Performing Regular Roofing Inspections Helps Prevent Likely Problems

The roof is your home’s first line of defense against Mother Nature’s relentless campaign to return it to the elements. Keeping your roof in good repair can extend its life and prevent premature replacement. While it’s best to have your roof inspected by professionals every year or two, there are ways that you can diagnose your roof’s condition from the ground to see if you are in need of new roofing for your Menlo Park, CA home.

Hail Damage

Hail can ruin your roof in a matter of minutes. You can find out if your roof has sustained hail damage by using a pair of binoculars to inspect the roof from the ground. Because hailstones knock the reflective granules off of the asphalt shingles, hail damage will look like bruising on the shingles. After the hail has melted, check near your downspouts for any signs that reflective granules have washed off the roof.

Wind Damage

After strong winds, look around your yard to see if any of your roof’s shingles have been blown off. You can also use your binoculars to look for shingles missing from the roof. If there are missing shingles, call a roofer right away to have them replaced to prevent further damage to your roof.

Wear and Tear

It’s a good idea to regularly look for signs of wear and tear on your roof. A roof that looks “fuzzy,” could be a sign that your shingles are worn out and in need of replacement, especially if your roof is more than ten years old.

When to Call the Professionals

Even if you don’t notice the signs of damage mentioned here, it is generally a good idea to call in a professional roofer once a year to walk the roof and perform routine maintenance. Doing this will ensure that your flashing and sealants, areas where most leaks get their start, are intact. Professional roofing in Sunnyvale, CA and the surrounding area is available to help you ensure that your roof outlasts its warranty and provides you and your loved ones a place to call home for many years to come.

Sources:

Inspecting Your Roof to Get Ahead of Problems, houselogic.coms