The roof above your head keeps the rain and snow out of your house. But you probably do not give it much thought. If you want to keep your roof in good condition and leak-free, inspect it often!
The question is, how frequently should I have my roof inspected?
You should perform roof inspections at least twice a year. Schedule them when the weather is milder. That is, in the fall and the spring, as the National Roofing Contractors Association recommends.
It is best to inspect while the weather is mild. The aim is to ensure the roof is ready for the coming temperature changes and seasonal weather dangers.
Also, check your roof after severe weather, especially if there was hail or heavy winds. Bad weather may damage or destroy a roof, no matter its age. Therefore, it is necessary to check your roof after a scenario like this, even if it is brand new.
Inspecting the roof as often as required is essential. It avoids small problems from becoming major ones. Indeed, avoiding costly repairs by staying on top of little issues is a smart financial move.
Do you need a professional roof inspector, or can you inspect it? Both types of inspections are valuable. Still, remember that many manufacturers' replacement warranties are valid only if a professional inspects the roof. Also, most insurance providers require third-party evaluations of roofs.
The best way to determine your roof condition is to get a professional opinion and compare it with your assessment.
Call a roofing company to inspect your roof if you are afraid of heights or unable to do it yourself. If you plan on doing the work on your own. Besides, ensure to use our roof inspection checklist as a guide.
Roof Inspection Checklist for the DIYer
The weather and the roofing problems vary significantly around our country. Thus, knowing what to check for on your roof is crucial.
You can use binoculars to look up at the roof from your yard. But climbing a ladder to watch it from eye level is the best method to check for yourself.
You do not have to risk injury by going up on your roof. We do not recommend doing so without the proper safety gear. It is not only dangerous. Additionally, walking around on a likely damaged roof may be destructive.
Thus, move the ladder from one location to another as you make your way around the house to check for issues.
- Look for the following issues:
- Damaged or missing shingles
- Cracked or peeling caulk or sealant
- Stray lichen and moss colonies
- Roof flashing around pipes or other protrusions that are dry rotted, peeling, or cracking.
- Cracked or rusted flashings. This material is the metal roofing piece that surrounds vent pipes, chimneys, and skylights.
- A broken or missing chimney cap
- Blistering, cracking, or buckling shingles.
- Loose, broken, or corroded guttering
- Crumbling or missing chimney mortar
- Large debris like tree branches
Check your gutters for granules if you use asphalt shingles. This type of shingle is the most popular roofing material in North America. These granules protect asphalt shingles from the sun’s harmful rays.
Granule loss is inevitable over a roof’s lifetime. However, excessive granule loss may show shingle degradation.
A pair of binoculars will help to inspect difficult-to-access areas with a ladder, such as beneath eaves, overhangs, and gutters.
You may put your handyman abilities to work if your inspection shows minor issues. For example, you may need to clear away debris, nail down loose shingles, or clear clogged gutters.
More experienced DIYers can replace flashing and rubber seals.
Getting Help from Experts
Schedule an appointment with a roofing professional if you find issues such as:
- Cracked or rusty flashing or gutters
- Crumbling or missing chimney masonry
- Sunken patches on the roof
- Buckling, cracking, or missing shingles
Other signs that it is time to call a contractor include.
- Finding many granules in the gutters
- A missing or broken chimney cap
- Sloppy caulking around dormers or skylights
Frequently, local roofing businesses provide free or low-cost roof inspections. Moreover, a professional can discover issues that a typical homeowner might miss.
Our free 19-point inspection program is only one way Camden Roofing & Construction helps clients save money. We inspect every part of your roof and pinpoint the spots that require attention. We carefully inspect your roof and give you our professional opinion on what repairs your roof needs.
A skilled roofer will check the exterior and inside of your roof. Some problems, such as holes, black mold, or improper installation, may not be evident from outside your house.
Conclusion
It may seem like a lot of work to inspect your roof. But, in the end, you will be glad you did it.
Plan a roof inspection as you would plan for other preventative maintenance, like your car’s oil change. It will help you save time and money in the long run.
For more information, contact Camden Roofing & Construction, LLC in Charlotte and Raleigh, NC at 919-729-5050.
