How Do I Know If My Roof Is Bad

Look for beams of light.

How do i know if my roof is bad.

Shingles should be applied evenly across all areas of a roof. If you think you might need a new roof the first place to check isn t your home exterior it s your attic. So arm yourself with a flashlight and climb up under the eaves. If you see them on the underside of your roof or running down the walls from the base of your roof then your roof is likely leaking.

Mismatched shingles are a common sign of your contractor cutting corners and can lead to additional damage. A quick inspection of the attic might uncover dark water stains on the rafters or in the insulation or even light passing through holes in the roof. A failing roof deck will impact the integrity of a roof. If you see dark stains or dark streaks on the underside of your roof or running down the walls from the base of your roof then you re roof is likely leaking and moisture is damaging both your roof as well as your home s interior structure.

Water leakage can lead to ceiling spots or leaks stains on interior walls cracked paint or peeling wallpaper. Airborne algae cause dark streaks on roof decks. If light seeps through so can water. Not only do unsymmetrical shingles decrease your home s aesthetic appeal but they can also allow water to seep in between cracks and ruin the sheathing underneath.

Other s ymptoms of a failing roof include high energy bills and ceiling stains. One of the most common signs that a roof s decking is damaged is a roof leak. That moisture can lead to rot and damage in the roof deck. While this may not necessarily harm the roof shingles it may not look good.

Moisture that escapes into the cold attic from the rooms below often condenses on cold nails. There could also be a possibility that the roof is defective. If you can t see any telltale flow marks and the ceiling stain is fairly small look at the underside of the roof for shiners a shiner is a nail that missed the framing member. This is easy enough to identify.

As you look for signs of damage take note of any shingles which are the wrong color or size. If you see any light repair or replace your roof asap. Check your roof often to make sure one side isn t wearing down too quickly. Look at the slopes of your home that get direct sunlight and if you notice the shingles are curling and losing granules it could mean the shingles are past their life expectancy.

Shingles that are curled or buckling are another sign that you may need a new roof. Homes built around the same time period can be experiencing the same types of weather conditions can mean that your roof is nearing its useful life.