Your roof sits above you every day, protecting you, your possessions, and your loved ones from the elements. It’s not something many people think about, much less check in on to see if it needs maintenance. However, as winter progresses, you should most certainly check your roof to make sure it will hold up during this cold and wet season. Here are seven things to watch out for:
- Damaged flashing.
Flashing is the metal on your roof that covers dangers spots like your chimney area, in roof valleys and other points where shingles won’t funnel the water properly. If you see these metal pieces seem loose, get rusty, or go missing all together, you will want to get the issue fixed as soon as possible. Missing or damaged flashing can allow water to penetrate your roof.
- Missing or broken shingles
Your shingles are designed to move water off of your roof as quickly as possible. They also offer a layer of protection against our winter weather. If your roof is missing shingles or a shingle appears torn or broken, it’s time to get a roofer over to get you an estimate.
- Curled or buckling shingles
This is a sign that your shingles have reached their life expectancy. When shingles get misshapen, they are no longer doing their job and funneling water off of your roof.
- Shingle granules in the gutter
If you see a ton of shingle granules in your gutter, it’s a sign that your roof is getting worn down. While shingles are expected to lose some granules here or there, a heavy loss of granules can show that you might need to get your roof replaced.
- Moss or any other plants growing on your roof
As quaint as it can look, moss or vines growing on your roof is damaging the integrity of your shingles. These plants have root systems that dig into shingles and ruin a roof.
- A debris pile-up on your roof
Fall wasn’t all that long ago. We are seeing roofs and lawns covered in wet, muddy leaves and smaller branches. Be sure to clean off your roof when everything has dried out. Allowing debris to collect on your roof can make it a perfect habitat for boring beetles and other problematic critters.
- Interior leaks
The last thing anyone wants is a roof that leaks. If your roof is now leaking, it’s definitely time to call in a roofing professional.
If you are in Portland, Oregon and you need roofing maintenance, or you have a leak, contact us today.