Just because your roof has never leaked before does not mean everything is A-Ok. We take our roofs for granted since in South Florida we don’t worry about tornados, hail, or snow. South Florida homeowners usually don’t think about our roofs until they start leaking on our heads. That’s a problem for us since with all of our hurricanes and random rainy seasons, roofs can get minor damage that goes by unnoticed for several months or even over a year. Those small easy to fix problems can balloon into expensive costly repairs or roof replacements if left untreated. To help you notice when something might be going wrong ,here are a few signs to watch out for possible roof damage.
Watch out for the following:
- Is your roof 15 years or older?
Depending on the type of roof you have, your roof could last far longer than 15 years. However, it is around this time that many roofs start to decay, so it is important to pay careful attention. - Are there missing or torn shingles?
Missing or torn shingles expose the roof to water damage and rot, and make nearby shingles more susceptible to being blown away. Old shingles will curl, split and lose their waterproofing effectiveness. These weakened shingles are more likely to be blown away by wind gusts or during hurricanes. - Is there rusted or missing flashing?
Flashing is the metal that surrounds chimneys, skylights and vent pipes and often is found in the valleys where roof sections meet. Rusted or missing flashing can often result in leaks. - What condition are your gutters and downspouts in?
Check gutters, downspouts and splash pans for evidence of decay. Broken pieces of paint and scraps of roofing may be visible, indicating damage. - Are your interior walls and ceilings deteriorating?
Indoors, look for discolored plasterboard or cracked paint and peeling wallpaper. All of these can indicate a leak that you may not have yet discovered.
If you notice any of these issues it may be time for a roof inspection. We offer FREE inspections and estimates to South Florida homeowners. Give us a call today to schedule your inspection and estimate.