Perhaps your first step in checking for a leaky roof is to check for apparent damage on the roof. While doing this is necessary, it is, however, essential to call a professional roof to inspect your roof for you if you cannot do it, especially if you don’t have the right tools to do so, such as a ladder. Note that a fall from a roof is deadly and should be prevented.
Shiners
A shiner is a place to watch out for when looking for earlier exterior signs of a leaky roof. A shiner is a nail that doesn’t drive into the framing member. You can check for this by climbing up into your attic when the weather is cold. You will quickly locate them on getting to your attic as they are usually white. When you see them, use side-cutting pliers to clip them.
Dirty Soffits
There must be provisions for attic ventilation to keep your house in good condition. To achieve this, soffit vents are provided to conduct outside air into the attic. This enhances proper airflow. However, when the soffit is dirty, moisture starts to build up, and mold starts to grow on the roof’s framing. Noticing this should give you the impression that your roof is leaky.
Mold on Joints Where Roof and Exterior Wall Meet
Another side to watch out for when looking for exterior signs of a leaky roof is to examine the joints that connect roof edges and exterior walls. The best way to prevent this cause of a leaky roof is to provide kick-out flashing, which prevents diverts water into the gutter. Without this, the water will run down the wall and can even run into it.
Water running down the wall is worse when there is a window or a door below the joint. In this scenario, water crawls into the house, which is not healthy for you and your home. As such, it is important to hire the service of a professional roofer to install kick-out flashing in your roof if you can’t do the installation yourself.
Buckling Shingles
Here is another sign calling your attention to your roof. This occurs when the roofing underlayment is weak, and it is more common in old roofs.
During the summer months, humidity is very high and has negative impacts on wood decks. As time goes on, the wood deck is weak to hold the shingles tightly, and this exposes the roof to giving ways to moisture. As such, when you notice that your shingles are not well held tightly to the roof, it is time to call the attention of a professional to fix the problem.
Shingle Curling
Whether your shingles are organic or fiberglass asphalt, the fact is that old shingles curl due to wear and tear or uneven decking underneath. If this curling continues for long, the shingles will break, which is more dangerous to the health of your house. Therefore, when you notice curled shingles on your roof, it is ideal to prepare for a replacement
Granule Loss
Granule loss is a result of wear and tear in the shingles of a roof, and harsh weather conditions are the culprit behind this. As the roof age, the bond holding the granules and asphalt together weakens, and granules become loosen. The loose granules are later carried away by runoff.
Finding earlier exterior signs of roof leaks is not as complicated as it is portrayed. With this right guild and tips, you do not have to be a professional to check if your roof as developed leaks. It is, however, essential to pay attention to any sign of a leaky roof. If you notice your roof is leaking, ensure you hire an expert roofer to fix the leaks.
Contact DOM Roofing today to schedule your free inspection