When you stop to think about it, the roof is the most important part of your home. Without a good roof that keeps all the elements out of your home, nothing else that you do for the inside of your home will be safe. All the experts agree that the roof is number one and it should be the number one priority.
You should inspect the roof for signs of wind and other damage in the spring before any rainstorms and again in the fall before the beginning of the winter. You should also look inside the home, in places like the attic, for any signs that the elements have gained a foothold into your home. With a regular inspection checklist, you can stay on top of any moisture or water damage and keep the costs of repairs low.
Most of the roofs in North America are covered with asphalt shingles so most of the professional advice that’s available is designed for them. If you can determine the age and the construction of the shingles, you’ll be able to determine how much longer the roof will last. Up until 20 years ago, all these shingles had a tar coating. To help protect this coating from the elements like the sun, nowadays shingles are covered with an asphalt coating that was then covered with gravel.
Homeowners often make the incorrect assumption that when they find a leak in the roof or ceiling, that the leak must be directly over the spot where the water first appeared. This isn’t always the case. Remember that the water may have traveled down a beam or rafter before it found its way to the insides of your home, and as such, you’ll need to retrace the path that it took as best as you can.
With a ceiling that’s marked from water, one of the first things that you’ll need to do is climb up into the attic with a strong flashlight so that you can best determine if the leak can be detected there. It’s important to remember that standing water can result in some very serious damage to your walls and ceilings, so it’s necessary for you to drain the water away. Be careful here not to use an electric power drill or even a hand held drill as these can result in an electric shock. When all the water has drained away, make sure to let the area dry completely before you attempt any repair work. Attempting to fix the problem prematurely will result in a patch that will only need to be redone again.
Latest Videos of Roof Leaks and What To Do About Them:
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