Hello World! Welcome Friends! Roof inspections are not things that the majority of homeowners consider often. Normally, the only time homeowners consider their roof is when they have to clean the gutters when limbs or debris are on it, or when they have noticed an interior leak or loose shingles.
It is important for you to consider having roof inspections done so you can learn about possible damage before the damage grows into costly repairs. Roof inspections can save you money, protect your property investment, possibly reduce insurance rates, and increase property value.
When to Do a Roof Inspection
Roof inspections should be done every five to seven years. You can climb up on the roof and do the inspection yourself, or you can have a professional contractor come to do the inspection.
It is recommended, highly recommended, that you get a professional to do the inspection for you. The professional knows more about what they are looking for so they notice problems before they become major problems.
Professional roof inspections are money and time-saving things. The pro helps you repair problems instead of having to replace a roof. They save you money, and they give you peace of mind.
Insurance companies like to see homeowners who are proactive about home maintenance and doing professional inspections to reduce the possibility of roof failure during a storm. Your insurance company may even offer you a reduction on the cost of your homeowners’ insurance if you have these inspections done.
What Should a Roof Inspection Include?
If you have not had your roof inspected by a professional before you should understand what areas the pro needs to be looking at. These are the same areas you should look at if you plan to do a DIY inspection of the property.
Ventilation In the Attic
The first area that should be on the inspection list is the attic in the home. The inspector wants to make sure that there is great ventilation inside the attic. Great ventilation reduces sweating and many other problems.
When the ventilation is not proper for the attic the life expectancy of the roof is reduced.
Ceilings and Walls
The inspector is going to walk through your home and look closely at the ceilings. They are looking for any visible signs of water damages or leaks. If they see any evidence that there has been water leaking onto the ceiling the inspector is going to investigate and try to find the exact cause.
Deck Condition
While the inspector is looking for problems they will be walking across the roof. They are going to be paying close attention to see if any of the areas they walk across feel spongy or have any give to them. A spongy area indicates that the decking boards have become weakened in that area.
Weak deck boards can give under added weight in the winter if you live in an area where it snows. The weak boards also indicate that water has been getting to the board and allowing the boards to deteriorate. Wet boards will produce mold growth over a period of time, and weak deck boards are also an indication that the entire roof will need to be replaced.
Home Vents
The most common vents seen on a home are turbine vents. These vents help to draw the heat out of the attic and exchange the air inside the space. The inspector will make sure the turbine is turning freely to ensure that you are getting proper airflow into and out of the attic.
Metal Roofs
Loosened screws occur because the normal expansion and contraction caused by the heat of the sun can cause the screws to become loose. Rainwater can get in around a loose screw so the inspector will check to see if the screws are tightened.
During the inspection look very closely at the screws holding the metal in place. If you see evidence of rust around the screw that is an indication that water has been getting around the screw. The screw should be removed and inspected. The inspector will be looking for rust on the shank of the screw. If rust is there then there is a high probability that water has gotten past this barrier and onto your decking or lathing boards.
Shingle Roofs
During an inspection of a shingle roof the inspector needs to see if they can spot any loose shingles or shingles that have nails sticking out of them. Loose shingles can allow rain water to penetrate and get to the deck boards.
The shingles will create small pieces of debris that look like gravel as they age. If you see any of this gravel looking substance in your gutter, or on the ground around your house, then your shingles are reaching an advanced age and probably need replaced.
Gutters
If the boards that the gutter is attached to show signs of water penetration that can be a problem. This problem can occur due to insufficient cleaning of the gutters or because the gutter is loose and is allowing the water to get behind it.
Chimneys
The chimney needs to be inspected to make sure the flashing around it is in good condition and is doing the job of keeping the water out. One obvious sign that your chimney is allowing water to get in is the growth of molds and things on the exterior of the chimney. If you see green stuff growing and thriving on the outside of your chimney then there is a good possibility that water is getting in. Green living things require water to survive.
Benefits of Roof Inspections
There are many benefits you get from having roof inspections. These include:
- Saving money
- Peace of mind
- Protection from advanced damages
Most contractors and roofing specialist will provide you an inspection. Using the same roofing contractor will let your inspector be familiar with the home and will allow them to notice things more quickly.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Preparing Your House For Summer
Making Your Garden Ready For Summer Sun
Make the Most of Houseplants in Your Home
House Exterior Quality Cleaning
Fight For the Compensation You Need
A Close Look at What a Mortgage Is
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Toodles,
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