One of your home's most crucial components is the roof. It's crucial to regularly inspect your roof because it shields your house from water intrusion when it's well-maintained and in good repair. Consider these five points when conducting your own roof inspection or contacting a professional roof inspector.
1. Look for Algae, Moss, or Piles of Leaves
You can start your do-it-yourself roof inspection from the ground if you have binoculars. Start by walking around your home and looking for any accumulations of leaves, other growth, or debris on your roof, all of which can seriously harm a roof. They have the ability to trap moisture, which can then seep into the sheathing beneath your shingles and even into the roof's structural components. These need to be put away right away.
Moss is particularly hazardous because it acts as a sponge for rainwater. The wooden framework supporting your roof may begin to mould and rot as a result of the moisture, which could jeopardise the roof's structural integrity.
So how do you eliminate bothersome moss? If the infestation is recent, you should apply moss killer and use a broom or brush to remove the offending moss. Consider purchasing moss- and algae-resistant shingles when having your roof reshingled; although they may be more expensive than standard shingles, they can prevent moss for the entire lifespan of the roof.
2. Look for Buckled or Curled Shingles
Your shingles could warp, buckle, or curl as a result of the hot air in your attic. (Asphalt shingles frequently have this problem.) It's important to replace damaged shingles because they can weaken the integrity of your roof by allowing water to enter and obstruct ventilation. During the roof inspection and repair process, if more than one-third of your shingles curl, it's time to completely reshingle the roof.
3. Check for Damaged, Missing, or Old Shingles
Your roof's shingles may warp, buckle, or curl due to the heat in your attic. (Asphalt shingles frequently have a problem like this.) Shingles that are misshaped should be replaced because they can damage your roof's integrity by allowing water to enter and obstruct ventilation. It's time to re-shingle the entire roof if more than one-third of your shingles curl during the roof inspection and repair process.
As you clean your gutters, look for wear on your asphalt shingles. Granules in asphalt resemble gravel. These granules will become loose as the shingles deteriorate and end up in your gutters. If you notice a lot of asphalt granules in your gutters, carefully inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles.
4. Inspect the Roof Up Close
If at all possible, climb a ladder to perform a close-up inspection of the roof. Check the flashings around the chimney, dormers, and vent pipes for damage while you're up there. (The metal components on your roof known as flashings serve to divert water.) Flashings that are damaged or corroded can allow water to enter the interior of your roof, which may lead to rot in the roof and house walls. You'll probably need to replace the flashings if you notice the damage.
5. Investigate Your Attic
It's crucial to check the attic of your home for any indications of water leaking through the roof, especially after a particularly heavy downpour. By doing this, you may be able to see the damage that was hidden from view from the ground or your ladder. Check your rafters and the wooden interior of your roof for moisture, mould, and rot while performing a thorough roof inspection. You might need to have your leaking roof fixed if you notice any water damage.
Your home's first line of defence against the elements is its roof. You can safely and carefully inspect your roof for signs of wear and damage yourself even if you can't afford to have a professional roof contractor inspect it twice a year.
Regular DIY roof inspections will also help you get to know your roof, so you’ll be able to recognize problems before they get too serious.
How Much Does a Roof Inspection Cost?
Roof inspection prices can range from $75 to $675 on average. Your roofing materials, whether a drone or thermal imaging technology is required, and the cost of local inspections may affect the final price.
But you can safely inspect your roof yourself using our roof inspection checklist if money is tight or you can't find a contractor to come out and do it.
How Often Should You Have a Roof Inspected?
A twice-yearly roof inspection is recommended.
In order to make sure that the roof hasn't been harmed by winter storms, snow, ice, or hail, it is a good idea to conduct a roof inspection in the spring or early summer. Consider storm-proofing your roof and learn how to get your house ready for the extreme cold before winter arrives.
In the fall, you should inspect the roof once more for harm caused by summer thunderstorms, falling tree limbs, and other dangers.
About the Author:
Kolin was born in Denver, Colorado, and works as a contract author. He graduated from the College of Colorado, Denver with a bachelor's degree in English. The Colorado Rockies are his favourite place to climb, and he also enjoys the wonderful arts, such as playing the violin. Writing is his best form of networking and expressing himself.
