Don’t get caught with sudden, costly repairs. Keep a close eye on your roof and learn how to spot problems before they severely impact your wallet with these danger signs.
1. A leak in the attic. After a strong storm or wind-driven rain, take a look in the attic for signs of leaking. Ice damming can also cause water to enter the house if you don’t have an adequate shingle underlayment or if the flashing (the aluminum or steel used over roof joints, like chimneys and pipes) has deteriorated. |
2. Blistering or peeling interior or exterior paint. When the paint starts to peel off, the cause is likely trapped moisture in the house due to excessive temperature or high humidity from poor attic ventilation. The air in the attic needs to flow freely from the soffit to the ridge to reduce humidity. Make sure there is a vent in areas such as the kitchen or bathroom. Dryers should vent outside. |
3. Dark, “dirty-looking” areas on your roof. This could mean your roof has vegetation, fungus, mold, or algae growth, or that the shingle’ protective granules have been lost. This doesn’t mean you need to replace your roof, but these stains can reduce curb appeal. Cleaning the shingles is an option, but that could shorten their life. |