You’ve just experienced a storm that’s damaged your home, and now you’re wondering whether to repair or replace your roof. It’s a big decision, and one that’s best made with the help of an expert. As you check for signs of damage on your own, though, here are some things to keep in mind:
Look at the shingles.
- Look at the shingles. If water is leaking in, and the roof itself is still structurally sound, then you may be able to repair the roof. If not, however, it may be time to replace it instead of repairing it.
- Look at your gutters and downspouts. Water can damage them and cause leaks if they’re not functioning properly or if they’re clogged with debris or leaves; this is especially true after a storm has passed through an area where there’s lots of trees around (like here in New York City). If your gutters are damaged as well as your roof, then they’ll need to be replaced before any other repairs can be done on your home’s exterior surfaces—or else water will continue dripping into areas where it shouldn’t go!
Check for leaks.
- Check for leaks in the attic. If you have an attic, check to make sure it has not been damaged by the storm. Also check around the chimney, eaves, and vent pipes for any signs of water damage or leaks.
- Check for leaks around the skylights. After a bad storm, it is possible that your skylight will leak if it was unable to withstand strong winds or hail that may have come through during a storm.
Inspect the attic.
If you have an attic, it’s a good idea to inspect it too. If there is water damage on the top side of your roof, you’ll want to make sure that the insulation in your attic hasn’t been compromised. Exposed insulation can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew – not to mention being a fire hazard! Look out for signs of mold or mildew patches, broken seals or duct tape around pipes or wiring in your attics and make sure everything is intact before moving forward with repairs or replacement.
Inspect from the ground.
Check the roof from the ground. Look for loose shingles or nails, missing shingles and wood, damage to gutters, fascia (the piece that covers the ends of rafters), or soffit (the underside of your roof; it’s probably made of plywood). You don’t have to climb up there—just take a look from below.
If you’re looking to install a new roof on your house, then you should have a professional roofer near Lake Elmo MN, like North End Contracting, install a new roof for you.