This flashing is applied over seams in the roof and around exposed vents, chimneys, and other pipes.

The purpose of metal flashing is to offer an added layer of protection for areas of your roof that are vulnerable to leaks. You should examine all of the flashing on your roof regularly to check for damage.

Missing, corroded, or damaged flashing should always be replaced as quickly as possible to avoid any potential water issues with your roof in the future.

3. Monitor Your Energy Costs

The roof is a major part of any home's building envelope. This means that the condition of the roof will have a direct impact on the overall energy efficiency of a home. You should take the time to monitor your energy costs each month.

If you notice an unexplained increase in your heating or cooling costs, this could be an indication that your roof has sustained damage. A damaged roof allows air to pass from the inside of your home into the outside environment, and vice versa.

Your HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain the right indoor temperature when this air transfer occurs, resulting in rising energy costs. Tracking your energy expenses can be a simple and effective way to monitor the overall health of your home's roof.

Rely on the experience and knowledge of a roofing contractor to help you repair and maintain your roof in the future.