Being able to recognize the signs of roof damage is vital for homeowners. Knowing when it’s time for a roof repair will help safeguard your home and belongings from potential unnecessary damage. Follow this four-step guide to assessing your home for roof damage.

4 Steps to Take to Identify Roof Damage

1. Do an Outdoor Assessment

Inspect your roof from the outside once a month, especially after severe storms or days of significant winds. Check the shingles for curling, cracks, missing patches, or loose granules shedding from the asphalt layer.

Assess the gutters for rust or areas of detachment, and watch for corrosion and tearing on chimney flashing—the seal that connects the space between the roof and the chimney.

2. Check the Indoors

Don’t forget to inspect the roof from inside your house, as well. Just because you may not notice damage from the outside, doesn’t mean there may not be something wrong. Head to your attic and look for signs of light peaking through the roof that may indicate structural issues or leaks.

Check for signs of moisture damage like darkening wood or peeling paint on finished top floor rooms. Some leaks can stretch down the walls to main floor areas, causing brown water spots on walls and ceilings.

3. Review Your Energy Bill

Browse through utility bills to ensure you’re paying a fair price for electricity and heating fuel. If you notice your bill costs have jumped, you may be losing HVAC efficiency due to air exchange. Unaddressed roof repairs in the attic is a likely culprit. Unsealed roof or siding damage from pests and wildlife can let in outdoor air, causing your heating and cooling systems to work overtime and manifesting in increased utility bills. 

4. Get Regular Professional Inspections

Many homeowners are not comfortable using a ladder or exploring an attic to scout for damage. Contact professional roofers for a once-a-year assessment. They have the proper safety equipment and know-how to avoid injury while inspecting the roof and integrity of the home.

 

Homeowners in need of a roof repair should contact Columbia Roofing Inc. in Howard County, MD. Their local team has more than 30 years of experience using top-quality materials to provide roof repairs and updates to residents and businesses in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. Call (410) 379-6100 for a free estimate. Visit their website for more information on their services.