Signs of roof damage

Here are the items you should pay particular attention to when inspecting your roof for damage:

Material failure

Flashing is the metal that connects the chimney, vents and skylights to the roof. Also, it connects porch roofs to the second story. Inspect the flashing every 10 years to ensure it hasn’t corroded or cracked, that rubber gaskets around plumbing vents haven’t deteriorated and that the metal collars on vents used with gas appliances remain tight. Estimated cost of flashing: About $50 per roll.

Check the surface of asphalt shingles to ensure their grains are intact. If they’ve been abraded (by weather or walking on the roof) replace the shingles, then stay off the roof. This is true for cracked tiles, too. Estimated cost: About $30 per bundle, but can vary based on the roof type.

Wind and tree damage

Tree branches that rustle gently in a breeze can also crack tiles, abrade asphalt shingles and damage fascia boards if they brush or strike them. Prevent tree damage by keeping branches at least 10 feet from your home and by ensuring that trees can’t hit your home if they fall during high winds. If a tree hits your home, evacuate until an engineer or general contractor ensures your home is safe to inhabit.

After storms, check your roof for missing shingles, worn spots and cracked or broken tiles. Also, look for broken fascia boards and loose metal sheeting. Estimated cost: DIY prune for free.

Wildlife

Raccoons may be cute, but they can be destructive by ripping off shingles, nesting in attic insulation, compressing it and leaving excrement. Squirrels and roof rats may cause similar problems. Inspect your attic once or twice each year to ensure it’s not home to unwanted wildlife. If critters have invaded, contact a wildlife specialist to remove them, then find and seal their entry points and repair any damaged roofing. Estimated cost of wildlife removal: $200-$500.

Moss

Moss on the roof is more harmful than beautiful. Its spores collect between shingles, growing and spreading to form mats a few inches thick. These mats store rainwater, which wicks underneath shingles, soaks the underlayment and, if unchecked, rots the roof sheathing.

If you have moss, remove it. An air broom works nicely. Don’t power wash the roof, because that can drive water underneath the shingles or tiles. Once the moss is gone, apply a chemical treatment or zinc or copper solution to kill any remaining moss spores. Alternatively, install zinc or copper strips at the roof’s peak to kill moss in the coming decades. When reroofing, consider shingles with built-in moss inhibitors. Estimated cost of chemical spray: About $15.

 

Hail Damage

Usually hail is not something that you can miss—it is typically a widespread weather event in a neighborhood and not isolated to just one house on the block. Hail can bruise a shingle causing an indentation that may be hard to see but that can crack the shingle allowing water to infiltrate over time. You may need the assistance of a professional roofing contractor to determine the scope of the damage. If you have hail damage, you will need to file an insurance claim.

If your hail event was significant in terms of widespread damage, you will have roofing contractors who specialize in “storms” knocking on your door within days of the event. As always, you should use your best judgment when selecting a contractor.

Potential signs of hail damage:

• Other collateral hail damage around the house; dents on cars or other items on your house or in your yard.
• A distinct pattern of small round-shaped divots on the edges of the shingles.
• Indentations in the shingle where granules are missing.
• A large pile of granules at the end of your downspout; a small amount is normal, especially on new shingles.

 

Water Damage:

Leaks can occur as a result of storm damage such as heavy rainfall, hail, or snow accumulation. If you live in an area that sees heavy snowfall, you need to be sure that your roof is able to support the weight of the snow and properly sloped so that the snow will not sit on the roof for long periods of time. When the snow melts, it can cause serious harm to the roof. Moisture can leave your home vulnerable to mold infestation as well.

 

Identifying Wind Damage to Your Roof

If you’ve recently experienced winds of 45 mph or higher, then call us and we will get outside and take a look at your roof for some of the common signs of roof damage. Signs of wind damage on a roof include loose or missing shingles, chimney issues, curling or peeling shingles, granule loss, damaged soffit or fascia and indoor leaks. High winds can also cause tree branches to fall and damage a roof.

Spots of Granules Missing from your Shingles

Like hail, wind can cause loss of granules (the sandpaper-like part of the shingle). The first place we look to determine if you have missing granules is by inspecting your gutters for the granules, as this is where they tend to pile up.

