The weather in many parts of the US can be extremely tough on your roof. Wind, rain, and snow take their toll every year, but it is important to stay on top of your roof’s health. It is recommended that you inspect your roof every year for any weather related damage. A damaged roof can lead to serious issues if not addressed quickly. These are two things to keep in mind about your roof as a homeowner.
What exactly should you be looking for when you inspect your roof? Inspect the exterior for:
Loose Shingle Granules
These will look like sand grains and is a sign of advanced wear on your roof.
Loose Material Around Chimneys
Look for lose material or wear around chimneys, vents and pipes. Make sure there are no gaps where water can penetrate.
Damaged Shingles
You are looking for cracked, curled, torn, bald, or missing shingles.
Signs of Moisture
Check for signs of moisture, mold, or rot, especially on the lowest parts of your roof where water may pool.
Examine Drainage System
Check to make sure that all gutters and downspouts are securely attached and unobstructed.
An ice dam is a build-up of solid ice that forms along the edges of a roof. This phenomenon got its name because the ice acts as a dam; it prevents water from flowing off of the roof. The presence of gutters usually only furthers an ice damming problem, but they can also form on structures without gutters.
Ice dams form after snow accumulates on the roof after a snowfall. Warm air from inside the home rises, eventually reaching the attic and warming the roof. The warm air causes the snow to melt and run down the roof. When the water reaches the eaves, which do not get warm like the rest of the roof, it refreezes, forming a wall of ice. This ice barrier builds up and forms a dam, which causes melted snow from other parts of the roof to back up behind it. This backed up water can seep through the shingles and cause extensive water damage to the home.
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