Memphis Roofing: Is your home ready for winter?

This month, the Memphis weather has taken a turn for the colder. As the Fall turns into Winter, it’s more important to make sure your house is secure before the first winter storm hits. Have you been thinking your roof might not make it through the winter?

Without proper care, your roof can lead to major problems, and with cold weather ahead, no one wants to experience a winter without a proper roof. Our Memphis roofers work year round to provide roofs in the Mid-South, including emergency roofing help and new construction builds.

Before the weather gets too cold, take a look at this list of 5 warning areas you need to check to determine if a new roof is needed.

Shingles

Taking a look at your shingles, there are a few telltale signs that your roof needs some improvements. Missing shingles, or shingles that have curled or buckled are signs that your roof isn’t at peak health. Any signs of wear and tear to individual shingles is a sign that your roof may be in need of repair, and that the roof has passed its life expectancy.

Broken shingles are also a sign that your roof is in need of repair, even if there is no immediate impact from the broken shingle.

Sunlight

Check inside your attic during the day. Do you see sunlight coming through the boards in your roof? If so, that means the elements, such as rain or snow can come in through your roof. Even tiny holes that allow in a little bit of sunlight could contribute to a larger leak if strong weather hits.

If your roof has parts that are regularly exposed to sunlight, and other sections that are shaded, your roof may age unevenly, which can also lead to partial damage in winter weather.

Age

A high quality roof in Memphis should last between 20-25 years. In fact, if you’ve bought your house in the past 10 years, your roof probably hasn’t been much of a thought. However, if your home is older, it may be time to consider a new roof or a checkup by a local professional.

In addition to the age of your roof, how your last roof was set is also important. If your roof was put on top of an existing roof, it is likely the roof does not have proper ventilation. In the case of double shingles, the sturdiness and structure of your roof should be monitored before the 20-year mark.

Gutters

Paying attention to what is flowing through your gutters is important. If you notice granules of shingles in your gutter after an afternoon of rain, the shingles have broken down and need attention. The path to the gutters is also important. If the valleys are overly worn out, your roof is susceptible to leaks and breaks, and could potentially cause the need for emergency repairs.

Mold

While you’re in your attic, it’s important to monitor not only the sunlight coming in, but also the structural integrity of the insulation surrounding the roof. If there are signs of mold on the insulation, it means it’s coming into contact with moisture from a potentially leaky roof. Fixing a leaky roof is imperative to not only the health of your home, but to your family. Left untreated, mold can cause health issues, including respiratory illnesses and other harmful infections.

If you notice minor mold damage, the problem may go deeper than it appears. Mold spores can be airborne or on surfaces and may not show up to the naked eye, however if left alone will continue to develop.

Free Roof Inspections

Have you noticed any of these warning signs? Our Memphis roofing experts offer free roof evaluations to help you check for any signs of damage. This no-obligation visit will show you what to look for in a roofing company and will allow you to do your research on the best roofer in Memphis. To learn more about our free roof evaluation in the Memphis area, fill out our free evaluation form or call us at (901) 438-5084.