If your roof’s taken a beating from Michigan’s climate this year, you may be tempted to call up your local roofing specialist for some quick repairs. That’s all well and good if your roof is relatively new and has minor cosmetic damage or a missing shingle or two. However, you may be surprised to learn that after a thorough inspection, many professional roofing contractors may suggest a complete roof replacement instead.
While we recommend reaching out to a trusted roof replacement company for their opinion first, there are still some things you can do as a DIY project to check if your roof needs repairs or replacing before making the call—if nothing else, to prepare you for what to discuss.
DIY Checklist of Damages
Grab a paper and pen and a comfy pair of shoes and get to walking! You’ll be checking the perimeter of your home or business, looking for the following signs:
- Are any shingles buckling, lifting, or curling? This can lead to moisture seeping in and is a surefire sign that your roof needs to be replaced rather than simply repaired.
- While missing shingles can be easily replaced, if large portions of your roof are missing swaths of shingles, it may be prudent to replace the entire roof with sturdier materials instead of repairing a row or two.
- Check your gutters—are they filled with granules? These may be coming off of your asphalt shingles and are needed for optimal fire and UV resistance on your roof. Their deterioration may spell the need for a complete overhaul.
- The most serious sign to look out for is if your roof is sagging. This points to serious structural damage and needs to be rectified by a roof replacement contractor ASAP.
Once you’ve checked the outside of your property, it’s time to head inside and take note of the following:
- If you have an attic, check the airflow and smell of the room itself. If there’s a stale, musty scent, it may mean you have no proper ventilation and that you most likely have hidden water damage and mold and mildew growth. Discuss proper insulation and ventilation practices for your attic with a roof replacement expert in order to get the most out of your new roof!
- Don’t confine yourself to just the attic. Check every room’s ceiling for any signs of leaking or staining. Water shouldn’t be entering your home or business in any form, and it could mean your roof is severely compromised and needs to be checked out by a roof replacement company.
Finally, if it’s been a few decades and you feel your roof has performed its duty to the fullest and needs to retire, it may be time to call your local roofing contractor for a full roof replacement. Replacing your roof can freshen up your property’s look and curb appeal, as well as exponentially raise its resale value.
For a Roofing Company That Cares, Call the #1 Contractor in Michigan
With over 25 years of combined experience in the roofing industry and using the most modern, up-to-date techniques, Original Roofing Company is here to serve you and your roof for many years to come. We’re not just a one-trick pony, either; aside from regular residential roof replacement services available to homeowners statewide, we also offer commercial roof replacement for Michigan’s business owners.
Request your FREE inspection today using the phone, email, or online form, and our representatives will get back to you in 24 hours!
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