As the seasons change, so do property and roofing requirements. A roof adds value and security to the home and is an important asset that should always be well-maintained. Bi-yearly assessments of a roof (usually in the spring and fall) should be considered to help asses any problem areas which may need minor preventative action.
Our Kirkland roofing company recommends following these simple guidelines to help asses current roofing systems. This is also a great opportunity to diagnose any potential problems that may exist and could help save money further down the line. If these guidelines raise any questions, it is important to contact a professional roofing contractor immediately to prevent further damage.
How To Set-Up a Roof Inspection
The easiest way to inspect a roof is to mentally break the sections of the roof down into manageable areas. Consider starting with the gutters, an area you should be familiar with and inspect all year round. From that point, work around the roof and check the shingles and any area on your roof such as chimneys, satellites or other devices.
Start by assessing tools to ensure that a roof inspection is possible.
- Safety first! A ladder will more than likely be necessary to view these hard-to-reach places; make sure the safety and ladder are secured. Wear appropriate footwear, and choose a day when there is agreeable weather. It is not advised to perform this check during wet conditions.
- Ensure that the ladder extends three feet beyond the gutter: This will help secure the ladder to the property correctly. Inspect ladder for any damage before operating and make sure the ladder is placed on a solid, level ground for the safest possible operating conditions.
- If in doubt, contact a roofing company: A professional roofing company will be able to help in cases where limited resources are available or there is no desire to perform a home-inspection of the roof. This is also a great go-to if you happen to find any damage or minor discrepancies.
How To Inspect Your Roof Safely
The guttering is the section around a roof that helps drain rainfall away from the home and should be checked throughout the year. Gutters can sometimes be cluttered with leaves and debris, and are often simple to clean. This simple step can help prevent expensive damage later.
When checking the roof itself, consider these steps as a great way to ensure that all sections are accounted for:
- Look for buckling or blistering: This will be a tell-tale sign that maintenance is required as well as when to anticipate any work that may need to be done in the future.
- Look for loose materials: This may indicate a fault somewhere else, so check to see if you can find a root cause of these loose materials.
- Look for wear and tear around your chimney: A faulty chimney can cause serious health risks to residents and should be inspected with careful consideration.
- Look for shingle granules in your gutters: These shingles will weigh down your gutter and can also protect them from U.V rays.
The picture below clearly identifies damage to a residential roof. The shingles are the gray paneling. The shingles in the image below are buckling. Also, notice the dark patches. These are signs of water retention and require immediate attention.
Note: Shingles that show signs of buckling or curling indicate that they are reaching the end of their life expectancy. It is a good idea to invest in a professional examination from a roofing contractor at this time to asses the full damage. If there are any questions regarding this issue, please contact the Kirkland roofing company, who will be able to offer more information and advice on what to do next.
A Roofing Company Checklist
Below is a recap of the basic steps that can be taken to fully assess the health of a residential roof.
- Are the gutters cleaned?
- Have the shingles been inspected?
- Have all chimney areas been inspected?
- Have all pipes been inspected?
- Has the roof been inspected for any signs of water damage?
Upon following these guidelines, if there is nothing unusual discovered in or on the roof in question, it is a good sign that the roof is well maintained and should not present any major discrepancies in the upcoming year.
If, however, something did spark attention or concern, now is the perfect time to consider a contacting roofing contractor. Prevention is always more cost-effective than a cure, and it may be a case of a simple, location-specific fix rather than a replacement of the whole roof.
Hiring a Roofing Contractor
While it is a handy tool to be able to check gutters and roof systems, sometimes professional help may be required. Professional advice may be sought when resources for a home inspection are not available.
In the case that damage is discovered, Kirkland roofing company suggest contacting a professional for a full analysis of the damage. Each roof is unique, and care should always be taken to ensure the safety of the home and those who reside within.
Before hiring a roofing contractor, consider the following:
- Authenticating a roofing contractor: Make sure the roofing contractor is fully able to meet your state laws and roofing requirements.
- Gaining references: This is a great way to find out about any possible problems ahead of time.
- Asking for proof of insurance: Is perfectly normal and will help validate any concerns.
- Asking the roofing contractor about warranties: Can possibly help save you money in the future.
The Kirkland roofing company wishes you the very best of luck in the upcoming year with the best of health to you and your roof. If you have any questions or require further advice, please contact a professional roofing contractor today.