Even the sturdiest and most durable roof can have some weakness, especially after a long time of service. Homeowners are advised to have a roof inspection for at least once or twice a year, or at the earliest sign of deterioration.
Doing so can increase the chance of catching small problems before the structural damage becomes larger, more complicated, and expensive to contend with. Arranging a regular professional inspection would also meet the provision of your roofing warranty.
As a homeowner, it’s sensible to have a better understanding of what you can expect from a professional roof inspection, especially if you don’t have any experience with one. Here is some helpful information before proceeding with the inspection.
Interior inspection
Any roofing problems can cause damage to your interior, so the first thing a roofing inspector will do is check the inside of the home for any signs of damage.
A professional will check the attic for signs of leaks or aging or any evidence of water intrusion. A hole would be an indicator of a possibility that water can enter your home. Any openings in your roof will be identified by looking for streaks of light coming from the outside.
While in the attic, the insulation and ventilation of your attic would also be checked since both play critical roles in the health and longevity of a roof. A majority of roofs today have insulation to prevent heat loss. If your roof doesn’t have this, your inspector may recommend you install one.
The inspector will also check the ceilings, attic, and interior walls for any water stains, mold, rot, and other signs that the water is making its way into your house. They would also be on a lookout for openings on the roof since this also indicates severe problems.
Exterior inspection
After a thorough interior inspection, the next thing a roof inspector would do is to move outside to look more closely at the exterior for signs of damage.
While some of the visual inspections performed inside of the home can be done on your own, it’s advisable to let the professionals do their job and not attempt to walk on the roof yourself. Besides being a dangerous thing to do, improperly walking on your roof can damage the tiles and seams of the roof.
This will include taking a closer look and recording any missing shingles, loose granules, leaks or damaged flashing, cracked caulk, and the condition of the chimney. These areas are typically the most prone to leaks, so it’s essential to confirm they’re in excellent shape.
Repair estimate
Upon completing the inspection, the technician servicing your home will you with an estimate based on the problems they found, and the level of damage to your roof, the cost of replacement materials, and labor.
The roofing experts will also give you a detailed overview of the damage and estimate to having them fixed. While it’s only optional that you move forward with these issues, it is highly recommended, since the problems will only get worse as time passes.
The roofer will also provide different documentation if the inspection was requested concerning a pending real estate sale. Both the buyer and seller will be presented with a report which will indicate the condition of the roof, any recommended repairs, and their estimated costs.
A regular schedule for inspections ensures that your roof remains in good condition for as long as possible. Once you and the professional roofer found everything that needs repairs, you should start addressing these issues as soon as possible to avoid an early roof replacement.
You may think that you can repair these damages yourself, but you should never hesitate to contact a roofing professional. Not only is a DIY roof repair dangerous, but fixing the roof on your own is like putting a Band-Aid on more severe wounds. Eventually, it just might make everything worse.
Fahey Roofing Contractors is the trusty roofing contractor that will help with necessary roof repairs and replacement. Check out our residential and commercial roof repair services on our website or contact us at (304) 826-1333 to learn more.