Replacing a roof is an expensive project, and can be avoided if it is regularly monitored and maintained. A roof should last for at least 20 years depending on the materials used, but any number of things can damage a roof enough that it has to be replaced before it is 20 years old. One of the major reasons for roof repairs and replacements is due to leaks that go unnoticed until it is too late and there is too much damage. Here are a few ways to prevent your roof from being damaged by leaks. Regularly maintaining your roof After each season change it is wise that you climb up on top of your house and check your roof for any damage done by extreme weather. Roofs are typically constructed to withstand the harshest of weather conditions, but there is no way to control how harsh the weather really is, and often times roofs need repairing and maintenance after major storms in order to prevent major damage. Regular checks and maintenance of your roof are definitely worth the hassle because it is the easiest and quickest way to find damage and prevent it from causing further and more expensive problems. Signs of possible leaks The Happy House Wife states that one of the sure fire ways to tell if there is a water leak in your roof is by watching from brown water spots on your ceiling or peeling paint around any skylights. Obviously if your shingles are falling off there is something wrong with the roof, and it needs to be taken care of immediately. Black spots or stains are a signal of mold, which must also be addressed as soon as possible. You can stop a leak from creating these problems by regularly checking your roof for leaks, and taking care of any minor or possible problems immediately. Finding the source of a leak Finding a leak can be tough, but if you know what to look for and when, it will be much easier. Take the time on a rainy day to climb into your attic and inspect the ceiling for any moisture that might be entering. Loose or buckling shingles are also a sign of possible leaks, and should be fixed before it is too late. Keep your downspouts and gutters cleaned out as frequently as possible to prevent clogs that can direct water onto the roof instead of down to the ground. You might even consider hiring a professional roofing contractor to check your roof for any possible leaks, and save you from major damages, as they know exactly what to look for. Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com Source: thehappyhousewife.com/home-management/how-inspect-roof-leaks/#_a5y_p=1914623
I agree, we should be careful in finding a contractor.