Edge of Roof Curling from Peeling Shingles

The edges and other pressure points on the roof are most likely to sustain damage from wind. During our inspection we’ll look for curling shingles where the wind took hold and began to peel the shingles. Shingles keep out water, so if they’re loose it will lead to water damage and a quickly deteriorating roof.

Entire Shingles Missing from the Roof

One of the easiest ways to tell that you have a wind damaged roof is the loss of entire shingles. If you find shingles in your yard or around your house, you’ll definitely want to have a professional come out and look at what else could cause you trouble. Strong winds can completely rip shingles off leaving your roof vulnerable.

Cracks or Tears in a Flat, Rubber Roof

If you have a flat roof, we’ll look for missing pieces or tears in the material. Wind can lift up the material and rip it away or leave it with bubbles which hurts the integrity of the covering.

 

Why Your Roof Damage Might Not Be Covered by Insurance

Roof replacement can be prohibitively expensive for many homeowners. A new roof costs just over $7,000 on average in the U.S. but could cost up to a whopping $30,000 if your home has an expensive roofing material, is especially large or possesses a complicated roof shape or slope.

In the event of a storm or falling tree, you would hope your homeowners insurance would cover basic roof damage. However, your insurance company may deny you coverage precisely because roof replacement is one of the costliest home repairs.

Caveat #1: Your Roof Is Too Old

You may assume your home insurance will cover your roof damage in the event of a fire or break-in, and in most cases, that’s a Is your roof too old to be covered in case of disaster? Find out by calling us today! reasonable assumption to make. However, roof coverage might not apply if your roof is deemed “too old.”

Caveat #2: The Damage Was Your Fault

Homeowners insurance usually covers roof damage in extraordinary circumstances beyond your control. However, it is highly unlikely your roof damage will be covered if the insurance company can reasonably put the blame on you for a roof malfunction.

One of the most common instances where roof damage may be deemed “your fault” is if you have a roof leak due to normal wear and tear. For example, if a roof shingle came loose and blew off your roof, exposing the underlayment to rain, and you never fixed the issue, your insurance would likely not cover the resulting water damage. From their perspective, you should have called a roofing professional to inspect and maintain your roof.

Your insurance company may also refuse to cover your roof damage if you attempt to make a minor roof repair and end up making the situation worse. For example, some roof shingles and tiles are delicate and may break or fall off when tread on, or you may try to nail a shingle back in, only to cause a leak by puncturing your roof in the wrong place. Since you directly caused or exacerbated the damage instead of calling a qualified professional, you would be responsible for paying for repair or replacement.

Caveat #3: Your Roofing Material Is Too Financially Risky to Cover

The ultimate goal of an insurance company is to make money, so they generally don’t want to cover roofing materials that are highly expensive, easily damaged or both. Wood shake roofs are a particularly high risk because they cost a fair amount of money, have a similar or shorter lifespan than shingle roofs and burn easily. Many companies won’t cover wood roofs at all because of their susceptibility to wildfire and water damage. If you have a wood roof, be sure to do thorough research before committing to an insurance policy.

Metal roofs, while fire resistant, are also quite expensive to replace and can be easily dented by hail. Slate roofs are luxurious but heavy and costly to install. With these types of roofs, insurance companies may try to dismiss damage as “cosmetic” so they don’t have to replace the costlier roofing materials. They may also charge a premium for coverage of a more expensive roof.

On the flip side, insurance companies often reward homeowners with impact-resistant or wind-resistant roofs with better coverage and other incentives, as these roofs reduce the chance that they’ll have to pay for hail and windstorm damage.

Tips For Choosing The Best Roof Repair Professionals

If your home has a gaping hole in its roof following a major windstorm and due to a falling tree, getting the damages repaired is probably a top concern. Don’t make the mistake of hiring the first roof repair service that you come across. The roof is by far one of the most costly parts of your home to replace, and it is also your home’s very first line of defense against the natural elements which means that you’ll need to use discretion while searching. After all, spending just a few days and nights with a short-term fix is far better than spending years with a shabby and poorly patched roof.

