While your roof may look fine, the actual condition can only be determined by a roofing professional. Roof repairs, along with a full replacement of the roof, can break many budgets but routine roof inspections can help you prevent costly roof repairs in the future.
Common Roof Problems That May Be Overlooked
Roof inspections not only detect common roofing problems, but also can help homeowners prioritize improvement projects. A few of the most common roof problems are:
- A leak or small crack in the roof
- Shingles starting to curl or buckle
- Missing shingles
- Plant, moss, mold, or algae growth
- Roof sagging
- Roofing shingle granules in the gutter
Caught early, many of these problems can be fixed before they get worse. Many may even be covered by your roof’s warranty.
Storm Damage
Roofs should be inspected immediately following major weather events like wind, excessive rain or snow, or hail to prevent further damage due to water infiltration. While the damage may be slight, not fixing them right away could lead to bigger problems down the road.
Routine Maintenance Damage
Roof damage may occur during routine maintenance of your air conditioners or other home systems. A thorough inspection will reveal any issues that need to be repaired like sealing mechanical access panels or fixing shingle damage.
Roofing inspection is an integral part of preventative roofing maintenance. When you have your roof inspected, you will gain critical insight into the condition of your roof.
Proper Drainage and Leak Assessment
Water-logged roofs have a greater chance of moisture penetration and leaks. Regular inspections and cleaning can remove leaves, trash, or other debris from roof drain ensuring proper drainage. Without regular maintenance, clogged drains could not only cause serious water damage to your roof, but let water seep into your home causing more costly damage there as well.
How long does a roof inspection take?
A thorough inspection will include an interior and exterior evaluation of the roof’s structure. You should budget anywhere from a few hours to the larger part of a day for the inspection depending on your roof’s condition. Your professional roofing contractor will conduct the following steps:
- Perform a thorough interior inspection including ceilings, wall, and attic area to look for signs of wind, water or hail damage.
- Walk the perimeter of the house taking in account the location of the chimneys, gutter, vent and flashing. Siding and eaves are then checked for water stains or any indication of dry rot.
- The contractor will then climb onto the roof to check its construction, flashing, vents, chimneys, and any other feature looking for missing or cracked shingles. He will check the gutters for evidence of shingle granule which is an indication that they are approaching the end of their life cycle.
- He will then check the gutter for debris buildup , improper installation, holes, leaks or sagging.
Why Hire A Professional?
Not all roofing issues are obvious to the nonprofessional. Just because there is not a current leak does not mean that your roof is necessary sound or that it has other issues. Experienced professionals like The Northface Roofing Company can provide you with sound advice based on years of experience with exceptional customer service. Contact us today. In MA, call 774-203-9998 or in CT, call 860-255-8668.
