As fall and winter approach, now is the time for homeowners to ensure that their roofs are prepared to withstand the elements. HomeTeam’s certified inspection experts have some tips.
If there’s one thing that can keep homeowners awake at night, it’s the fear of a leaking roof. With a combination of anxiety about the unknown — what exactly is lurking up there? — and stress about what it might cost to repair, or potentially even replace, it’s no surprise that roofs are a top concern for both homeowners and homebuyers alike.
With summer storms behind us and winter weather ahead, it’s important to find out exactly what’s happening on the roof of your home. According to Ann Arbor-based HomeTeam Inspection Service franchise owner Adam Cane, educating yourself is as simple and affordable as getting a roof inspection.
“Most homeowners don’t realize that a roof requires maintenance,” Cane said. “While shingle roofs generally last about 20-30 years, that doesn’t mean you should wait 20 years to get it inspected. I recommend getting your roof inspected every five years, but if your roof has been exposed to a lot of bad weather, I would have it inspected as soon as possible.”
Summer’s high winds and heavy rain can lead to damaged shingles, said Cane. And a shingle that has been lifted due to wind may have loosened the sealant and possibly the nail, all of which could mean replacing the roof if it’s not quickly addressed.
While HomeTeam offers home inspections for buyers and sellers during the sale process, they also offer regular inspection services to help homeowners stay up-to-date on roof maintenance and hopefully postpone the cost of replacing the entire roof.
According to Cane, here are the top shingle roof issues to be aware of:
Cracking.While cracked shingles will need to be replaced, the scope of the project depends upon how soon the issue is caught, one reason why thorough, regular inspections are crucial.
Popping Nails.Expansion and contraction that happens during the heating and cooling seasons can cause nails to pop. Exposed nails can not only lift up the shingle, they can rust and lead to a leaky roof. While the issue itself is fixable, depending on how many nails are exposed and for how long, the roof might need to be replaced.
Granules Missing.Roofing granulesincrease a roof’s ruggedness against water, ice, snow and climate.Over time, roofs lose granules. Whether you need a completely new roof depends on the age of the roof and how many granules remain.
Curling.There are a number of reasons why shingles might curl, including improper installation, poor ventilation in the attic, age and leaking. If you see curls, it’s best to have it checked immediately to determine the cause.
Roof Cement.Often used as a shortcut to avoid the time and expertise needed to install metal flashing — which prevents leaks where shingles meet other surfaces, like walls and chimneys — roof cement does the trick for a short time before it hardens, cracks, leaks and makes repair more difficult. If you see heavy “tar” patchwork on your roof, it’s important to have it fixed correctly — before it leaks and leads to interior damage.
Leakage. A leaky roof can lead to structural damage, soif you have a leaking roof, it’s important to address it immediately.
“If a homeowner has water leaking in the attic that they’re not aware of until it hits the drywall, it might be too late,” Cane said. “A roof is one of the more expensive issues that can go wrong with a house; therefore, it’s important to keep up with maintenance to ensure that, at the very least, you’re getting the expected life out of your roof.“
While Cane said most homeowners can monitor their roofs from the ground level and scan it for missing or damaged shingles, a professional inspection can take the guesswork out of the equation. Hiring a home inspector like HomeTeam is a great way to get an unbiased opinion, since there is no financial incentive for an inspector to convince you to make unnecessary repairs.
“We’re pleased to offer roof inspections as part of our wide range of services,” said HomeTeam President Adam Long. “Our goal is to educate homeowners about their properties and recommend the best course of action to keep them safe in their homes.”
