Your Roof and Milk: What’s The Difference?

Your roof and a gallon of milk may have more in common than you think.

Your roof has a tough life – it endures the beating sun, the pouring rain, strong winds and torrential snow. Despite that, the roofs over our heads may easily fall into the category of out of sight, out of mind, when it comes to homeownership. However, the dangers of an aging roof are drastic, and if not properly inspected and maintained, can lead to major damage to the inside of your home.  High utility bills are also a danger of aging roofs. An aging roof can cause excessive water leaking into your house as well as poor attic ventilation and condensation. This forces your furnace and air conditioning systems to work far less efficiently than if your roof was in prime condition. Now, what does this have to do with Milk?gaf_tru_SLATE_roof_tile_multicolor.337185057_std

Your roof is very similar to a carton of milk; over time they will both go bad.  Although the time frame is much different; the outcome is very similar.  Living in the North East, chances are you have grown to adapt to the drastic climate changes.  Your roof, however, may not feel the same way. All the rain and snow may create an environment conducive to mold growth or rotting. This can eventually smell terribly, and become a cause for major air quality and health concerns. Just like milk in your refrigerator, your roof has an expiration date. If you don’t assess the problem, eventually there will be a nasty turnout.

You may be asking yourself, “what can I expect my roof to look like as this aging process takes place?” There are many signs of an aging roof. The most obvious of which is shingle curling.  Curling is when the asphalt shingles on your home begin to harden and shrink.  You may be able to see granulates falling into your gutters. Another sign is mold and moss growth.  Moss can grow on roof surfaces that don’t get much sunlight, especially in cool, moist climates. Any obstruction of the roof can cause issues with drainage and ventilation. Mold likes to grow in dark, damp spaces, such as in the curved areas of your shingles. Mold can cause air quality problems and even health risks – neither of which you want in your home.7628_WISEMAN-MILK-GREEN-BOTTLE-T

We all know what happens when a gallon of milk sits in the fridge for too long.  It will start by smelling terrible and stink up the fridge. It quickly becomes undrinkable, and what was once a nutritious, vitamin-filled drink, is now a chunky, non-potable mess.  This is very similar to your roof in the sense that water accumulated beneath these curling shingles create rot, mold, and a stench throughout the whole house.  When milk begins to curdle and stink, you don’t even think to keep it in your fridge.  If your roof begins to stink and grow mold, then it should have the same result; GET RID OF IT and have a new one installed.

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