You Should Always Ask For Recommendations

Check-in with your co-workers, neighbors, friends, and relatives. You’ll get the best and most helpful references from consumers that have used roof repair companies in the past. Try to speak with people who’ve used roofing services some time ago so that you can see how the work is holding up and the overall condition of their roofs

Check The BBB And Other Online Review Platforms

Always check a roofing company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. If a roof repair company is not listed on BBB.org, then you probably shouldn’t trust it. This is something that you will likely run into a lot following a significant storm, when roofers who are working out of their trucks start canvassing neighborhoods, looking for projects to pick up. These individuals do not have the qualifications for roof replacement, but they realize that many homeowners are desperate for solutions.

Request Licensing Info And Proof Of Insurance

Fly-by-night roofers do not have all of the proper documentation for their businesses. You should work with contractors who can provide proof of insurance, including both workers compensation and liability. Insurance is essential because legal action is always a possibility when accidents occur on the job, or if issues arise after the work crew is done.

Learn More About The Designations Of Manufacturers

Find out if roofing contractors have any accreditation from manufacturers. This means that roofers have met specific requirements for obtaining factory certification. This isn’t something that every roofer has, but it does show a personal dedication to the craft, and it is an additional stamp of approval

 

Tips to Choose the Best Roofing Company

our home is a sign of your hard work and dedication to your family. Why would you trust it to anyone less than the best? Whether you are in need of emergency roof repair in Buckhead or new chimney caps, it’s important to choose a roofing contractor that is trustworthy, reliable, and experienced. While you might have a ton of recommendations from friends, family, and the hardware store, narrowing it down to the perfect company might seem daunting

Check for insurance. The contractor that you choose to work on your roof should be equipped with workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Before they begin working for you, ask to see the certificates, and take the time to call their insurance carrier to ensure that they are valid. This prevents you being held liable for any accidents that happen. Plus, it protects you should there be an issue with your roof in the future.

Go for local. Choosing a roofing professional that is local is beneficial for a number of different reasons. First, it makes it easier to contact them should there be a problem in the future. While a 5-year warranty on their work is great, it doesn’t do you any good if you can’t track them down at the end of that time. Make sure that the business you choose has built up a good reputation in the community before you hire them.

Don’t ever hire based on price. While you do want to get a good deal on the services you need, price should never be your determining factor. Cheap bids drive down the market. In the long run, you get what you pay for. Hire your contractor based on the quality of work that they do. Then you won’t be paying an arm and a leg to fix their shoddy work in the future

Avoid door-to-door servicemen. While it might seem convenient to hire that serviceman that came to your door because he was “just in the neighborhood,” steer clear. There is no way to verify the quality of work performed by these storm chasers. Instead, do your research and find a roofing company with a solid history and background

 

Tips for Choosing a Roofing Contractor

Knowing the right roofer to hire for your home can be a challenging and confusing task. Below is a list of helpful tips to assist you in choosing the right roofing contractor and getting the best service for your money.

Insurance is a must

Make sure that your contractor has worker’s compensation and liability insurance. Ask to see the certificates and actually call the insurance carrier to confirm that they are valid.  This keeps all bids on a level playing field, knowing that part of the cost of the roof and the service being provided to you is protected with the security of coverage.

Choose local contractor

Make sure that the company that you choose is local. This means that they are not just operating locally now, but have an established business and reputation in the community

Price isn’t everything

Never choose a company based on price. Cheap bids drive down the market and anyone with overhead and proper insurance has to establish pricing to cover such costs.

Avoid storm chasers

Steer clear of the knock-on-the-door, “We were in your neighborhood” roofers. This is just canvassing and selling. Pick a roofer from a referral or a sign in your area that has a satisfied client on the other end

 

Tips for Choosing the Right Roofer

If you need to repair or replace your home’s roof, you’ll want to hire a competent and trustworthy pro to ensure the job gets done right. After all, the roof plays a fundamental role in keeping your home structurally sound and protecting you and your family from the elements. To help ensure you choose the right roofing contractor

Talk to Several Roofing Contractors. Be sure to speak with several roofing companies before you make a hiring decision. This’ll give you an idea of fair pricing and give you the best chance of getting the roof you need at an affordable rate. You’ll also want to ask the contractors whether they use subcontractors for jobs and how they plan to prep and clean up the worksite.

