You should inspect your roof on an annual basis. Many people think this involves getting the ladder and climbing onto the roof. However, doing so is dangerous for people who aren’t experienced roofers, and it can also damage your asphalt shingles by dislodging protective granules. Luckily, you can quickly inspect your roof without ever leaving the safety of the ground.
Use Binoculars
Standing away from the house, scan the roof using a pair of binoculars. Look for shingles that are missing, blistered, curling, or broken so you can call for a roof repair. Look closely at the flashing and valleys to see if they are cracked or damaged.
Look at the Color and Shape
Dark streaks on the roof indicate that the granules have washed away, compromising your roof’s ability to keep the home dry. A roof replacement will probably be in order, even if the other shingles seem to be in good condition. Scan the roof line to see if it’s straight and true. Areas that sag or appear to have dips could indicate a rotting roof deck.
Walk Around the Foundation
Take a walk around the home’s foundation. Look at the ground for pieces of asphalt shingles, especially near the downspouts. Even if the shingles don’t appear to be crumbling, pieces of shingles on the ground indicate a problem.
The Attic
It’s not just for storage. The attic is a necessary part of your home’s ventilation. When airflow is inadequate, the attic can overheat and shorten the life of your shingles. While in the attic, look for signs of mold, mildew, water stains, or rust marks from the roofing nails. Any of these are signs that you should increase attic ventilation or that you are dealing with a leaky roof.
Robbins Roofing, Inc. specializes in residential and commercial roofing in Oklahoma City. If you notice any of the problems listed above, call us for a thorough roof inspection. You can also visit us on Facebook or Twitter to learn more about roofing options, maintaining your roof, and inspecting it for damage.
