The roof plays a vital role in keeping your house dry and secure. However, many homeowners are not usually proactive when it comes to roof maintenance. Like any other materials in your home, the roof is subject to wear and tear over time and should be regularly checked.
Knowing what to look for and what actions to take will save you lots of time and money in the long-term. We have put together this roof repair checklist to point you in the right direction.
Why Do I Need To Inspect My Roof?
The materials of your roof are subject to the elements 365 days a year. Bad storms and natural disasters can test the structural integrity of the materials, as can falling tree branches or heavy snowfall.
In some cases, the original installation may have been done poorly, meaning shingles might come loose exposing sections of the roof.
As you can see, there are many things which can cause problems for the roof and roofing materials. Identifying small issues early will give you ample time to fix them. If they are left, then the problems will get worse, resulting in some expensive repair bills.
How Often Should I Inspect The Roof?
Checking your roof should be done at least once a year. However, it makes sense to inspect your roof if there has been bad weather, such as heavy snow or hail.
You can quickly check the condition of your roof yourself, but remember to schedule a professional inspection every three years.
Start Inside
Start your roof inspection by checking the walls and ceilings inside the house. Look for any examples of mold or mildew, as well as water stains or dark spots on the ceiling. These signs will show that moisture has gotten into the house and that there is probably a leak somewhere in the roof.
Make sure that you check the attic space. If any areas need repairing, then you might notice sunlight coming through a gap or hole in the roof. Also, look for visible signs of water in the attic. If you see any staining on the beams or signs of rotting, then it is time to get a roofing contractor in.
If things look good inside the house, then it is time to move outside.
Outside Inspection
For the outside inspection, make sure that you choose a dry, warm day and maybe enlist the help of a friend or family member. If you are not a fan of heights, then you can send your friend up the ladder or stay on the ground and use a pair of binoculars. You should be able to notice many issues from the ground anyway.
Keep an eye out for damaged or missing shingles, cracked caulk, and the presence of any moss or black algae. Also, keep an eye on the condition of the flashing and guttering. If you notice any sand-like residue, then that means there is an issue with the shingles somewhere on the roof.
Any problems with the shingles should be taken care of as soon as possible.
Needless to say, you should use extreme caution when walking onto the roof of your house. Even the process of climbing up the ladder can be hazardous. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, it’s usually best to seek the help of a professional.
