Every year, New Englanders look forward to June and the beginning of summer with sun-soaked days and more daylight. But with all the wonderful things Summer brings we also get the official start of hurricane season. As a result, the potential for gale-force winds and the potential for very heavy rains becomes more likely. And it’s your roof that plays a critical role in protecting your home from all that Mother Nature can dish out.
Is your Roof Ready to Take on Mother Nature?
To ensure your home and family are protected, you need to make sure your roof is ready. RIHI is here to help with is providing a short checklist to help you evaluate the health of your roof. Of course, calling a professional roofing expert will certainly give the most peace of mind. Here is a four-point checklist to get you started:
1. Age Of Your Roof
There first thing you need to find out the age of your current roof. Typically, the life of an asphalt roof is about 15-20 years depending on the environmental/weather conditions in the region. In New England, although we don’t have long, sustained weather extremes, we do get our share of damaging storms and hurricanes which can impact the life of your roof.
2. Roof Leaks
Inside your home look to see if there are any sort of water rings or signs of leaks along your walls or on your ceiling. Moreover, If you can access your attic, look at the ceiling to also check for water stains or any signs of mold. While you’re in the attic, you can also check to see if there are any sort of gaps or damage where light is coming in.
3. Damaged Shingles
Now, step outside and walk the perimeter of your home to see if there are any shingles that are missing, damaged, or curling up. Most importantly, these are signs that your roof will not perform well when it faces heavy wind and rain.
4. Moss Growth
You should also look for any growth of moss on your roof as it acts like a sponge and absorbs water. If this trapped moisture travels underneath the shingles, it could cause rot in the wooden components of the roof. As a result, the structural integrity could be compromised and lead to costly repairs.
Lastly, hiring a pro like RIHI will give you the highest level of confidence in the assessment of your roof. Meanwhile, these four points can get you started down the path of piece-of-mind. And if you do have any questions, call RIHI The Home Improvement Specialist at 800-374-4492.
