With spring on the horizon and the hope of warmer weather returning sooner rather than later, have you thought about how your roof held up to the winter elements? It’s a good question to be mindful of each year as our region transitions from cold, snow, and ice to warm, windy, and wet. With the possibility of extreme weather conditions cropping up at any time, keeping your roof prepared (and in good repair) can make all the difference in your home, peace of mind, and your wallet! Keep reading to learn about the Why, When, and What’s involved with a comprehensive roof inspection.
Why Are Roof Inspections Important?
If you’ve experienced roofing problems in the past, such as roof leaks, then you understand that roofing problems affect your entire home and your peace of mind. You get that, “Oh, no!” feeling in the pit of your stomach and immediately start wondering if you need a roof repair or roof replacement, and “When is the rain going to stop?” In addition to keeping your home, valuables, and family safe from the elements, timely roof inspections pinpoint problems early which can make a huge difference in roof repair costs.
When Should A Roof Be Inspected?
This is a great question often asked from homeowners, and there is more than one answer. Though, the answers are all straightforward.
- Annual: Roofing contractors and insurance companies alike typically say a comprehensive roof inspection should be conducted once a year. You can contact your roofing contractor to inspect your roof any season of the year so long as there isn’t snow and/or ice on the roof.
- Harsh Weather Event: Your roof should be quickly inspected following hail storms and strong wind-driven storms.
- Buying/Selling: If you are buying or selling a home, the roof should be professionally inspected by a reputable and experienced roofing contractor.
- Damage: If you notice damage to your roof, such as missing shingles or shingle granules in gutter downspouts, call your roofing contractor right away for a roof inspection.
Who Should Inspect The Roof?
It may be tempting for you to climb a ladder up to your roof to inspect it, especially if you’re a do-it-yourself type of homeowner. Keep in mind, roofing is a very dangerous industry. You should never climb up on your roof. You can conduct a basic inspection from the ground, looking for damaged or missing shingles, faded shingles, stains, sagging gutters, and other obvious signs of roofing problems.
However, new roof construction, roof replacements, roof repairs, and roof inspections should only be conducted by professional roofers working for a reputable roofing contractor. Look for the following attributes from your roofing contractor:
- Credentials: Your roofing contractor should be fully licensed, bonded, and insured.
- Experience: Look for extensive experience and many years in the roofing business.
- Reviews: Read customer reviews on Facebook, Google, and other third-party review websites. Also, your contractor should have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
- Guarantee: Not all contractors guarantee their work in writing. Only hire a contractor who offers such a guarantee.
- Documentation: Your contractor should provide digital documentation with images and video of before and after work and inspections performed.
What’s Involved With A Pro Roof Inspection?
Now, down to business. You may be wondering about the details and nitty-gritty of your upcoming roof inspection. Whether your roof inspector starts from the inside out or outside in, here are the key points of a comprehensive roof inspection:
- Shingles: Shingles are checked for uplifting, rips, buckling, fading, hail impact points, and missing shingles. Gutter downspouts are checked for shingle granules, which indicates roof wear and tear.
- Droops: Droops and uneven roofing surfaces are due to aging, sagging, and/or rotting roof decking. Sometimes decking problems are only revealed once your old roof is torn off.
- Gutters: A good gutter system is essential to a healthy roof. Sagging, leaky, broken, and rusty gutters should be repaired or, better yet, replaced.
- Flashing: Flashing is checked for seals, holes, cracks, and any problem signs that can lead to a leaky roof.
- Protrusions: Chimneys, skylights, vent pipes, and/or any other protrusions through the roof are inspected.
- Eaves, Soffits, Fascia, Exterior Walls: Water stains or decay in the eaves, soffits, fascia, and/or exterior walls is a sign of roof and/or gutter problems.
- Attic, Insulation, Ceiling, Interior Walls: No roof inspection is complete without looking inside your home for signs of roof leaks in the attic, ceiling, and interior walls. Signs of roof leaks are wet and/or moldy insulation, water stains, dark spots, and mold and mildew on walls, ceilings, and floors.
When it’s time for your next roof inspection, trust the pros at Aurum Contracting. We offer free roof quotes and inspections for harsh weather events. In addition, any roofing work we do comes with our 5-YEAR CRAFTSMAN’S WARRANTY. Contact us online or simply call us at (608) 312-4343!