Know how to spot the warning signs of a deteriorated roof.

There are many warning signs that are not easily detected until it is too late. Don’t wait for the perils of nature to strike, like windstorms, wind-driven rain, and brush fires, to find out you have roof problems.

Interior Check List:

• Check in your attic for dark water stains on your rafters and insulation.
• Examine interior ceilings and walls for stains.
• A leaking or deteriorating roof can be a major contributor to high energy costs.

Exterior Check List:

• Look for missing shingles and cracked tiles.
• Wood shake roofs will warp and have larger than normal gaps.
• Asphalt shingle roofs will have bare spots where granules are missing.
• Sags in the roofline mean possible structural problems.
• Check for leaves and debris in your gutters and down spouts.
• Dirty and dark areas on the roof can indicate the growing of moss and fungus.
• Paint that is blistering or peeling could mean you have ventilation problems.

During the rainy season, wood shake roofs absorb a lot of water that allows the wood to expand. When the heat of summer arrives the wood roofs will dry and shrinking, thin become very loose, allowing the high winds to blow them off causing the underlayment to deteriorate which is your waterproofing system. In most cases, if left unattended the useful life expectancy is two months.

If your roof shows any of these warning signs, then it is time for a new roof.