Now that we’re heading into fall and winter is waiting for us, fall home maintenance should soon be in full swing. If you’re planning to clean the gutters and downspouts, why not include some roof maintenance? Especially if the roof hasn’t been consistently maintained within the past three to five years, regular roof inspections, in addition to alerting you to any current serious problems are also great preventative medicine.
When to have your roof inspected.
The best time for a general roof inspection is in the fall; if the roof technician does find anything that needs immediate repair or replacing, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your roof will get you through the winter. The roof should also be inspected depending on certain circumstances.
New roof: At least two inspections should be conducted in the same year after a new roof has been installed. These inspections ensure the roof installation has been done correctly, the materials are performing the way they should, and the work is up to industry standard.
Stormy weather: When rainstorms and wind storms hit the lower mainland, they can wreak havoc on a roof. A tree falling on a roof is a sure sign that something bad happened, but sections of missing roofing shingles or any other type of damage that lets in moisture that could cause serious leaks should be dealt with sooner rather than later.
Selling: When preparing to move, it is a good strategy to have the roof and gutters inspected by a certified roofing contractor. If you can show a potential homebuyer an official roofing system report outlining how healthy your roof is, it will probably help sell your home faster within asking price.
Professional inspections are worth it.
When roofs are under five years old, a visual inspection from a ladder or the ground with the help of a good pair of binoculars will tell a homeowner if shingles are missing or are becoming so worn they need replacing. But if your roof is older, the trained eye of a professional roofing contractor will be able to identify types of structural damage a homeowner might not be able to identify during a visual inspection.
What a roofing contractor looks for.
When roofing professionals inspect your roof, they don’t just focus on the roof. They will go inside your home to check interior walls, interior ceilings, and the attic for signs of water damage such as stains, mold, and rot. Typical things an inspector looks for on the roof are:
- Loose or missing shingles
- The extent of granule loss (asphalt shingles)
- Damage to roofing shingles such as broken tabs, curling corners, and cracks/holes
- Stains and leaks
- Organic growth such as moss, which can weigh a roof down, causing premature aging
- Structural issues – for instance, uneven roof planes, the condition of the gutters, or any damage to the soffit, fascia and siding up near the roofline
- Ponding – water collecting in a certain part of a flat roof (a sign it’s not draining properly)
- Condition of seals around skylights, flashings, and vents
- Missing flashings and/or hardware
- Sagging roofline
- Cracks in a chimney (masonry) and/or missing caps
Get the most out of cutting edge technology.
Many roofing contractors are making the most of cutting edge technology by offering infrared roof inspections. A thermal imaging camera is used as part of the inspection process to identify areas in the roof’s surface where air leaks (heat loss) and water leaks (expensive water damage) are occurring.
Know what’s up with your roof.
By scheduling regular roof inspections you’ll know what kind of shape your roof is in. Particularly as the roof ages, you’ll be able to budget for any repairs or a major roof replacement that might be needed.
