A roof is always the first line of defense of any home against the harsh elements. As such, it’s natural that it goes through a lot of wear and tear. When it comes to maintenance, it’s easy to keep it stress-free just by fixing any minor problems and concerns before they become costly.
Most people hire roof inspectors for this purpose. Professionals have additional tools and experience to spot the smaller problems easier.
Can You Inspect Your Roof?
Any homeowner should know the basics of inspecting a roof. A brief inspection can prevent overlooking any small problems before it can become giant catastrophes. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean climbing up your roof and walking around it, even in situations wherein checking the roof is necessary, such as after any extreme weather event like a hail storm.
Roof walking is not only dangerous, but it can also cause problems with your mortgage and insurance. The best thing you can do is to look for damage through a pair of binoculars from the safety of the ground.
If you’re willing to try, make sure to take proper precautions and do not do anything that will put you in harm’s way. It’s also a good idea to know what to look for on your roof inspection.
Check Inside First
Visible leaks in the interior mean that roof repair or replacement is critical. Interior leaks indicate that water penetrated all roofing materials, so there’s sure to be damage to the shingles and probably the existing decking.
Check up in crawl spaces, on the top floor, and around the exterior walls and ceiling areas for any water stains. Dormers and chimney spaces need to be inspected as well as these are the areas vulnerable to water infiltration during unpleasant weather. A few indicators of leaks are dampness, puddles, and dripping.
If your home has an attic, look for any signs of drips and leaking through your roof. Look for any signs of moisture, mold, and raft in the rafters and wooden interior of your roof. It’s better to inspect the attic during a heavy rain where you can find any active leaks on your roof. Unless these leaks are repaired immediately, the water can easily damage joists and trusses.
Look for Granules Erosion at Gutters and Downspouts
Asphalt shingles are coated with granules that protect the softer surfaces from the elements which can shed from time to time. However, it would help if you still looked closely for granule loss as too much might mean that your shingles have aged or damaged by the weather.
Check the gutters and downspouts regularly to see if there’s an increase in the amount wearing the amount. This means that your shingles can no longer protect your home from inclement weather, and the lifecycle of your roof is coming to an end.
Keep Your Eye Out for Missing, Buckled and Curled Shingles
Walk around your home to visually inspect each shingle. You might be able to see any missing or damaged shingles.
Inadequate ventilation can lead to hot air that can cause shingles to buckle, curl, or warp. Any problems on your shingles can compromise the integrity of your roof, letting in water seep through your roof and causing poor ventilation. Also, they’re not aesthetically pleasing.
Pay Attention to Leaves and Moss
This step involves using a ladder, but there’s no need to walk onto the roof. As long as you follow instructions and place the ladder firmly on the ground before climbing up, you should be able to spot piles of moss, algae, or leaves from where you stand. Areas with debris buildup can usually lead to water damage, so make sure to clear anything you’ll find.
Once you notice any damage, make sure to hire a reliable contractor to inspect your roof and deal with the problem correctly.
Fahey Roofing Contractors has the experienced and skilled contractors you need to help you with any necessary roof repairs and roof replacement. We serve various areas in West Virginia and Ohio. If you have more questions, visit our website today or contact us at (304) 826-1333 for West Virginia and (740) 523-0380 for Ohio to learn more.