If your roof has begun to show signs of age and neglect, it is probably time to schedule a professional roofing inspection to avoid expensive repairs or major damage to your property. It is recommended for homeowners to have their roofs inspected once per year.
Roof inspectors look for every single sign of damage on and near the roof.
Roof Inspection Expectations
The roof on your home serves as protection against rain, sleet, and snow from damaging the rest of your house. A roof inspection is needed to keep your roof from experiencing serious damage from neglect. Homeowners should know what to expect when they request a professional inspection completed by a reputable roofing company.
A professional roofer will include the following in a proper roof inspection.
1. Interior Inspection
The inside of the home will be inspected for water intrusion. Your walls, ceilings, and attic are areas that should be inspected. A roofing inspector will check for signs of aging, leaks, mold, and moisture. Any openings in your roof will be identified by looking for streaks of light entering from the outside.
Roof damage can include rot, mold, water stains, and other indicators that signal the presence of water. Any damage to the roof will ultimately lead to damage to the interior of your house.
2. Exterior Inspection
The next thing that a roofer will do is check the outside of your roof for signs of damage or wear and tear. This will include taking a close look at missing shingles, leaks, damaged flashing, and cracked caulk.
Walking on a roof can be dangerous and can cause injuries and increase any damage that’s already on the roof. That’s why it’s important to hire an experienced roofing professional to do an exterior inspection instead of trying this yourself. Professionals have the equipment and training to do it safely.
3. Material Inspection
There are different types of roofing materials used, depending on the location and type of home. If you have a shingle roof, the roof inspectors will look for any shingles that might be curling, loose, or downright missing. The same goes for missing fasteners or damaged flashing. Both rust and moss can damage roof shingles, leaving an unsightly stain on your roof.
4. Structural Inspection
Trained roofing professionals can tell if a roof needs to be repaired or not based on its structure. They can spot uneven planes and sags on a roof. Gutters, soffits, and fascia need inspecting as well, along with chimneys and chimney caps.
The seals around your vent pipes will also be inspected for gaps or signs of damage. Heat and moisture can build up if your venting is not working properly. This can result in a decrepit roof structure and the formation of ice dams along the edge of the roof.
5. Workmanship Inspection
An inspection includes checking out the quality of its installation. Errors in workmanship can result in decreased roof life. Sometimes the flashing can be installed incorrectly, as well as the chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes. A professional roofing inspector is necessary to check if the your roof is experiencing any leaks or cracks caused by inferior installation.
6. Repair Estimate
Upon completion of the inspection, the roofing technician servicing your home will prepare an estimate based on the level of damage to your roof, the cost of repair or replacement materials, and labor. For insurance purposes, an estimate will include details outlining the condition of the roof, recommended repairs, and estimated costs.
Recommended Roofing Maintenance
Homeowners often take care of roofing problems as they come up, rather than concentrating on preventative maintenance. Regular inspections will help catch issues with your roof before they become overwhelming. You can also do some things yourself, or hire a professional to do them, to keep your roof in good shape.
- Debris Removal. Clearing your roof of leaves, tree branches, and other debris can help to avoid problems.
- Clear Your Gutters. Excessive rainfall or snow can cause roof damage, especially if the gutters are full of leaves and other debris. Make sure your gutters remain clear before the rainy season.
- Surface Repairs. A professional roofing company can make a simple repair quickly. If you ignore these small problems, they will become larger and more expensive.
- Pipe Seals and Caulking. Caulking around pipes and vents is a simple but effective maintenance procedure to prevent leaks and other problems.
Protect Your Home with a Well-Functioning Roof
Roofing materials last anywhere between 10 and 20 years; however, they don’t last forever. To prevent early deterioration of shingles and other roofing materials, routine inspections and maintenance are a must.
Brian Dawson Roofing can save you money long term and ensure your roof lasts as long as it is guaranteed.