When it comes to a house, the roof is one of the most important elements. Your roof is the main item protecting you from bad weather, cold and heat. However, unless you are a professional roofer, performing a complete roof inspection can be quite difficult. In this article, we will walk you through a few things to verify in order to determine whether your roof needs replacement or not.
Inspecting your roof
The first step is to do a visual inspection of your roof on an annual basis. If your roof is near trees, we recommend inspecting it twice a year. We recommend paying special attention to visible cracks, the condition of the plumbing column and the drain. It is also important to keep an eye on the roof insulation as well as the roof ventilation in case of recurring problems. If you are not the last homeowner that has replaced the roof, it is important to find out when the work has been done. Asphalt shingles typically have a lifespan of about 20 years. However, if you notice any of the following problems, we recommend that you replace shingles: shingles that curl, abnormal corrugations in the roof covering, or pellets in the gutters.
5 signs that your roof needs to be replaced:
1. Presence of water leakage
The first thing to look out for is the presence of water inside your house. Water leaks often occur in the attic, so it is essential to check this area regularly, especially after a downpour. However, it is important to keep in mind that water can seep a long distance, through the beams of the structure, all the way to the walls where leaks are finally visible.
In this case, it may not be necessary to replace the entire roof; a few pieces of shingles might be enough. It is highly recommended that you call a professional roofer as soon as possible to determine the extent of the work required.
2. Water stains
During your observations, you might notice the presence of water on the ceiling, along the interior walls, or drops of water falling inside your house. Such a situation requires an intervention to determine the precise cause of the problem. This can be a water leak issue or a condensation problem. Temperature fluctuations, especially in winter, can encourage the accumulation of warm, humid air in the attic, leading to condensation.
Typically, water leaks manifest themselves in subtle ways. This is why, as soon as a water stain or infiltration appears, it is essential to look for the source and call on a thermography expert to assess the extent of the damage inside the walls. It is important to note that water leaks are not always caused by roof issues. However, in order to limit potential damage and associated costs, it is essential to quickly detect and resolve the cause of the leak.
3. Damage to the paint
You will notice signs such as chipping or blistering in the paint on the walls or ceiling as well as swelling in the interior or exterior woodwork.
These imperfections go far beyond simple aesthetic issues. These defects indicate the existence of a serious leak, which may or may not be attributed to a defective roof.
4. Mold on the ceiling
If you notice mold on your ceiling or walls, it may be due to a roofing problem, a condensation problem, or a problem with the plumbing. In order to identify the cause, we recommend proceeding with a few verifications. First, make sure the wall insulation is dry. Next, check that your home’s ventilation is adequate. Inspect plumbing such as the bathroom and water lines for any leaks or seeps. If you notice and anomalies, it is imperative to correct the problem quickly in order to limit the costs associated with large-scale work.
In addition to large black spots and potential damage to your roof, the presence of mold can have a significant impact on the indoor air quality of your home as well as the health of your family. It is imperative to resolve this issue without any further delay
5. Pellet loss
As fall approaches, we recommend that you clean the gutters and visually inspect your roof before snow accumulates. You may notice the presence of small colour pellets, which is a normal process of shingle wear and it is normal, depending on the age of your roof. However, an excessive amount of pellets is abnormal.
What do we mean by excessive? Unfortunately, it is not possible to quantify the number of pellets precisely. However, the condition of the shingles will give you an indication. When installed, shingles are coated with more pellets than needed. Therefore, it is normal to lose the excess pellets, which will be the first to come off. However, if your roof has areas where pellets are missing and the shingle pieces are now directly on the asphalt, it is necessary to replace the damaged parts. If the problem extends over a large area of shingles, then it is time for a complete roof replacement. A professional roofer will be able to assist you in making the best decision in order to avoid any problems mentioned above.
