Few home structures are as underappreciated as the roof.
Falling shingles, washed out grit, indoor rain drips, stained ceilings or wall streak marks are a few obvious signs you’ve got big trouble up on the rooftop. Damage to a roof can spell bigger — and more costly — trouble and repairs when early telltale signs are ignored or unseen.
Dennis Gehman, owner of Gehman Design Remodeling in Harleysville, said shingle replacement is among the most common simple roof repairs.
“If the wind blows something off you’ll see it because (that area) will look different,” Gehman said.
He said older roofing techniques spaced shingles about every foot apart or a 3-tab construction. Most of today’s laminated or architectural roofing materials are spaced about every three feet, “so the wind won’t catch them as easily.”
A downed tree limb can damage shingles. A tree limb sailing into the roof with a sharp or arrow point can puncture shingles.
“With a puncture, if you see debris remaining on the roof that can be a concern. It’s very unusual for a leak to start for no reason,” he explained.
For larger disasters — like the damage that occurs during hail storms — be sure to call your homeowners insurance agent.
“Definitely after a hailstorm — call your insurance company,” Gehman said.
For those with full replacement value, a new roof could mean the cost of the policy deductible with the balance of the tab covered by insurance.
Read your policy’s exclusions or review them with your insurance agent.
While it may not be practical or possible to visually inspect the roof by getting up onto it, there are ways to do a visual inspection from the ground.
Walk around your property and pay attention to the area immediately around your foundation including gutter drains and downspouts.
Call a professional if you notice heavy granule shedding — the earliest stage of shingle failure. It will be visible on the ground after it rains and may collect around downspouts.
“A visual inspection after a storm is a good idea,” Gehman said.
You’ll also see heavy granule shedding as a different color on the roofing shingles, or as long “runs” of a different color, often streaking down from the peak of the roof.
A green hue can spell trouble if mold, mildew or fungus has set up shop on the roof.
When interviewing roof or siding washing and cleaning services, ask to see what kinds of surfactants or chemicals are used in the process, as well as the type of equipment used for washing.
There’s no doubt a new roof can become a costly home repair — or feature replacement.
Today’s shingle systems — many offering 30 or 50 year warranties — could mean today’s investment may be one you won’t need to make again. Architectural cedar shingles and metal roofing are other popular long-wearing material options.
Gehman’s tips when considering a new roof:
“Find a contractor that is certified by the product manufacturer. You’ll receive a better warranty, because the manufacturer is backing up the contractor,” Gehman explained.
By nature a home’s roof takes a beating — it’s meant to.
From sun exposure, freezes, thawing and temperature extremes, your roof should keep everything — and everyone — safe, sound and secure.
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