Inspecting the roof is a task that some homeowners can sometimes tackle without professional help. Inspections allow owners to get ahead of any possible issues and get the most out of their significant roofing investment. Whether a homeowner chooses to regularly inspect the roof himself or have it professionally inspected, most roof damage can be caught early and repaired without spending a sizable chunk of savings.
Here’s what you need to know about a roof inspection.
WHEN YOU SHOULD INSPECT THE ROOF
We recommend homeowners inspect their roofs at least once a year, and after heavy storms. The spring and fall seasons are best to check over your roof because mild weather and lack of significant storms or rainfall make for clear viewing. Inspecting the roof will ensure that it remains in excellent condition for the upcoming summer and winter months and weather extremes.
INSPECTING THE INTERIOR
Most of the time, inspections can begin with the interior. Attics and roof decks offer good vantage points to check for damage that might pose a problem soon. Look for any sagging or bent spots. These are more likely to fall under stress if the roof gets covered by snow. Additionally, check for any signs of moisture or wet areas. Water can often take an unpredictable route if the roof condition allows, and it may surface in the attic some distance from the point of infiltration.
If you spot unexpected beams of sunlight in the attic, the tiles might have loosened up, and the roof will require professional repairs.
CLEAN THE GUTTERS
Gutters are often the first sign of a problem on a roof. Clogged gutters can retain water or decomposing plant material, which backs up onto the roof and causes a mess and eventually, roof damage. Use gloves to shovel debris out of the gutter by hand. Then rinse the gutter with a garden hose to check for any leaks.
If the gutters contain any shingle granules, this can signify encroaching roof damage and may warrant a professional inspection.
EXTERIOR INSPECTION
Depending on the equipment at hand, a homeowner might prefer professional assistance when checking the roof exterior, as not all deterioration is evident from the ground. The key points to look for on the roof are discolored patches, moss, and loose or missing tiles. Moss and organic debris soak up water and retain it for a long time, which rots the underlying shingles and causes long-term damage if left unchecked. North-facing roofs that don’t receive a lot of sunlight are at the highest risk of moss. Discoloration can mean either moisture damage or algae problems, which should be resolved before they get out of hand.
If the roof shingles are missing, deteriorated, or curled, consider calling a professional for a more thorough inspection and a possible replacement.
Even without the use of a ladder and safety equipment, binoculars can be of great help to spot damage from the ground.
CALL FOR BACKUP
If your roof shows significant damage, age, or other anomalies call a qualified roofing contractor for a thorough inspection and repairs. A homeowner should also perform an annual roof inspection on a newer roof to ensure the roof remains in top condition.
