In the world of home improvements there are jobs we can’t wait to do, such as new granite counter-tops and kitchen remodels. Unfortunately there are also jobs that we have to do. One of the most dreaded tasks is replacing the roof. While this may not seem like the most glamorous excursion, when needed it is a top priority.
Having a leaky roof can cause damage to almost every other area of your home. It is better to stop the problem, before it can unleash havoc on your life. If you are wondering whether or not it’s time to replace your roof, consider some of the signs of a damaged roof.
Signs of a Damaged Roof
Start by looking around your house for leaks. This is the most obvious sign something is wrong and it could be that your roof. However, don’t panic at the first trickle of water. It may be that you just have a missing shingle, or if you had a particularly severe storm with high winds, water could have blown in around a roof vent. Dark stains or trails on the wall indicate water has leaked here in the past.
If your family has an attic this would be the next place to look. When you are there check to see if the roof deck is sagging, unfortunately if it is you will need to hire an expert determine the cause and solution.
Light coming through the roof is a blatant sign that there is a hole in your roof. If a hole is big enough for light to come through, it’s probably also big enough to allow water and air to pass through as well. This needs to be taken care of immediately to prevent further damage to your home.
You will most likely need a ladder to fully assess your roof from the outside. Use caution and never stand or walk on a roof where you suspect damage. Once you are somewhere where you can see your roof look for signs of moisture, mold, rotten areas or termite infestations. These are often indicative of wet spots on the roof, and consequently a problem you will need to fix. A roofing contractor will be able to help you access the extent of the damage. You are also going to want to look for any damaged shingles. Shingles that are cracked, torn or missing need to be replace.
Then inspect your chimney, pipes and vents. You are looking for are any cracks or loose material surrounding them. Sometimes minor repairs to these areas may be all it takes to fix a leak. The last thing outside of your house to examine is the gutters. Look for large amounts of shingle granules (they look like grains of sand, only bigger) that could have collected inside the gutter. It’s time to replace the roof if your shingles are losing a majority of their granules.
In the end, when it comes to any questions about your roof, your best bet is to call your reputable roof contractor, Toronto Roofer.We are located in Toronto and provides a wide variety of home improvement in Toronto, and the GTA area. Services include roofing, roof repair, damage restoration and more. Call us at 1-866-416-2545 today!