Verify Credentials. Checking out your roofing contractor’s work history is the most important thing you can do to ensure a quality job. Always ask for proof of licensing and insurance, and request at least three references while interviewing pros. Take note if they delay in providing you the information you’ve asked for–it could be a bad sign

Review the Contract and Warranties. It’s important to understand the terms of your agreement with a roofing contractor. So, be sure to thoroughly read any contract carefully before you sign. Also, check to make sure you understand the warranty (if any) that comes with your new roof. Some roofing contractors offer a guarantee on their work. A five-year guarantee on materials and workmanship and a 20- to 40-year warranty on the roof itself are standard offerings.

Cover Your Bases. Be sure to cover your bases before work begins. Ask your contractor whether you or the roofing company will be responsible for acquiring a permit for the project. Most roofing companies will pull permits for you, but it’s a good idea to double-check. And if you’re submitting an insurance claim on your roof, be certain that you’ve followed all the necessary procedures

 

Tips For Choosing The Right Roofing Contractor

Although your home is comprised of many different parts, the roof is by far one of the most important. Proper roof maintenance is essential. That means making timely repairs and replacing your roof when it wears out. To successfully accomplish these tasks, you need to find a good roofing contractor

Choose Someone Who Is Locally Based

When comparing roofing contractors, always look for a company that has a local address. Going with a company that is well established in your local area takes a lot of the risk out of the equation since it gives you a chance to check reviews from other clients.

Always Get An Agreement In Writing

You should also look for a contractor who is willing to provide a written agreement that clearly outlines all of the work that they plan on doing. Any good contractor should be willing to do this for you so that you know exactly what they will be doing and how much they will charge. Don’t forget to find out how long the project will take, as well.

Look For A Company That Prioritizes Safety

Roofing can be dangerous work. That is why it is important to look for a contractor that makes safety a priority. Not only should they use the right tools and equipment but they should also take steps to prevent accidents. We always go above and beyond to make sure that everyone close to the job site stays safe.

Reasons to Choose A Metal Roof

Know the environment the roof will be subjected to

There are environments where a metal roof will perform better than any other material, especially those subjected to extreme weather events, such as:

• High wind
• High UV/sun exposure
• High moisture – rain, ice, or snow

But that doesn’t mean metal roofing can’t work in mild environments either. In fact, metal roofing works well in generally any area as long as the correct panel type is used for the application and the installation details are followed. Just be aware that there are places where a metal roof can be installed, but not qualify for one or more warranties. This especially applies to structures near the coast and subjected to brackish water, salt-water bays, and crashing surfs.

Here are a few more items to look for in your living environment before installing a new roof:

• Shaded areas
• Tree cover
• Potential pollutants in the air
• Other nearby bodies of water

Know how much maintenance you’re willing to do

Any roofing material will require maintenance of some kind, but the frequency of such maintenance varies across the board. This is why knowing how often you want to or are willing to do regular maintenance on your roof is a key consideration to think about. We’ll talk more about metal roofing maintenance in the next section.

 

Why Should Homeowners Consider Metal Roofing?

Metal roofs offer several advantages including a longer life cycle than roofing materials like asphalt, and cedar. Metal roofs can withstand the elements including hail, heavy rain and snow, and high winds. Metal roofs have also been credited for protecting homes during forest and brush fires. In fact, in many areas insurance companies offer homeowners up to a 30% reduction in their homeowners insurance when they install a metal roof.

Available in three different styles: standing-seam roofing, panel roofing, and look-alikes including tiles, cedar, or slate. Standing-seam metal roofs have large ribs, which require crimping or soldering to connect them. Panel roofing panels resemble standing-seam roofing however, these require being screwed down. With the exception of the screw-down panels, metal roofing installations require special training.

Metal roofs can initially cost up to three to four times more than asphalt or cedar roofs. However, homeowners must keep in mind that the average asphalt cedar roof will require replacing approximately every 15 to 20 years, whereas metal roofs can last over 60-years, making metal the perfect roofing choice.

 

What Metal Is Used for Roofs?

There are several metals used to make metal roofs, and they all have different benefits. These include:

• Copper: This has been in use for years. It’s naturally rust resistant, and weathers naturally.
• Alloys: These are combinations of different metals to create stronger roofs.
• Stainless steel: This metal won’t rust or corrode on your roof.
• Lead: Malleable and durable. You can cut this metal into different shapes, depending on what you need.
• Zinc: This is another versatile metal, that’s also resistant to corrosion.

