Sponsored by GAF. According to the Farmer’s Almanac it will be a cold winter. This is why you should check your roof’s health now. You might be able to save your neck by checking your attic.
Your attic is right!
It is not something homeowners want to do when it is colder or nastier. Your attic, which can be safer and more comfortable than a ladder, can serve as a fallback. Experts recommend that you have your roof checked every pre-winter, spring, and winter to find any potential problems before they become more serious.
“Roofs actually create an insulated barrier that helps trap heat inside, and most attic spaces are located right below them,”Jason Joplin, program manager of CARE is the GAF Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence. “That makes them perfect for spotting potential problem areas and damage without worrying about falling off a ladder.”
Here are some things to watch out for when you’re up there.
* Water leaks. It will storm, as certain as taxes are due in April. When it does, you should shine a flashlight in the attic and check for condensation and dripping water. Also, look for water stains on ceilings, walls, and floors. These are all signs that H2O has made its way under your roof’s flashings or beneath the shingles.
* Stuffed vents. Joplin likens an attic to a closet. “the lungs of the house.”
“It has to be able to breathe in order to function properly,”He said.
Therefore, vents that have become clogged with debris must be cleared. This will prevent proper ventilation. Unless you are okay with higher energy bills.
* Animal damage. Yes, squirrels can be cute when they play on parks lawns. However, they can cause serious damage to your home and other wildlife by using it as a refuge. If they have been hiding, you can tell if they are using your home as a refuge by the following signs: droppings, nests, gnawed wires or insulations.
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* Structural problems. A sagging roof, which you will need to check for, could be a sign of structural weakness that needs professional attention before any snowfalls add more weight.
You want to prolong your roof’s lifespan. To that end, it is important that you make sure your professional roofing contractor is certified and insured. Joplin, one, suggests the latest triple-layer range of roofing materials. Glenwood ShinglesGAF North America’s largest roof manufacturer, the GAF thickest roofing product. It has a woodshake appearance. Gaf.com offers a free service that allows you to locate a factory-certified contractor near you.
You don’t want to dither, but here’s what the Farmer’s Almanac defines as a brutal winter. “very long, cold, and snow-filled.”
