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Owning a house means there are a lot of crucial things to take care of. From lawns, kitchens, and bathrooms to septic tanks. While there’s so much that may need your attention; roof inspection is easy to overlook. So don’t ignore it.

You visit a doctor once a year to stay healthy and spot potential problems that may become serious if they aren’t resolved. It’s the same with roofs; annual roof inspections are important for your roof’s safety and longevity.

Take time out of your busy schedule, mark a date and when that day arrives get to the top of your roof and start looking for issues. Some people are afraid of heights and if that’s the case with you, don’t worry. Use binoculars; they are a handy tool and allow you to see objects from far away. You don’t have to be on your roof for an inspection – stay on the ground and start a “residential roof inspection”.

However, contacting professional roofers for an inspection is always a better option if you don’t know how to work it out. Hastings Roofing shares a residential roof inspection checklist for every homeowner who is expecting a thorough investigation to detect potential issues that may turn into a nightmare.

Roofs Become More Vulnerable As They Age

As homeowners, we all understand the importance of a solid roof. It’s the first line of defense against the elements and plays a crucial role in protecting our families and our homes. But what many homeowners fail to realize is that roofs have a lifespan, and the older they get, the more vulnerable they become.

Your roof is exposed to the sun, wind, rain, and snow every day, and over time, these elements take a toll. The shingles may brittle and crack, allowing water to seep in and damage the underlying structure. The flashing is loose, creating gaps that make way for water to seep in. And the prevalent structure weakens, making it more susceptible to damage from strong winds or heavy snow.

Of course, Nobody wants to think about the day when a roof needs to be replaced. It’s a major expense and a big inconvenience, and it’s easy to put off roof inspection until “someday.” But the truth is, the longer you delay, the more chances of bearing huge expenses become possible.

Sleep Soundly Knowing Your Roof is in Top Condition: Follow Our Residential Roof Inspection Checklist

Roof inspections divide into two categories: interior and exterior. While the latter is all about what goes on the roof, the first one focuses on the inside of a building.

Exterior Roof Inspection

Blistered, Curled, or Split Shingles: Shingles blistered, curled, or split is often a sign of weather damage or wear and tear. In this case, water can penetrate your roof; resulting in a leakage.

Loose or Missing Shingles: High winds, improper installation, or age are usually possible reasons for shingles not intact or completely missing.

Loose or Exposed Nails: One of the common issues that many homeowners face. Although it can happen due to several reasons, improper installation is most likely the reason for it.

Cracked or Damaged Flashing: Flashing is the metal or plastic material that covers the joints and seams on your roof. It’s designed to prevent water from seeping into your home.

Sagging or Uneven Roof: A sagging or uneven roof is a sign of structural damage or age. Water pools are more likely to occur on your roof, which can lead to leaks.

Clogged Gutters: Gutters that are clogged with leaves, debris, or other materials can prevent water from draining off your roof properly. Gutters and eaves should be checked for proper shingle overhangs to prevent water from penetrating your roof.

Chimney and Vents: Your chimney and vents are vulnerable areas on your roof. These areas also need to be checked to make sure they’re in good condition and properly sealed.

The Attic: Check your attic for any signs of water damage or moisture. Look for signs of mold or mildew, as well as any areas where insulation may be missing or damaged.

Interior Roof Inspection

A roof installed over a property also impacts interior finishings; so along with a full checkup on the outside, it is also important to analyze the inside situation based on the findings that are available through exterior inspection.

Walls and Ceilings: Look for any signs of water penetration, including stains or discoloration on your ceilings or walls, as well as peeling or cracking paint. These signs indicate a leak in your roof that needs to be addressed immediately. Additionally, if you notice frost buildup on your walls or ceilings, it means water damage has already been knocked.

Structural Distress: Another critical thing to look out for; if you notice any cracks or sagging in your walls or ceilings, it might be possible that there is structural damage. Address this issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Proper Ventilation: Check for adequate ventilation; this is critical to your roof’s health and can prevent issues such as mold growth, moisture buildup, and roof deterioration. A well-ventilated roof allows air to circulate through the attic or roof space, regulating the temperature and moisture levels in your home.

When Should You Get A Roof Inspection

A roof inspection must take place once a year, however, if you have seen some severe weather conditions then get on with it immediately – sometimes mother nature is cruel and starts throwing obstacles in our way. So it is always a good idea to have a roof inspected after these events. In addition, if you’re planning to buy or sell a home or building, a roof inspection is often required as part of the process. You can identify any potential issues and negotiate repairs or replacements as needed.

Final Verdict – The Importance of Roof Inspections For Residential Properties 

Whether it is a residential or commercial site; roof inspections are vital to ensure that everything is working fine and if not then it needs to be fixed quickly. Regular inspections for a residential roof is, however, much easier to complete than commercial ones. Due to less square footage, they don’t take much time and don’t require much labor. A single person who has the expertise can simply finish this job with ease. 

Roof problems, in general, look less vulnerable but as time passes they become a real pain; costing you money and time as well. If you know someone with the ability to carry out an inspection then get help from them and avoid expensive repairs or replacements.

We understand it could be a lot to undertake when conducting a residential roof inspection yourself. Hastings roofing doesn’t want to leave you stranded in this situation – call us now and let’s have a well-detailed inspection of your roof.

Welcome to Hastings Roofing Blog where we are going to take you through the process of commercial roofing. As a business owner, you know how crucial it is to keep your premises safe and secure. A commercial roof plays a significant role in protecting your employees, customers, and assets. Whether you’re constructing a new building or replacing an existing roof, it’s essential to understand the commercial roofing process.

