Now that spring is here, you can start tackling some of those home repairs you had to postpone during the winter. If you haven't inspected your roof yet, now's the perfect time to do that. Many people don't tackle roof repairs until they're faced with an obvious problem. Unfortunately, some roof problems aren't easy to identify. Leaks are some of those less obvious problems, especially when you haven't found puddles of water in your home.
One of the best ways to identify hidden leaks is to take some time to inspect your home. If you've never inspected your home for a roof leak, read the information provided below. If you discover any of the issues listed here, you need to schedule roof repairs right away.
Issues With the Insulation
Roof leaks don't need to be hard to find, especially if you know where to look. One of the best places to look for roof leaks is in the attic. You might not realise this, but the attic is often the first place you'll notice a roof leak. This is especially true where the insulation is concerned. To check for roof leaks, start by inspecting the attic insulation. First, feel the insulation to check for moisture. Moisture is a sure sign that your roof is leaking. Second, check the surface of the insulation for signs of discolouration, such as water stains. Finally, lift the insulation up and check for signs of mould. If you encounter any of those issues, it's time to schedule roof repairs.
Wet or Rotten Wood
Once you've inspected the insulation for signs of moisture, stains, or mould, you'll want to inspect the wood. This includes the wood that supports the roofing material, as well as the wood frame inside the attic. If your roof is leaking, water could have seeped through the wood underlayment. If that's happened, you can expect to find some wood damage. During your inspection, look for wood that's either soggy or rotten. If you find problems with the wood, you'll need to schedule roof repairs right away. This is a sign that the roof leaks need immediate attention.
Peeling Shingles
Finally, once you've inspected the attic for signs of a leak, you'll want to inspect the actual roof. You might not know this, but you can identify roof leaks by inspecting the condition of your shingles. If you have loose shingles on your roof, carefully lift them up. If you see signs of water stains, or the adhesive has washed away, schedule roof repairs right away.
