Being a homeowner is full of important maintenance tasks. Every part of your home needs care and attention to work properly. This is part of why owning a home is such a significant financial responsibility.
Your home’s roof is a major source of protection for your house and your family. If your roof is not properly maintained, you may experience mold and mildew, flooding, leaks, pests, and other serious issues. You need to make sure your house’s roof is up to code and in proper condition.
It can be difficult to tell whether you are maintaining your home and roof properly. Fortunately, there are some easy ways for you to tell whether your home’s roof is up to code or whether it needs support from a licensed roofing professional.
Shingles
One of the first places you should look to determine the status of your roof is the shingles. Shingles are the first line of defense against debris and moisture. Even the smallest crack or break in a shingle can allow moisture or debris into your attic or in between the different layers of your roof.
If your shingles are damaged in any way, make sure to find a roofing professional to help you fix the issue. You will need to act quickly, as broken shingles can quickly escalate into much larger and more expensive problems.
Flashing
Your roof’s flashing may seem like a small component, but it plays an essential role in keeping moisture and debris into the layers of your roof. This vertical piece lies just below the gutter and is important protection for your roof. Your home is required to have proper flashing, so be sure that it is properly installed in all areas of your roof. If it isn’t, or if you can’t tell whether it’s doing its job, you should call a professional to have it inspected.
Seals
There should be seals on the seams of your roof, such as at the apex, near the chimney, and around any skylights. If you notice a leak, crack, or damaged area in the seals, it’s likely that water will get into your roof or attic. To make sure your roof is up to code, your seals should be up to date and installed correctly.
Gutters
You should have gutters on the appropriate sides of your roof, and the gutters should be free of clutter and debris. The gutters should be properly attached, with no sagging, drooping, leaks, breaks, or other issues. Gutters play an essential role in directing the water away from the house and making sure that unnecessary moisture does not stay on the roof where it can cause damage.
If your gutters are old or not properly installed, you need to address the issue right away. Your roof cannot be up to code without functioning gutters and downspouts.
Leaks
Leaks are a sure way to tell whether your roof is up to code or not. A roof should never leak, drip, or become overly wet. If you notice moisture bubbles, water stains, or other indicators of a leak, you need to call a roofer right away. There is never a situation in which these are signs of a normal or healthy roof. What’s more, these issues can turn into significant problems if left unfixed.
Age
Though there is no official age when a roof becomes a code violation, it is important to understand that most roofs do not last more than 20 or 30 years. This depends on the materials as well. While asphalt shingle roofs usually last 10-20 years, metal roofs can last up to 70 years if they are properly maintained.
Your roof’s age is a good indicator of whether your roof is up to code. If it is getting toward the end of its life, there are likely issues that may make your roof dangerous for your home and your family.
Get your roof up to code with Mr. Roof
Our team at Mr. Roof has been serving clients in the Midwest for many years. We understand the unique codes and standards that our clients must adhere to, and we can easily help you make sure that your home is safe and secure for you and your family. We offer reliable repairs and replacements with friendly, honest customer service. No matter the issue or extent of the problem, we are here to give you expert advice and repair services.
For more information about what we can do for you or when we can start, contact Mr. Roof online today.
