How Do I Know If My Roof Is Bad

Perhaps one of the most visible signs of a bad roof installation is poor shingle alignment.

How do i know if my roof is bad.

A failing roof deck will impact the integrity of a roof. Moisture that escapes into the cold attic from the rooms below often condenses on cold nails. Not only do unsymmetrical shingles decrease your home s aesthetic appeal but they can also allow water to seep in between cracks and ruin the sheathing underneath. Look at the slopes of your home that get direct sunlight and if you notice the shingles are curling and losing granules it could mean the shingles are past their life expectancy.

As you look for signs of damage take note of any shingles which are the wrong color or size. If you see any light repair or replace your roof asap. That moisture can lead to rot and damage in the roof deck. Shingles that are curled or buckling are another sign that you may need a new roof.

There could also be a possibility that the roof is defective. While this may not necessarily harm the roof shingles it may not look good. Shingles should be applied evenly across all areas of a roof. If you can t see any telltale flow marks and the ceiling stain is fairly small look at the underside of the roof for shiners a shiner is a nail that missed the framing member.

Dark streaks and stains. If you see them on the underside of your roof or running down the walls from the base of your roof then your roof is likely leaking. Airborne algae cause dark streaks on roof decks. Lack of ventilation in the home can lead to mold and mildew which can grow on roof decking if moisture is in the attic and cannot escape properly.

If light seeps through so can water. Check your roof often to make sure one side isn t wearing down too quickly. Homes built around the same time period can be experiencing the same types of weather conditions can mean that your roof is nearing its useful life. A quick inspection of the attic might uncover dark water stains on the rafters or in the insulation or even light passing through holes in the roof.

If you see dark stains or dark streaks on the underside of your roof or running down the walls from the base of your roof then you re roof is likely leaking and moisture is damaging both your roof as well as your home s interior structure. This is easy enough to identify. One of the most common signs that a roof s decking is damaged is a roof leak. So arm yourself with a flashlight and climb up under the eaves.

Mismatched shingles are a common sign of your contractor cutting corners and can lead to additional damage. If you think you might need a new roof the first place to check isn t your home exterior it s your attic.