A well-maintained roof protects the structure’s sheathing, rafters, walls and foundation. It also helps to prevent leaks and other damage to the building interior.
Organic growth such as moss can accumulate on asphalt shingle roofs and cause degradation. It should be removed promptly to avoid more serious structural problems.
Penetration seals around chimneys, vent pipes and media installations should be inspected to ensure they are in good condition. Flashing should be properly mounted and caulked to prevent water leaks.
Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements, and it doesn’t take very long for even minor issues to turn into costly calamities. Diligent inspections and maintenance can prevent these pitfalls and ensure that your roof continues to perform its vital function.
In addition to examining the overall condition of your roof, your inspector will look for any signs of damage. Depending on your type of roof, this may include checking for cracks or other signs of wear and tear, as well as looking for moss or lichen growth and bare spots. A sagging roof can also indicate significant structural damage, so your inspector should pay particular attention to this area.
An important part of a roof inspection is to examine the soffit, gutters and downspouts for any signs of water or ice build-up. This can lead to rot or mold and is often an indicator of problems with your roof’s structure. A professional will use a ladder to get an up-close view of the gutters, and will check that they are free of standing water and properly installed. He will also inspect the soffit for deterioration and will look at the fascia boards and joists to see that they are secure.
Another key part of any roof inspection is to check for any penetration seals around things like chimneys, vent pipes and skylights. These are typically covered by a combination of boots, sealants and flashing to keep water out of your house, and it is very important that these are in good condition. Your inspector will inspect these areas and make any necessary recommendations for repair or replacement.
If you are doing your own roof inspection, it is a good idea to develop a checklist to help you remember the most important points to check. Be sure to pay special attention to accumulated debris, clogged drains and fallen tree limbs, all of which can damage your roof surface. Also, be sure to look for any areas of standing water or water ponding that could cause damage to the underlayment and wood framing.
Clean the Gutters
Gutters are vital to the functionality of a roof and can last from 20 to 50 years when properly maintained. Their primary purpose is to facilitate water flow from the roof to a managed drain. If they become clogged, it can cause the water to back up and force itself through crevices in the roof structure. This process can lead to ceiling damage, which can affect the safety of the people living in the building. Regular gutter cleaning can prevent clogs and the resulting water leakage.
Gutter cleaning can also improve the aesthetics of a home or business. If left unattended, gutters can develop rust spots and stains that detract from the overall look of a building. Clogged gutters can also be a breeding ground for pests, such as rodents and cockroaches. Cleaning the gutters removes these pests and keeps them from damaging other parts of the property.
Cleaning the gutters should be done at least twice a year, once in the spring and fall, to prevent clogs. It may be necessary to clean them more frequently if you live in an area with dense tree growth. Clogged gutters trap moisture, ice, dirt, and debris. Over time, this will start to weigh down the gutters and eventually cause them to sag or even break.
Clogged gutters can also block the downspouts and cause water to back up under the shingles. This can create a hole in the shingle and allow the water to seep into the home or business. This can be expensive to repair and can damage the structure of the building.
It’s a good idea to have your gutters cleaned by professionals. It’s difficult and dangerous to try to clean your own gutters from the top of a ladder, and accidents can happen that will cost you much more in money and inconvenience than hiring a professional service. Additionally, attempting to do it yourself can cause further damage to the gutters and roof system. Professionals are experienced in using a variety of tools to reach the hard-to-reach places on your roof.
Inspect the Flashing
Flashing is a critical part of any roof because it creates a watertight seal and directs water away from vulnerable areas, such as chimneys, vents, and skylights. During inspection, the flashing should be examined for any signs of wear, deterioration, or damage.
Common flashing problems include rust and corrosion, loose or missing flashing, and cracks or gaps that may allow water to seep through. It is also important to check the caulk or sealant surrounding flashing for any signs of deterioration or damage. These areas are prone to moisture penetration, which can lead to rot and other structural problems in the home.
It is also a good idea to periodically perform an attic and wall crawl to look for any evidence of water intrusion in the insulation and drywall. Also listen for any sounds of dripping or leaking in the attic or walls, which could indicate that the flashing is not doing its job.
If you are noticing any signs of flashing deterioration, it is a good idea to contact a professional roofer. They can help you assess the severity of the problem and provide recommendations for repair or replacement.
The areas where flashing intersects walls are often particularly vulnerable to water intrusion, especially in homes with wood siding or other claddings. Properly installed flashing and diverters can prevent water penetration through these areas and protect the home from costly repairs and damage.
A professional roofer will inspect the entire roof system to ensure all components are in good condition. They will look for any leaking or structural issues, such as sagging or warping of the roof deck that indicates the need for comprehensive repairs. They will also inspect the gutters and downspouts to make sure they are functioning properly. They can also assess the integrity of the chimney flashing and recommend any necessary repairs. They can also recommend additional measures to prevent future problems, such as the installation of step flashing and roof-wall water deflectors. Finally, they will clean and seal the flashing to remove any debris or old caulk and ensure a watertight seal.
Trim Trees
Trees are a beautiful addition to any yard and can provide shade during summers and show off their bright colors in the fall. However, the trees near your house can be damaging to the roof if they aren’t regularly trimmed. Overgrown branches may become brittle and break during heavy storms or high winds, potentially hitting your roof. This could cause significant damage, requiring expensive roof repair or even roof replacement. Keeping trees trimmed helps to reduce the risk of these issues by ensuring that overhanging branches are removed before they can make contact with your roof.
Over time, tree limbs that scrape the surface of your roof can strip away the granules that act as the first line of defense for shingles. This causes shingles to age faster, leading to leaks and other roof problems. The debris from tree limbs can also clog gutters and block proper water flow. In the case of pine trees, needles can clump on the roof and prevent moisture from evaporating quickly. This can lead to the formation of mold and algae, causing a host of issues for your roof.
During regular trimming, the professional can also look for signs of disease. If a branch is diseased, it can spread to the rest of the tree and cause it to die. The professional can identify and remove these branches to help the tree stay healthy and strong.
Trimming can also improve the appearance of your home. A clean, well-maintained roof can increase the curb appeal of your home and boost its value if you plan to sell it in the future.
It’s important to understand that not every tree needs to be trimmed the same way. The timing of the pruning process will vary depending on the specific species and local weather conditions.
