Top 10 signs you should get your roof inspected before winter hits. These signs aren't always obvious from the ground or to the untrained eye. If you have any questions or would like a FREE inspection before winter hits, give First Class General Contracting a call:

815-637-8992

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1. Cracking, Leaning, Missing Mortar:

Mortar should be in a solid, uniform condition. Cracking, leaning, and missing sections of your mortar can be correlated with an unstable roof.

2. Bending or Drooping:

If your roof line looks like it’s curving, it should be inspected by a professional roofer

3. Ice Dams:

As snow goes through a melting-freezing sequence, ice builds up and forms a dam in your gutters. When a roof is not properly vented, heat can escape through the shingles, causing the dormant snow on your roof to melt. The melted snow slides down the roof and accumulates in the gutters, where it re-freezes. To help prevent ice dams, keep your gutters clear of debris. You can also gently sweep the snow off the edge of the roof and verify that your attic is properly vented to keep heat from escaping to the roof.

4. Sounds:

Whistling winds in the home, in addition to door frames changing and doors opening on their own, can be signs of an unstable roof.

5. Shingle Granules:

Noticed most often when cleaning the gutters, shingle granules look like course sand. When found, it is a likely sign that the shingles should be replaced.

6. Dampness:

Often dampness occurs in a home because there is not proper clearing of debris in the drains and downspouts. In addition, if damp air is not being vented properly, it can seep into the attic and lead to roof instability. This is particularly an issue in kitchens and bathrooms.

7. Breaking, Cracking or Missing Shingles:

Usually easier to detect, these aspects are key signs to potential roofing problems.

8. Roof Leaks:

These can be checked from the inside of your home. A roof leak is a sign that your roof has been compromised. Signs of a roof leak include: dripping, dark spots, sagging areas, and outdoor light shining through. Joists should be monitored for woodworm, dampness, rot, and fungus.

9. Curling and Buckling:

When direct sunlight reaches the surface of a roof, it causes granules to weaken and shingles to start curling.

10. Flat Roof:

Due to a flat roof’s lack of pitch, small problems can be hard to spot, but are equally as dangerous because of the tendency for water to sit there.

Avoid a major roof problem by scheduling a roof inspection before the snow & ice hits.