The unpalatable truth is that like everything else roofs do not last forever but tend to wear and tear with time. Regular caring of the roof is a must. Some roofs have a longer life than others but even metal ones are not above the hassle of timely check ups and repairs.
The key factor is to keep the roof in shipshape condition before a tiny pinprick becomes a yawning hole. A neglected roof will collect late fees from your pocket whereas regular timely check up will avoid worry and extra expenses.
The first tell tale signs of trouble will be shingle and gravel in the drains around the roof. Plenty of gravel means minute inspection of the surface of the shingles to locate patches left bare without any gravel cover. If there are one or more patches then the time has come for total replacement of shingles.
Then like expert sleuths look around for nails - nails either seen or felt as a lump under the overlapping shingle area. These are signs of age and indications that the nails have lost their hold. It is a sure warning that repairs must be seen to.
Try to track wobbly or absent flashing around the vent pipes and the chimneys. Pry closely around these holes where they are fixed down. Do not ignore cracks or gaps in the filling. Defects in this zone might not imply redoing of the entire roof but definitely the caulking has been filled in - to say the least.
Thoroughly give the valleys a look over for holes or possibilities of hole formation. Usually the roofs have shingled over valleys or tinned/copper valleys. These valleys take on most of the wear and tear because two or even more sections of the material covering the roof converge at these points and drain out to the central point.
Shingle density is very high here. Time does not spare its marks even on galvanized tins or copper flashing covers. The galvanized portion of the tin gets eroded causing rust to form. Air pollutants join in the dance of destruction and acid oozing from nearby saps of trees easily corrodes and causes holes to form.
The eaves or the overhanging parts need to be meticulously checked. Painted portions can be checked with a screwdriver with a flat bade. If the blade can be successfully pressed in more than half an inch then it is a warning sign that the paint is peeling. The finger will also be able tell when it is pressed into paint that has gone soft and crinkly.
The roof has to be inspected from the outside as well as from the inside. The best point is going up to the attic with a torch and crawl about. The tell tale signs of water seepage will be formation of moulds. The airflow needs to be checked from time to time. Sometimes the vents in the cornices get blocked. These need to be cleared. It is better to take professional help so that no cornices are left ignored. The roof must be allowed to breathe healthily. If not, sickness and death will follow.
The usual thumb rule is that if the roof has crossed a life span of ten years then it should be given a thorough check biannually. If you sleep over it then do not be surprised to be woken up wet and grumpy and hunt around for buckets and mops.
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