A home or business's roof is one of those vital elements that doesn't get as much attention as it deserves. Due to its proximity to everyday life, it's easy for a home or business owner to overlook its condition until things reach a crisis level. Below are five signs that should never be ignored because they signal that the roof either needs to be repaired or replaced.
1. Granules in the Gutters Checking the gutters regularly can provide clues about the health of a structure's roof. If there are shingle granules littering the gutters, chances are that the roof needs to be replaced soon. This is because shingles tend to break down and lose increasing amounts of granules as they age. 2. Check the Shingles The days after a storm might be a local time to do so but checking the roof's shingles should be part of any regular maintenance routine for a home or business owner. In addition to making sure that all the shingles are still intact, it's a good idea to check for those that are discolored. Shingles that are darker in color or that are inconsistently colored usually mean that their granules have begun to wear away. 3. The Paint Suffers Because this sign is not actually on the roof itself, many home and business owners might not immediately connect its cause to a roofing issue. If the paint near the roofline is peeling, bubbling or staining, it can be a sign that the roof is leaking. This deterioration can also result in staining and seepage into the interior walls of the structure as well. This kind of issue can kill your curb appeal but, more importantly, it's a sign of a bigger problem that should be dealt with ASAP. A leaking roof is never a good thing, and the longer a homeowner takes to address the issue, the greater the potential for damage inside the home. 4. Look in the Attic Puddles of water and other signs of moisture in the attic mean that the roof is leaking somewhere. Even if it isn't raining, a home or property owner can determine if the roof potentially has a leak in the attic area. Being able to see inside an attic without having to use a light is a solid indication that the roof is allowing light to enter it. 5. Check the Roof's Age Like other building systems, a roof typically includes a warranty. Most of these are good for around 20 years. If the roof hasn't been replaced in 20 or more years, it's a good idea for a home or building owner to do so as soon as possible. Doing so helps ensure that any issues related to a leaking roof can be avoided. Darwin WallGraduated from Arizona State University’s College of Business with a Finance Degree in 1999. I started my Real Estate career while attending ASU as a Junior. I was a licensed assistant to a top producing real estate team at Realty Executives in Ahwatukee. Having only been in real estate for two years, I became a Multi-Million Dollar Producer, and received the Realty Executives 100% Club Award. One of the first homes I sold was to Larry Centers of the Arizona Cardinals whose wife called me off of my real estate sign. So I was selling homes for $50,000 to a million dollars at an early age. Having grown up in Chandler and attending Chandler High when it was the only High School in Chandler, my knowledge of the surrounding communities is something few can provide. These attributes are the foundation of success. I’ve earned many other awards at Realty Executives (Diamond Award) to the 2011 & 2012 ProSmart Realtor of the Year. But the most satisfying award to me is a happy client at the end of a transaction that is willing to give me a referral and a positive recommendation. By Day: Realtor By Night: Father of two awesome boys who are actively involved in ice hockey and have brought this desert rat to places such as Fargo, North Dakota in February! My boys also enjoy playing baseball, football and basketball. My wife, Jenny, is on my Real Estate team as a licensed agent and she is the GM of our family. She is very involved with the boy’s school and volunteers a lot of hours there. I enjoy attending my kid’s sporting events. When I have time to take a “break” from things I like to work-out, whether it is weight training, a boot camp or playing basketball with my friends. Getting your home sold! |