 

Why Choose A Metal Roof?

Have you noticed a metal roof or two in your neighborhood? There are many surprising reasons why a homeowner would choose to have a metal roof installed over any other material. Metal roofs provide a lifetime of protection, dramatic energy savings, and are available in a variety of designs and colors to complement any style home. A metal roof can have traditional vertical seams, or be made to resemble woodshake, slate, shingles or clay tiles. Listed below are five extraordinary benefits of metal roofs.

Home Appreciation
In any area of the U.S., the costs of installing a metal roof can be recouped by more than 75%. In Western states specifically, the average cost of installing a metal roof is $16,906, while it raises the resale value of your home by $14,661. That’s a recoupment of 86.7% and higher than the national average.

Energy Efficiency and Reduced Waste
Your roofing material has a major impact on the amount of heat your house absorbs from the sun. You can saveup to 40% in air-conditioning energy costs by installing a reflective metal roof, while a highly emissive metal roof can reduce the air temperature in your home by as much as 12 ° F. In addition to cutting CO2 emissions from your HVAC system, most metal roofing systems are made of recycled material and can be installed right on top of an existing roof, but we don’t recommend that.

Insurance Savings
We live in an area where extreme weather, high winds and forest fires can occur from time to time. While it is obviously ideal for safety reasons, it is also useful to know that impact and fire-resistant metal roofing may qualify you for discounts on your homeowner’s insurance. Homeowners in some areas of the U.S. have been known to receive a 30% discount.

 

Metal roofs are easier to install 

In comparison to asphalt, slate or clay roofing, metal roofing is much easier to install. Some roof installations can take 3-4 days to complete while metal roofs tend to take around 1-2 days

Metal roofs are durable 

There’s a reason why metal roofs last so long, they are extremely durable. Metal roofs protect from some of the harshest weather and most aggressive winds. It can withstand high amounts of rain and snow and won’t burn from the sun. Steel sheet metal roofing makes for one of the most durable roofs out there.

Metal roofs are affordable

Many people will automatically go for an asphalt roof when looking for affordable roofing because it can be cheaper than a metal roof. What they may not realize is that they’re buying a roof that may not last as long as a metal roof. What they also might not realize is that asphalt roofs need much more maintenance than almost any other roof out there.

Metal roofs up your property value

You can up your property value. A contemporary looking metal roof on a home can increase its value from 1-6%. And since metal roofing in Toronto is an effective insulator, it can decrease your energy bill every month, thus further increasing your property value. Metal roofing offers more colors than regular asphalt roofing as well as a European design that can make your home look amazing. Upkeeping your home aesthetically is something that will also increase the value and houses with metal roofs will most likely attract a higher percentage of buyers when the time comes to sell.

Roof Inspections – Are They Necessary?

Roof inspections

In many states, especially those that see a higher amount of snow and hail, when buying a home it is usually requisite to have the roof certified from inspection. Matter of fact, many lenders required this to be done before they will cut a check. In most states, a properly ventilated roof can last 20 years or more. In states where the snow is heavy, they often have to be replaced every five years. While having a secure roof is one of the most important parts of a home, it can also be a very expensive investment, especially if you bought a home under the guise that everything was on the up and up.

Roofing Inspections

Roof inspections are simply inspections that determine the integrity of a roof, how long it may last, and when it will need to be replaced. Roof inspectors are not going to climb up on your roof or the roof of a home you are thinking of buying and pull up shingles or tiles. Roof inspectors have special procedures wherein they can determine the lifespan of a given roof without tearing into it. At first glance it might seem that roofing inspectors would have to pull up part of the roof to do a thorough examination, but if you consider your own roof, you would not want anyone tearing holes in it just to see if it was in good shape.

Are Roof Inspectors Different From Home Inspectors?

Roof inspectors also have super-technical techniques like infrared roof inspections where they don’t even have to touch the surface of the roof itself to determine a roof’s integrity. This process uses infrared rays to locate parts of a roof that are at higher or lower temperatures than the rest of the roof. These “hot spots” can show a roof inspector just exactly where heat is escaping.