Commercial roofing is a task involving various steps, materials, and expertise. Hiring an expert roofing contractor is crucial to ensure your commercial roof is installed correctly, efficiently, and safely. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the typical process of commercial roofing, including planning, assessment and installation.

What is Commercial Roofing

Whether it is commercial roofing or residential they both serve the same purpose which is to protect a property. However, what sets them apart is scope of work, materials, installation and contractors. Commercial Roofing systems are built on single-ply material such as TPO, PVC, EPDM,  modified bitumen, concrete, built-up roofing system, tar and gravel etc. While residential roofs are generally created with asphalt shingles or concrete tiles.

When it comes to commercial roofing there are a bunch of different options available for you to choose. From traditional built-up roofs to modern single-ply systems, each type of roofing material offers unique benefits and drawbacks. Selecting the right roofing materials for your commercial project depends on a variety of factors, including your budget, climate, building type, and intended use. 

What Does The Commercial Roofing Process Look Like

You might have made a decision to finally begin commercial roofing work on your site. Before you do that, spare a few minutes and read the following key points as these will be immensely useful:

Hire A Roofing Contractor

Roofing job demands professionalism, skills and expertise that can make your project a success. It isn’t possible if you gladly compromise on quality craftsmanship. Although you might be able to get a roof, it won’t last long. What if materials are of low quality or let’s say your contractor has chosen the right materials but installation hasn’t been done according to best practices. One way or another you will encounter something serious down the road. Surely, you wouldn’t want that, right? So you must hire a reliable contractor who is simply best at what they do. If you are able to onboard a professional company then rest of the steps in the process become easier.

Project Planning

Before starting any commercial roofing project, proper planning is crucial. A well-executed plan can save you time, money, and headaches down the road. Define your goals and expectations. What do you want your new roof to achieve? Are you looking for better insulation, improved energy efficiency, or increased durability?

Once you have established your goals, the next step is to create a budget. A commercial roofing project is a significant investment, so it’s essential to have a realistic budget in mind. It will be the driving force for the scope of your project and the types of materials and services you can afford.

In addition, you must identify any potential obstacles that could affect your project. For example, if you’re replacing an existing roof, you’ll need to consider the removal and disposal of the old materials. You’ll also need to factor in any zoning regulations, permits, or environmental concerns that may impact your project.

Assessing Your Commercial Roofing Needs

Perhaps, some of you think it’s as easy as looking up and saying “yep, there’s a roof up there.” But hold on to your hard hats, because it’s not quite that simple. Assessing your needs is a crucial step in the commercial roofing process, and it requires a bit more thought and expertise than just eyeballing it.

First and foremost, you need to take into account the type of building you have. Is it a tall skyscraper? A small mom-and-pop shop? A mid-sized office building? Each type of building will have its own unique roofing needs.

Next, you need to think about the climate where your building is located. Is it a hot and humid jungle, or a freezing tundra? Different climates require different types of roofing materials to ensure that your building stays comfortable and leak-free.

The primary function of a roof is to keep the elements out, but that doesn’t mean it can’t look good while doing it. You want to make sure that your roofing materials match the style and aesthetic of your building, because no one wants to be the owner of the eyesore on the block.

Select Materials For Your Commercial Roof

Your roof is more than just a layer of protection – it’s a symbol of your business and the values you stand for. Roof installation isn’t something that you anticipate within 5 years unless it is not maintained properly. Whether you are looking at residential or commercial roofing it’s all about longevity. When you are in the phase of selecting materials; keep in mind this is a great opportunity to upgrade your site; switching to a more efficient material is definitely something we recommend to all our customers.

Asphalt

Classic choice, affordable and easy to install. However, they have a shorter lifespan and potential for cracking and warping.

Metal

Durable, long-lasting and environment-friendly; metal roofing is trendy these days and also offers a range of benefits that make it a popular choice. However, the industrial look of metal may not align with your business’s aesthetic or values.

Single-ply

Single-ply roofing is known for its durability and resistance to damage. Whether it’s extreme weather, harsh chemicals, or UV rays, they can withstand it all. Providing integrity and safety of your building. Plus, single-ply materials are light and come in different shapes and sizes.

Most commercial buildings have single-ply but asphalt and metal roofing systems are also used in different commercial settings.

Preparing For The Installation

Here comes the real bustle of having a new roof. Nonetheless, it is exciting. It is important to take the time out and prepare, minimize disruptions to your business and ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.

Discuss the project timeline, any necessary permits or approvals, and any special requirements or considerations for your building. By having a clear understanding of the project’s scope and requirements, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page and avoid any surprises along the way.

Make sure all valuables or equipment are moved out of the way and that the area around the building is clear of debris or obstacles. You may also need to make arrangements for parking, access, and safety precautions during the installation.

Remove the Old Roof Material

After all the initial steps have been completed; roofing team will step onto your building’s roof and start removing old and damaged material. How fascinating it would feel to see an old roof getting ripped off, one layer at a time. Making way for a fresh and sturdy roof to be installed. Watching the transformation of your roof from dilapidated to pristine would be a truly satisfying experience.

Prepare The Roof surface

When old material is removed completely, it is time to take care of roof decking. Any parts that need replacing will be replaced by roofers. A drip edge is installed which usually consists of metal; covering the edge of the roof to make sure there won’t be any leakage. Insulation is also a key part; a new layer of insulation will get to the top of roof decking. At last, the roofing team will install a membrane on top of the insulation resulting in a waterproof seal.

Installation of New Roofing Materials

All is now set well; your new roofing materials are ready to be installed. Depending on the type you have chosen such as asphalt, single-ply and metal. Roofing professionals will take all the necessary precautions to ensure that your new roof is what you wished for.

We are based in Minnesota, currently serving in five locations; give us a call and get yourself an awesome roof.