A roof is an integral part of a home. It is a main line of defense against harsh weather conditions like blizzards and hailstorms. However, while advancements in manufacturing techniques have made it possible to build extremely sturdy structures, a roof still requires proper care to make the most of its serviceable life.
Effective roof maintenance begins with a thorough inspection to assess potential issues and figure out the right solution. A professional roofing contractor will help you carry out an inspection on your roofing system and recommend a routine maintenance plan that can increase its lifespan.
Why Do You Need to Perform Roof Inspections?
Since your roof is the main protective covering of your home, it is prone to damage from debris, tree branches and weather elements. Plus, there is also the factor of natural aging or wear and tear. Therefore, you need to perform inspections so you can single out damaged parts that require repair or replacement. After all, it is easier and less expensive to restore a small portion of your roof than to fix a whole roof as well as other affected structures, such as a damp drywall and floorboards.
By hiring a certified roofing contractor who understands the ins and outs of roof inspection, you reduce the risk of accidental damage to your shingles or tiles during the service. If you choose to cut corners and hire an inexperienced roofer, chances are you will end up with inferior workmanship and, even worse, further damage to your roof.
What Are the Signs That You May Need a Roof Inspection?
Leaks and drafts are two of the most obvious signs that your roof is damaged and should be looked at by a skilled roofer. In addition to being on the lookout for water dripping from the roof, you should also check for dark-colored stains and streaks on your ceiling and walls. These are common indicators that moisture has compromised your roofing structure and the interior of your home. While roof leaks are always a surefire sign of roof damage, cool drafts, on the other hand, are not entirely attributed to the roof. A faulty roof, however, can lead to a number of problems involving poor air circulation and ventilation. It can also cause your monthly energy bills to skyrocket.
If there are no visible signs that you need to have your roof repaired or replaced by a roofing contractor, especially after a severe storm, a more thorough inspection may reveal damage that is not apparent to the untrained eye. That said, scheduling a roof inspection is a necessary step to maintaining the tip-top shape of your home.
What Do Roofers Look for During a Roof Inspection?
A roof inspection process includes the assessment of the interior and exterior parts of the roofing structure. An interior inspection requires accessing the attic space while an exterior inspection requires accessing the visible part of the roof from the ground up.
Here are some of the things that the roofer will look for during an interior roof inspection:
- Insulation
The roofer will assess whether your attic is properly insulated by examining the R-value and current condition of the insulation. Poor insulation allows heat to seep into the attic during the winter. This can cause the snow to melt on the roof, resulting in ice dams and leaks.
- Ventilation
In addition to having proper insulation, the attic should be adequately ventilated to prevent a host of moisture-related issues, such as rot, mold and mildew – all of which can seriously compromise the structural integrity of the roof.
- Rot and Mold
Both are telltale signs of water damage and should be remediated as soon as possible in order to ward off more harmful problems, like a sagging roof or health complications.
- Leaks. It is extremely important to identify leaks during their early stages because they can only grow worse over time and speed up the deterioration of the roof.
- Light
In the attic, the presence of light rays and drafts is definitely an indication of an underlying issue as both penetrate the roof through cracks or loose intersections between pieces of roofing materials.
Here are some of the things that the roofer will look for during an exterior roof inspection:
- Flashing
Flashing is a thin strip of material, usually made of metal, that is applied around vents, chimneys or valleys. It is installed to direct water away from open areas on the roof. If your roofers discover loose or torn flashing, they will opt to replace it to prevent water from leaking into your home.
- Shingles or Tiles
The roofer will also inspect the condition of the shingles or tiles to make sure there are no cracked or missing pieces. Damaged shingles or tiles need to be replaced as they leave the roof vulnerable to more damage.
- Gutters
Apart from ensuring the rain gutters are intact, and the roof does not require new gutter installation any time soon, the inspector will also check if there are shingle granules collecting in them. An excessive amount of shingle granules signals that the roof’s shingles are wearing down and may need to be replaced.
- Vegetation
In some cases, wildlife like birds or the wind deposits seeds on the roof, which results in the growth of plants on it. Tree branches scraping the surface of the roof should also be remedied by either pruning them regularly or cutting down the tree altogether.
- Weathering
Roofs wear out and age depending on the material. Asphalt shingles, for example, will reach the end of their lifespan much sooner than a metal roof. Therefore, the contractor should inspect the material accordingly to properly approximate how many years are still left in them.
Contact Us for All Your Roofing Needs
When it comes to top-quality home renovations, Ben’s Construction Inc is the contractor you can count on in the area. Our certified team offers a range of services to our neighbors in Massachusetts. These include roof inspection and maintenance, gutter installation, bath and kitchen remodeling, deck building and new construction. Get in touch with us for a free consultation and estimate. Call (508) 962-2417, or fill out our contact form.