How to Inspect a Roof in the Summer

During a hot New England summer, Stephanie looked up at her roof and noticed her shingles have seen better days. She was wondering how to inspect a roof in the summer, thinking about all the potential problems that might be wrong with it. It’s scary to think about the problems that might be plaguing your roof! The good news is that a summer roof inspection can protect you from roofing troubles while keeping your home dry. This blog is a 6-step overview of how to inspect a roof this summer and what to do if you spot problems.

 

While the summer season is in swing, you might wonder how to inspect your roof to prevent costly problems such as leaks, missing shingles, and more. The truth is that you need to know how to inspect a roof through all seasons, but summer presents a better opportunity with long daylight hours and the absence of snow.

Below are 6 things that could mean you need a professional roofing inspection

1. Curling, Missing, Cracked, or Decaying Shingles

As your shingles age, you might notice issues such as curling or even decay. This is often from exposure to the elements over many, many years. It’s easy to pinpoint curled or decaying shingles as they make your roof look rough and uneven.

• Consider the age of your roof. A great quality asphalt shingle roof should last 20-25 years, but the best roofing can last much longer. Think about the age of your home and if you’ve ever replaced the roof before. If not, age might be a contributing factor to this problem.
• Grab a pair of binoculars and take a close look at your roof while you’re outside. You’ll want to look for problems such as sags or other irregularities. If the roof is sagging, you’ll want to quickly consider new roof installation. This is a sign that the sheathing underneath is rotting.

2. The Condition of Your Gutters

Wait, isn’t this a blog about how to inspect a roof? Yes, and gutters play a big role in the health of your roof. Be sure to take a look at the condition of your gutters by doing the following:

• Think about the last time you cleaned your gutters (which should happen between seasons, or at least twice per year.) Do you notice small chunks of the roof that fall into the gutter system? These are called granules and it’s a sign that the asphalt shingles are beginning to crumble.
• Do you notice if your gutters are sagging? If so, this is putting extra weight on the roof system. This is especially true during the winter when ice dams present a major problem.

3. Be Mindful of Attic Temperature

Attic temperature also plays a key role in the health of your roof. The truth is that the attic space should be around the same temperature as the outdoors, no matter the time of year.

• Is your attic nice and cool, like you’d experience while running air conditioning? This points to a potential problem with your roof.
• If your roof is toasty and warm in the summer season, this indicates that the roof system is working properly.

4. Lookout for Leaks

Roof leaks are one of the top reasons why homeowners look for a local roofing company. When your roof is leaking, serious issues may arise ranging from stained ceilings or walls to rotten rafter beams in the attic.

• Go into your attic and look around for mold growth. If your roof is leaking, you may find mold growing on the rafter beams or even on the insulation.
• Check for condensation in the attic which may form on the rafter beams, walls and flooring. Your ceiling and wall may also be stained brown or yellow.

Did you spot any of these warning signs of a leaky roof? You’ll need to have a qualified roofing contractor give you a professional assessment.

5. Your Roof has Moss and Algae Growth

While some homeowners think that moss on the roof gives their home a quaint appearance, this can’t be further from the truth. Moss, as well as algae, will take a toll on your roof. This is especially true for algae, which can quite literally eat away at your roof shingles.

• If your roof has green patches or black streaks, this is yet another sign that it’s time for roof replacement. This is a sign of mold or fungus growth.
• Moss and algae are an issue when too much moisture is being held inside of the shingles. This is a fungus that grows and can compromise the structure of your roof. If you are facing the issue of moss or algae, keep roof replacement at the top of your mind.

6. High Energy Bills & Poor Roof Ventilation

Poor attic ventilation can yield all kinds of problems, including high energy bills in the summer. Not all homeowners make the connection between roofing and energy loss. However, the truth is that an inefficient roof can cause a 25% energy loss in the home.

While seasonal highs and lows are common with energy bills, especially here in New England, what you need to look for is an upward trend. If your energy bills are consistently going up in comparison to other years, the problem might lie within your old roof.

• Does your roof have intake vents? These vents bring in the fresh air that flows through the soffit or the eave.
• Does your roof have outtake vents? Located under the ridge cap shingles, these vents are critical for achieving adequate airflow in the attic space.

Without both of these vents, you’ll notice high energy bills and even ice dams in the winter.

Even though you now know how to inspect a roof, you might still need the assistance of a professional roofing contractor. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is the trusted roofing company in Massachusetts, offering GAF Roofing systems that are engineered with 6 critical components. GAF Roofing systems come with a 25-year workmanship warranty and a lifetime shingle warranty lasting 50 years.

 

 

Serving New England for over 10 years, Coastal Windows & Exteriors provides New England homeowners with quality exterior home improvement services, including replacement windows, roofing, siding, and entry door installation. Our products are carefully crafted with weather-resistant materials, engineered to protect your home through every season. We are a woman-owned, family-run company dedicated to educating New England homeowners on the importance of exterior maintenance. New England homeowners can enjoy peace of mind with 0% financing and transferable lifetime warranties. Contact us today for a free inspection and estimate on your next home improvement project.