by Mj Ferruzza

Created on: December 21, 2008   Last Updated: December 24, 2008

Remember the old movies where the living room in some house had pots and pans everywhere collecting rainwater from a leaky roof? Just a Hollywood image right? Try again! Roofs today continue to be bombarded by the weather. You may feel secure with the current roof on your home, but what are the tell tale signs that you may want to look into buying a new one? Here are some easy steps that range from a quick walk around to a full home heating inspection.

1. A poor roof covering can lead to heat and energy loss. Are there gaps in the roofing tiles? maybe even holes?
2. In the winter does snow melt on one area of your roof, while it settles on all the parts of your roof? Visibly you know which area of the house is giving off the heat through the roof. It may be lack of insulation or need for repair. A home heating inspection could definitely pin point such a problem.
3. Animals getting in your house? Even the smallest gaps and openings in your roof, such as along the flashing, is an open door for squirrels or worse.
4. Water damage to your ceilings may be trickles or even streams of water are getting through your roof and running down the bracing of your roof. This may also lead to rot, an expensive venture in the long run.
5. Do your roofing tiles line up? Sometimes the elements get in because the roof was laid out wrong when it was put on by the roofers or roofing contracting company.
6. The weather itself! Hail damage, high winds, weight of snow and ice can cause damage to your roof that can be seen or unseen.
7. Time! How old is the your roof on your home? While some styles and types of roofing last longer than others, not all roofs are indestructible or never age.
8. The cost of winter, even summer! Home heating costs have skyrocketed. Professionals have told us for some time to insulate, insulate, insulate! If your home has been experiencing skyrocketing heat rate increases of the fall, winter and spring, then you may be losing dollars through your roof. A new roof, in this day and age, can save money and protect the home owner from the rising cost of heating the neighborhood for years to come.
Do you need a new roof? The easiest step of all is to catch it in a season when you are heating your home at a different temperature than outside. A home heat inspection (which can be done in different seasons) can pin point exactly where your house is breathing. A home heat inspection can give you a complete read out on which areas lack insulation as well as trouble spots, which may include hidden gaps. A home heating inspection can give the home owner a new perspective on their property and some peace of mind. As a home owner, you will have the final word on whether or not you will be purchasing a new roof, but it is always good to know that there are resources out there to help you make you clear cut decision.

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