A roofer will typically need to get on your roof to conduct a comprehensive inspection. This will allow him to spot things that aren’t apparent from the ground or inside your home.
He’ll check the condition of flashing around chimneys, walls, skylights, penetrations and equipment curbs. He’ll also make sure that gutters and downspouts are clear and that water flows properly to prevent clogs and other problems. Contact Ellingson Roofing LLC for professional help.
Roof leaks can lead to significant damage inside a home, so roof inspections include examining the attic and interior ceilings for signs of water penetration. The inspector will also check insulation in the attic and any ducts venting through the roof. Proper insulation helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduces energy costs, but it also protects the roofing materials from moisture. Inadequate insulation can cause the roof to age faster than it should.
An attic inspection also looks for loose or missing insulation and any signs of pests. Rodents are known to nest in attics, and droppings can indicate a pest problem.
A thorough attic inspection will also examine the roof framing for rot or structural damage, including cracks and separation at rafters or joists. An inspector will also look for metal truss plates and make sure they aren’t twisted or loose.
If you’re performing a maintenance inspection on your own, be sure to wear protective clothing and a dust mask. When you disturb insulation, it releases airborne particulates that can cause respiratory problems. Be careful not to walk on any exposed beams, and use a ladder if you must access the attic.
In addition to checking the condition of shingles and insulation, an attic inspection will look for damaged or missing flashing or fasteners. An inspector will also check for signs of shingle aggregate that has settled in valleys or on the ground around the gutter downspouts, which could mean the shingles are nearing the end of their life.
An attic inspection will also examine the soffit and fascia to ensure they’re free of rot or damage. A roof inspection will also look for proper ventilation in the attic, which reduces the buildup of heat and humidity. Insufficient ventilation can also speed up shingle degradation.
Inspecting the attic and ceilings for signs of water intrusion is important, because it’s easier to see signs of water penetration from inside a home than from the outside. The inspector will also look for stains on the attic sheathing or framing and ducts that protrude through the roof, as well as moisture stains or mildew in the interior of the house.
Inspect the Flashings
The roof flashing is the vital piece that prevents water from seeping into areas like chimneys, vents, skylights, and the joints where the roof meets a wall or dormer. Leaks often occur at these locations and can lead to water intrusion into the home that can damage drywall, insulation, and even wood. To prevent these issues, a roof should be checked on a regular basis for any signs of leaks or damaged flashing.
The most common flashing problem is rust or corrosion on the metal pieces that seal at these locations. This typically results from the metal being exposed to the elements, but can also be due to improper installation or age of the flashing itself. Cracks or gaps in the flashing can be caused by these issues as well, and should be repaired promptly to ensure a secure, waterproof seal.
Leaks from the flashing can create excess moisture in the attic and may lead to mold, rot, or ruined drywall. If you notice any leaks or moisture in the attic during or after a rain storm, this is a sign of faulty flashing that needs to be fixed immediately to prevent further issues.
Other signs of flashing problems are visible damage around roof features such as chimneys and vents, or if the flashing is loose or missing. The roof’s field should be inspected as well, looking for areas of uneven wear, differential movement, or degradation of the surface.
Before attempting to repair any of the flashing, it’s important that it be thoroughly cleaned. This can be done with a wire brush or putty knife to remove any debris that may be lodged in the crevices. Next, a caulking or roofing sealant should be applied to any cracks, gaps, or damaged spots on the flashing. After the sealant has been applied, a new piece of flashing should be installed and fastened with appropriate roofing nails or screws. The edges of the flashing should then be sealed again to ensure a watertight seal.
Leaks from deteriorating flashing can be costly to repair, so a comprehensive inspection should be performed on a regular basis to catch these issues early. In addition, a professional roofer should perform annual maintenance on the roof and its components, including the flashings. This can help catch problems in the early stages and save a homeowner thousands of dollars in repair costs down the road.
Inspect the Shingles
It is important to inspect the shingles of your roof regularly. Look for shingles that are cracked, loose, or missing altogether. This is one of the most obvious signs of roofing problems, and addressing these issues quickly can save homeowners from extensive damage to their homes in the future.
Dark stains on the shingles are also often indicative of roofing issues. These stains can be caused by moss, lichen, or algae. These growths can cause shingle damage by absorbing moisture and trapping it on the shingles, and they can also leave an unsightly appearance on the roof. It is important to keep these growths under control by having your roof cleaned annually, and by using preventative products containing zinc or copper that will inhibit the growth of these substances.
Inspecting the shingles from the ground or from a ladder is easy and relatively safe, but it’s important to examine each shingle for signs of damage. Look for shingles that have been lifted along one side, as these may be at risk of being torn off completely by the next strong wind. Also, check the shingles for cracks or chips that could indicate aging and increased vulnerability to damage.
When examining the shingles, it is also important to look for any areas of discoloration on the interior of the home. These stains can indicate that water is seeping through the roof, and should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the structure of the house.
While it is always best to have a roofing professional conduct an exterior inspection, homeowners can do a ground-level inspection on their own with the help of a pair of binoculars or a yardstick. Inspect the condition of metal roof panels for loose screws or rust, and check gutters for any blockages. Also, make sure that roof penetrations such as skylights and chimneys are properly sealed and in good condition.
Finally, homeowners should examine the attic for signs of mold or damp insulation. These are signs that the attic is not ventilated properly, which can lead to a host of problems for the home’s structural integrity. It is also important to inspect the gutters for any blockages or standing water that can cause problems during a storm.
Inspect the Gutters
A roof’s gutters are responsible for transporting runoff from the roof to a drainage system. It is essential to inspect them regularly for clogging, leaks and other damage. Gutter inspections can usually be completed by removing the debris from the gutter and running water through them. Residential roofing experts will often use a garden hose to flush out the remaining dirt and check for proper water flow. In addition to preventing blockages, gutters and downspouts must be properly sloped to avoid overflows during heavy rainstorms. This is important because the excess water can cause foundational problems for your home in Port City.
The gutters should be free of rust and corrosion, as well as any moss or biological material that may be excreting corrosive acids into the surrounding soil. The gutters should also be firmly attached to the fascia, soffit, and the roof itself. If any of these components are damaged, it is likely that the gutters and downspouts will need to be replaced or repaired.
While it is not necessary to climb up on the roof during a regular gutter inspection, it is helpful for an inspector to do so. This will allow them to get a closer look at the condition of the gutters and to assess whether or not they have an adequate slope towards the downspout. Insufficient slope is a common problem that leads to rust and can cause water to back up behind the gutter, damaging the fascia, siding, shingles, and foundation of the house.
The downspouts should be properly angled to divert water 4 to 6 feet away from the foundation of the home. Otherwise, it can saturate the soil and wick up into the home’s foundation, causing cracks that may require costly repairs to resolve.
If the gutters are not properly angled, it is recommended that the homeowner have them adjusted by a professional. This can be done by a qualified professional without the need for climbing on the roof itself and is a much safer approach. The gutter hangers should be checked for looseness and repositioned as needed to create the proper slope towards the downspout.