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.
