Whether you’re buying a new house or want to make sure your current home stays in excellent condition, knowing the condition of your roof is vital to ensure safety and prevent possible damage. You should make a habit of checking your roof every now and then, especially after extreme weather or heavy precipitation. Here are a few things you can do.

Look in the Attic

The first thing you should do when checking your roof is go into the attic. Before using a flashlight, check for any light that may be showing through. If you see any, you should contact a professional like roofing company Birmingham AL to get your roof replaced or patched up right away. Other things to look for from inside include stains or streaks in the wood, which may indicate that your roof is leaking.

Inspect the Shingles and Flashing

From outside your house, you can check for visible signs of damage or old age. If you see any shingles that are cracked or warped instead of lying flat, they need to be replaced. You also should check the shingles on a windy day to make sure none of them are loose, and check if there are any small granules lying in the gutters; this indicates the shingles are old and falling apart. Additionally, you can inspect the flashing around vents and chimneys for possible cracks.

Watch for Trapped Moisture

Moisture that gets trapped in your roof, commonly in shady areas or in corners or valleys where heavy precipitation builds up, can spell trouble if it’s not fixed. Signs of trapped moisture include sagging, rotting boards, plant growth or growth of mold or fungi. Obvious sagging or rotting indicates that you need to get your roof fixed right away, while moss growth may harmless; just be sure to keep an eye on it.

If you think you see signs of damage in your roof, don’t panic. Check with a professional to see if your roof needs to be replaced or repaired.…