Anatomy of a Roof
The mystery of the century is, how to tell when your roof really needs replacing? There are telltale signs even when it does not leak. If you wait until it leaks, there could be unimaginable damage to the framing, eaves, trusses, sheetrock and insulation. This mostly comes from dry rot problems which make repairs very, very costly.
How to Tell When Your Roof Really Needs Replacing (Existing Problems)
- Of course, we do not encourage you to climb on top of your roof to inspect. Leave that to professionals. However, please make some observations from the ground. Examine the shakes or shingles. Are the shakes becoming shorter? Do they have excessive moss and debris build-up? (in excess of ½”)
- Are there shakes or shingles missing or warped?
- Is there damage to flashing in any area especially around the chimney?
- Are there holes in the shingles that expose the sub-roof?
- Is there excessive curling or wearing through the original grit?
- Is there debris or shakes/shingles blocking the flow of rain run-off in the valleys?
- Can you see through or under ridge line shakes or shingles?
- Do you observe drip areas in the sheet rock inside the home?
- Are there holes or debris blocking the metal downspouts?
- Do you observe waterfalls and geysers emitting streams from the gutters or downspouts?
- Are the gutters and downspouts large enough to handle the flow of water or does it run down the side of the house or streams into walks, flower beds and driveways or pool near the foundation?
- Does it seem that your furnace/air conditioning runs longer and more frequently than it should?
- If you enter the attic space does it seem excessively hot or cold depending on the season?
Shingles becoming shorter, warped·Missing·Excessive moss build-up
Damaged flashing around chimney·Open spaces under ridge line·Holes in metal valleys, debris
Moss damage and moss in excess of 1/2"·Drip areas inside the home·Misplaced shakes in valley area