Play it Safe

Because replacing a roof can be quite an investment, insurance companies and lenders require that this has been checked off. It makes sense for these companies to protect their investments, but you as the homeowner should want this to be secured as well. You don’t want to be stuck with a bill that you weren’t expecting, and you also don’t want to sell a home to a family and put them in the same spot.

Roof inspections are not all that expensive, and these roofing inspections can give you and your lenders and insurance carriers peace of mind. Because when the rain is coming down or there is a foot of snow weighing down your roof, you want to sleep comfortably knowing that you are secure from above.

 

What to Expect from Professional Roof Inspections

A roof inspector will be looking for leaks, unusual wear and tear, damage caused by windblown debris, organic growth issues, and problems that may have occurred during shingle installation or subsequent repairs. Ultimately, a roof inspection gets broken into four facets: structure, materials, interiors, and workmanship.

• Structural Inspection: The inspector will check for uneven roof planes and signs of sagging, in addition to examining the condition of the soffit, fascia, and gutter system. Masonry chimneys should be inspected at this time for cracks, crumbling grout, and damage to chimney caps. The inspector may also check the venting in your attic; improper venting can lead to heat and moisture buildup that reduces roof life and increases the risk of ice dams forming at the roof’s edge.
• Material Inspection: Here, the inspector will be looking for loose, missing, or curling shingles; stains; moss; rust; and missing flashing or fasteners. Shingle aggregate that has settled in roof valleys or on the ground at the bottom of gutter downspouts is a sign that the roof could be near the end of its useful life. The inspector will also check the rubber boots and seals around vent pipes, looking for gaps or deterioration.
• Interior Inspection: Because roof leaks ultimately damage your home, the inspector will check interior ceilings, the attic, and interior walls for water stains, mold, rot, and other signs that water is making its way into your house.
• Workmanship Inspection: A thorough inspector will examine your roof for problems in workmanship that could increase the risks of leaks or other roof damage in the future. Incorrect flashing around roof penetrations—including vent pipes, skylights, and chimneys—would all be red flags.

Roofing Analysis

After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report about the condition of your roof and what repairs, if any, are necessary to keep it in good shape. If repairs are necessary, schedule them as soon as possible—before the snow flies, if you can. That way, when snow blankets the neighborhood, you can be confident that your roof is in good shape.

 

5 Benefits of Roof Inspections

Your home is  typically the biggest investment you make in a lifetime. Proper home maintenance is a necessity if you want to maintain its value and keep your family and belongings safe. One of the biggest pieces to your home is the roof. Too often, its  is overlooked because even though you use it daily, you don’t actually see it.

A great way to maintain your roof and maximize its longevity is through a professional roof inspection. The best roofing contractors offer home roof inspections free to homeowners. Here are five benefits of roof inspections:

1. Find Water Damage.

A roofer will check your roof for shingle condition, flashing installation, soft spots, and leaks. In addition, they should review the interior of your roofing system. Roofing contractors check your attic for the right insulation, ventilation set-up, leaks, mildew, and mold. Water damage usually begins long before you see a wet spot on your ceiling. A professional will be able to catch these leaks before they cause major damage to your home.

2. Save Money.

Since you don’t check your attic or roof regularly, it’s impossible to know when something is wrong without a roof inspection. Professional roofing contractors can make recommendations for minor repairs that help you save money. If damage isn’t repaired quickly, it continues to fester and cause major damage which can often turn into a full roof replacement.

3. Simplifies Insurance Claims.

Reputable roofing companies provide detailed reports with their findings and recommendations from the inspection. These reports make insurance claims easier to file and receive approval for because they explain the type of damage, what is needed to fix it, and an estimated cost.

4. Increases the Life of Your Roof.

Getting a roof inspection annually can help extend the life of the roof because you are aware of the damage and can make minor repairs as needed. When roof maintenance is pushed to the bottom of your to-do list, it can cause a premature roof replacement. On average, a full roof replacement costs $10,000 and should last 30 years. If you need a roof replacement prior to that, consider adding an inspection to your yearly home maintenance checklist.

5. Rested Mind.

Getting a roof inspection annually gives you peace of mind that you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect your family and your well-being. Even if a roofing contractor finds damage, you will have a plan in place on how to repair it, the cost, and how to maintain it moving forward.

