Thousands of Americans, including Nevadans, deal with winter roof damage every year. That’s why roof inspection in spring is a must for every household: it allows you to see how your roof fared against the harsh winter.
But while you may be anxious to know the state of your roof, inspecting it yourself is not advisable. Climbing up roofs is dangerous — more so when the snow has just melted. If you want to check whether your roof is damaged without actually checking your roof, look for these signs.
Ceiling stains
If your ceiling has dark stains that resemble puddles, then your roof definitely has leaks. It also means that the leak has been there for a while, so you can’t discount the possibility that it has already caused rotting and encouraged the growth of mold on adjacent roof structures. To properly gauge and fix the extent of the damage, call your trusted roofing experts immediately.
Frosted shiners
Shiners are nails that have missed the truss rafter, so they just hang from the roof. They are a result of shoddy workmanship, but they’re mostly harmless (albeit aesthetically displeasing). Sometimes, however, they are not nailed in properly, allowing moisture to seep in. Check if your shiners have frost on them; if so, they are letting water in. When the warmer season arrives, leaks are sure to manifest. Contact your trusted roofers to address this problem before it becomes a bigger concern.
Mold on exterior walls
Another way to assess your roof’s condition is by inspecting your walls for mold. Mold can grow on any moist surface, so if our walls have molds, it means moisture has gotten in — this is a sure sign that there are leaks on your roof. You can clean and disinfect your walls, but make sure to address the underlying causes that can likely
Debris on the ground
Go around your property and check for debris like broken-off shingle pieces or granules from asphalt shingles on the ground. The presence of such objects is highly indicative of roof damage, i.e., your shingles are chipped or weathered. This means your roof is no longer in prime condition to protect your dwelling, and should therefore be fixed by roofing specialists.
Roof over 20 years old
Although every roof has a life span and some roof materials last longer than others, the consensus is that if your roof is over two decades old, then it’s time to replace it — no questions asked. Even if you think your roof is fine, it’s most likely not. After all, it’s seen its fair share of freezing winters and scorching summers.
What’s more, roofs over 20 years old have very limited insurance coverage. Some insurers require that you replace your roof if it has reached this milestone year in order to pass inspection; some don’t write new policies at all. If your roof is approaching its 20th year, give your trusted roofing companies a call.
Extreme weather conditions, natural material degradation, accidents like falling trees, subpar workmanship, and other factors drive homeowners to get their roof fixed or replaced. Whatever your reason may be, D&D Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc. has your back. We are the most experienced roofing company in Nevada, having serviced homes and businesses in the Silver State for over 40 years. Need to get your roof checked?