At least twice a year, you should have a roof inspection done, and after every storm or severe weather event. The two most common causes of water damage in the home come from leaky roofs and flooded basements.
Roof inspections determine how long it may last, the integrity of a roof, and when it will need to be replaced. Roof inspectors have special procedures wherein they can determine the lifespan of a given roof without tearing into it or find any potential problems that could damage your investment.
If you miss out on some of the common signs of roof damage, the problem can get larger and make the repair more expensive. You can do the inspector yourself or contact a residential roofing company.
Here are six steps to inspect your roof:
Step 1: SHINGLES
Keep your eye out for curled and buckled shingles which are affected by hot air from attics. Shingles talk! This can put your home and roof at great risk for poor roof ventilation and weather damage. Also, look for damaged, missing, and aged shingles. This is the leading cause of roof damage. Once a shingle is removed from the roof it is directly exposed to inclement weather and they cosmetically are unattractive.
Step 2: GUTTERS
To avoid any roofing issues, clean your roof overhangs and gutters on a regular basis. Make sure you maintain your downspouts too. Make note of signs of rot and open joins, as these can be indicators of larger issues.
Step 3: GRANULE LOSS
Look for granule loss (texture on shingles) on your shingles which show signs of age or severe weather damage and they are no longer protecting your home against damaging storms. You need to replace them if the texture is gone.
Step 4: COUNTER FLASHING
While on top of your roof, inspect your counter flashing. Counter flashing is a metal, waterproof strip installed over areas in need of additional moisture protection. Look for cracked, damaged, and shrinking sealant around the edges of the counter flashing. Your attic and roof will be highly-vulnerable to water damage if the seal has deteriorated. Make sure the seal is intact and leak-proof.
Step 5: GROUND INSPECTION
Inspect your roof from the ground for signs of sagging, aging and damage by walking around your home’s exterior. Identify areas with algae, moss, and piles of leaves. These areas are notorious for causing water damage and costly leaks. Take good notes of any possible problem areas, or areas in need of closer inspection.
Step 6: ATTIC
Look for signs of water penetration under the roof if your home has an attic. Are there any discoloration on the ceiling in the home? Check for leaks and drips.
Step 7: CHIMNEY
Look at the top of your chimney. If it is cracked, it will need to be repaired?
Step 8: NAIL PROTRUSION
Are any of the nails protruding? If yes, you’ll need to fix them or they will cause a roof leak.
Step 9: INSPECT FOR RUST
If you have a metal roof, then you need to check regularly for corrosion or rust on the metal parts. If you notice rust developing, it’s important to remove the rust, prime and finally paint the affected areas of the metal to retain keep them healthy longer.
Be pro-active about fixing the minor problems on your roof to prevent any damage. You’ll save yourself time and money doing it now before it becomes a disaster.
No. 1 Home Roofing is proud to be a GAF Certified Weather Stopper Roofing Contractor in Florida! No. 1 Home Roofing is a family owned and operated roofing company conveniently located on US Highway 19 in Palm Harbor, Florida. We are dedicated to providing top quality workmanship and materials to ensure that your new roof is done right. We specialize in shingle, tile, and flat roof installation, repairs, and maintenance. Contact us for an appointment and/or estimate at 727-781-7663.