Having a roof inspection completed annually is a decision that will save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Contact the roofing professionals at Bealing Roofing & Exteriors to schedule your free roof inspection today.

 

A Roofing Inspection Checklist to Get Ahead of Problems

A regular roof inspection can head off expensive repairs.

A roof inspection is one of those preventative maintenance jobs that’s easy to overlook. Don’t. Add a once-a-year reminder on your calendar to go out on a warm day and address any roof problems you find.

If you’re squeamish about heights, don’t worry. You can do a thorough inspection from the ground using a pair of binoculars.

Or, you can get up close and personal with your roof using a ladder. However, there’s no need to get up on your roof just yet. The less you walk around up there, the better for your roofing — and the safer for you. Work your way around your house, noting any potential problems.

Here’s a roofing inspection checklist:

• Cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing.
• Shingles that are buckling, curling, or blistering.
• Missing or broken shingles.
• Cracked and worn rubber boots around vent pipes.
• Missing or damaged chimney cap. (OK, that’s technically not part of your roof, but since you’re looking anyway.)
• Masses of moss and lichen, which could signal the roof is decaying underneath. Black algae stains are just cosmetic.

 

3 Things You Should Know About the Roof Inspection Process

Having your roof professionally inspected is a good way to learn about current issues and potential roofing problems so you can address both before an emergency arises.

The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends scheduling a roof inspection during the fall, spring and following any major storm that involved high winds, hail or flying debris. However, if you invest in a roof preventative maintenance program, the frequency of your inspections will likely depend on the age of your roof. But, it’s typical for homeowners to receive a roof inspection at least once a year.

If you’ve never had your roof professionally inspected, here are the answers to some of the most common questions about the process.

1. What are the warning signs that you may need a roof inspection?

The two most obvious signs that your roof is damaged and should be looked at by a professional are leaks and drafts. In addition to watching for water visibly leaking, you should also check for dark streaks and stains on your ceiling, as they can also be indicators that your roof is leaking and moisture is damaging both your roof and home’s interior.

Cool drafts, on the other hand, are not often 100 percent attributed to your roof, but a faulty roof can lead to problems with proper air circulation and ventilation and cause your energy bills to rise.

However, even if there are no signs that you need to have your roof repaired or replaced, a more thorough inspection may reveal damage that is not apparent to the untrained eye. So, scheduling an annual roof inspection is always a smart idea.

2. What is the difference between an exterior and interior inspection?

While an interior roof inspection includes checking the attic for proper insulation, ventilation, as well as moisture and mold, an exterior inspection includes climbing up on the roof and checking for leaks and proper flashing, as well as the condition of your shingles and chimney.

After the inspection is done, the professional should give you a detailed guide of what needs to be repaired and execute a plan so that it can be fixed properly.

3. What are roofers looking for during an inspection?

What a roofing professional will look for during an inspection will vary depending on the roofing materials used.

If you have a shingle roof, here are a few common issues that a roofing professional will look for during an inspection:

• Signs of water damage – Water damage can be caused by a number of issues, including water not draining properly due to clogged gutters, improperly installed or damaged flashing and storms that blow shingles off leaving room for water to seep in.
• Mold – Mold growing around the chimney and on attic insulation are signs of excessive water damage. During the interior inspection, a roofing professional will pay special attention to these areas.
• Shingle deterioration – this can be missing or loose shingles as well as rotting or algae growth on the shingles
• Clogged gutters – If your gutters contain an excessive amount of loose shingle granules, this is a sign that your shingles are being worn away. Granules give your shingles added weight and protect them from ultraviolet rays.

When inspecting your metal roof, identifying any leaks and their causes is also a top priority. Here are a few areas that roofing professionals will pay special attention to during an inspection:

• Loose seams – Metal roofs expand and contract, depending on the weather. This can cause screws to loosen and seams to separate. If this problem isn’t taken care of right away, the roof’s underlying structure might be damaged by condensation and the buildup of water.
• Damaged flashing – Flashing that has begun to pull apart and has created a gap can allow water to seep underneath your metal roof. It can also lead to corrosion on the underside of the panels.
• Rust – Rust will eat away at your metal roof, creating large holes that will allow water to leak into your home or worse, cause roofing panels to literally fall apart.