A roof inspection is a great way to ensure that your roof is in good condition. If you catch potential problems in your roof early, you can prevent the damage that can lead to costly repairs down the road. Regular roof inspection will also ensure that your home, your belongings, and your family are safe from unexpected weather disasters.
To make a roof inspection as easy as possible, we’ve compiled a list below of things to look out for during your roof inspection.
1. Inspect Your Roof's Gutters
Gutters are important to the overall health of your roof. Its job is to collect the water that drains from your roof. This keeps your roof from overloading with water, which can lead to leaks and water damage.
Water dripping from your roof or pooling in the gutters indicates that they are clogged. To make sure your gutters are working properly, check them for clogs. If you find any, make sure you remove them immediately. You can use a garden hose to clear the clogs. If you don’t have a hose, you can use a broom to sweep the debris out of your gutters.
Another thing you should look out for when it comes to your gutters are damaged or missing gutter hangers. Gutter hangers are the metal pieces that connect the gutters to the roof. Depending on how your gutter hangers are attached to your home, they can cause some major damage if they start coming loose. A loose gutter hanger may not drain water properly. To make matters worse, sheathing can be stripped or cracked where the hanger is pulling away, and if the hanger is attached to fascia boards, it can pull down the entire board and cost you a lot of money.
2. Check for Misshapen or Damaged Shingles
Shingles are the most visible part of your roof. They are the first thing that will be damaged by a storm. A damaged shingle can leak water into your attic and cause mold to grow. If you notice any misshapen or damaged shingles, you’ll need to have them replaced right away.
It is also common for roofing shingles to fall off or become cracked, brittle or curled when they reach the end of their useful life. Unquestionably, this is a sign that your roof is in need of replacement. If you notice any of these problems, you’ll need to have your roof inspected, or possibly repaired, by a professional roofing contractor.
3. Inspect Your Roof's Flashing
You may need to hire a professional to do this. Flashing can be the metal that covers the joints between the roofing shingles or the thin metal installed to direct water away from areas such as the chimney or walls. Roof flashing plays an important role in the waterproofing of a roof. Although they are small parts of a roof, they can cause significant damage under the surface.
A roof with missing or damaged flashing can allow water to seep into the wall and cause damage. If you notice any flashing that is missing, damaged, or loose, you’ll need a professional to have it repaired.
4. Examine The Attic Thoroughly
The attic is a space that is usually overlooked during a roof inspection. However, it is one of the most important parts of your roof. A thorough inspection of you attic can give you a sense of your roof’s condition and how it was affected in the past.
In an attic inspection, one of the most important things to look for is the presence of water. Attics and roofs are your first line of defense against expensive water damage. If you notice that it’s uncharacteristically humid up there, or see signs of rotting wood, then you more than likely have a water problem somewhere.
While in your attic, check for any signs of poor ventilation as well. A poorly ventilated attic can lead to heat build up during hot months and cause your shingles to curl or warp.
When in doubt, a professional roofing contractor can provide you with a detailed report that includes the attic’s condition and the repairs that need to be made.
5. Inspect Your Chimney and Skylights
If you have a chimney or a skylight, you should inspect them for any damage as well. For skylights, you’ll need to examine the seams that connect it to the ceiling as well as the shingles that surround the skylight from above. Any damage to these areas can eventually cause leaks.
Chimneys, in particular, are a common source of water damage, and they’ll need to be inspected from above. Be sure to check the saddles or cricket around your chimney to ensure that water is being directed away from the house. Any damage to the perimeter of your chimney can result in snow or rain gathering at the base, eventually causing a leak.
How Often Should You Inspect Your Roof?
The roof of your home should be inspected at least once a year. Additionally, you should check your roof after any extreme weather event, such as a heavy storm, hail, or snow, and search for any interior leaks. Of course, all roofs are different, so it’s best to consult a professional for specifics about what to inspect and how often.
For proper roof inspection and maintenance, you should always hire a professional. Working on a roof without appropriate training is highly dangerous. A professional roofer will be able to give you a detailed report on your roof’s condition and any repairs that need to be made. They’ll also be able to provide you with a schedule of inspections.
Final Thoughts
While the roof is one of the most important parts of your home, it is also one of the most overlooked. Roofs are a common source of water damage, and they can cause significant damage to your home. This is why it’s important to inspect your roof on a regular basis. Even better: get a professional roofer to do it.
Roofing is a specialized field, and you don’t want to try to do it yourself. You can end up causing more damage or even injuring yourself.
If you need a roof inspection, or need your roof repaired, don’t hesitate to call us to schedule an appointment. We can send a roofing expert to your home and provide a free inspection.
