Spring Roof Check-Up

Spring Roof Check-Up

     Every spring after the snow melts it is time to check your roof. Sometimes there is a tell tale sign like a leak, but most times the damage is not as obvious.  So taking a few minutes to view your roof can prevent small problems from turning into big ones.  A good amount can be seen from the ground with a pair of binoculars.

Things to be on the look out for,

1) Broken, cracked, or missing shingles.

2)Cupping or curling shingles, all the shingles should be laying flat.

3)Dark patches, a sign granules being worn away.

4)Slots on three tab shingle that are wide, as the shingles age they shrink and these slots widen.

5)Damage from ice dams and roof raking.

6)Flashings around chimney and skylights.

As the shingles age they become brittle and shrink which can accelerate any or all of the above issues.  Average life expectancy of asphalt shingles is 20 years. If the damage is limited and the shingles fairly new repairs may be sufficient. If the damage is more widespread and the shingles are older replacement may be best. So after this winter which was extremely harsh get out there and take a look before you have water in your house.