When is the last time you really looked at your roof to see how it is holding up? The best roofing companies suggest that if your roof was properly installed, and is less than 20 years old, you may be able to get away with just a simple roof repair as opposed to a whole new replacement.
Do you know what to look for when inspecting your roof for damage or weak spots? The list consists of common sense items, but they may be things that you had never thought to look for. Does the roof sag in spots? Can you see water damage or actual leaks? Or is there outside light shining through? These kinds of checks can all be done from the inside, so head up to your attic if you think that you may need some repairs.
If you have a ladder, and the courage, you can look for warning signs on the top of the roof as well. But you can also ask any competent roofer to come out and give it a look, and it may be considered part of a free estimate if they offer that service.
First, you will want to look at all of the shingles. See if there are any that are missing, bald, cracked or torn. Then look around any chimneys and pipes. Make sure that there is no loose material around these protrusions, and that the pipes go entirely into the house, not just into the attic.
Next, check for moisture. Not just under problem areas, either. Water can travel underneath the shingles, further down the roof, and collect there. Mold and fungi can grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours, in some cases. And lastly, check your gutters. Look to see if you have an excessive amount of shingle sand collected in there, as it could be a sign of advanced wear, and indicate that you will need to replace those shingles soon.
If it is soon enough after your new roof was installed, the repairs may fall under any roofing warranty, so be sure to contact the company that installed your roof. And sometimes construction companies can do more than just roofing. For instance, if you are having contractors out to install the best home windows, have them take a look at your roof too. Once those best home windows are in, they may need to jump right onto some roofing repair as well.