Go Into Your Attic To Check On Your Roof
When someone tells you to check on your roof, what do you do? If you're like most people, you probably go outside and look up at the roof. Indeed, some roof damage can be spotted this way; you might see some missing shingles or lifted flashing. However, it can be hard to get a complete view of your roof from the outside. When seeking to tell what kind of shape your roof is in, you should also go into the attic and take a look around. Here are the top indicators of roof damage that you should be on the lookout for.
Overall Humidity
When you first step into the attic, pay attention to how humid the air feels. Do you instantly feel like the air is stuffy and moist when you step into the attic? Often, this is a sign that moisture is coming into the attic in some way. There could be a small roof leak that is letting moisture in. Or, the roof vents might be blocked, preventing the heat and humidity from escaping properly.
Drips of Moisture
People often scan the attic floor for drips of moisture, but small leaks may not actually make it that far. Sometimes, the water that leaks in will instead accumulate on the rafters of the attic. You may see it sitting there in the form of drops and dribbles. Keep in mind that the moisture may not be coming from a leak or a nail hole directly above the place where you see it. The drops could instead have trickled down from a leak closer to the roof peak.
Mold
Make sure your attic is brightly lit when you go in there. You want to be able to see the color of the wood and the insulation in there. This way, you will notice any moldy spots. Keep in mind that not all moldy spots are the black or brown color people often associate with mold. Some mold is white, and other molds are green or tan. Mold means moisture is coming in, which means you have some sort of roof damage.
What you notice in the attic won't necessarily tell you what's wrong with your roof, but it will tell you that there is something wrong with your roof. Have a roof repair contractor come look at the roof and figure out exactly what is wrong and what needs to be repaired.
Contact a roofing contractor for more information.