How To Inspect Your Roof

One of the best ways to prevent roof damage is to perform regular inspections on your roof. However, if you have never done this before, you may not know exactly what to do or look for. In this post, we’ll provide some tips on how to inspect your roof. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to call RoofBoyz, LCC, for a professional roof inspection today.  

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Safety First  

Safety is always the primary concern when dealing with your roof. RoofBoyz, LCC, does not recommend that you climb on your roof for several reasons. First and foremost, there is nothing to hold on to once you are up there, so one slip could cause you to fall and injure yourself. Also, many shoes or boots can cause marks and excess granule loss on the roof, leaving your roof unprotected against the elements. 

The Inspection 

Take a walk around the exterior of your home and look up at the roof from the ground level. Do you see any signs of damage? Are there any sagging gutters? Do you notice any low-hanging branches that could be scraping against the top of the roof? Check for water damage on the parts of the roof that you can see from the ground as well as the walls of your home.  

Look For Mold, Algae & Moss 

The next thing to look for is the first is any sign of moss, algae, or mold. If you notice areas where wet leaves have piled together, this is an exceptionally vulnerable area. Piles of leaves on the roof can trap in moisture, cause water damage to the roofing materials, and become a breeding ground for mold.  

Pay Attention To The Shingles 

Another thing you want to look for is curling or bending shingles. Bending, curling, or breaking shingles expose the interior roofing materials to the elements and can compromise the structural integrity of the roof. Curling or buckling shingles could be a sign of improper installation or poor ventilation. These are relatively easy to replace. 

While you’re paying close attention to the shingles, look at the texture and granules on the shingles. If you have a place in the home with a window that overlooks the roof, carefully inspect the shingles from there. If the shingles are starting to lose their texture and granules, it could be a sign that they are reaching their life expectancy and need to be replaced. The granules on the shingles are what protects your home from storms, so if you see a lot of tiny grains in the downspouts of your gutters, it may be time for new shingles.  

Clean Gutters & Downspouts 

If you’re lucky, having a few leaves removed from the roof and replacing one or two shingles will be the extent of your roof maintenance. However, you may notice a few other things that also need to be taken care of. 

One of the most common issues homeowners come across when performing a roof inspection is with the gutters. Clear the gutters of any dirt, leaves, and debris to ensure water from the next rainstorm can flow freely off the roof and down to the ground. As you inspect your gutters and downspouts carefully, look for open joints and signs of rot. This could be a sign of a bigger roofing problem.  

Check The Flashing and Vent Boots 

A thorough inspection of your flashing and vent boots is harder to do from the ground. The flashing on your roof is the waterproof strip that runs along the perimeter of any roof punctures, such as skylights and chimneys. If the flashing is detached, it can leave your home exposed to water damage and mold. If the vent boots are exposed, they are a common place for water to intrude into the home.  

You can check inside your home around bathroom vents or in the kitchen around gas vents for signs of water. If your roof is over 12 years old, it’s common for the vents to start to dry rot, so getting those boots replaced by a trusted professional can help you extend the life of your roof. 

Be Proactive: Call RoofBoyz, LCC

The best way to avoid costly and time-consuming roof repairs is to be a proactive homeowner. This means taking the time to conduct a thorough roof inspection at least once a year. If you notice any issues, call RoofBoyz, LCC, today for a more thorough inspection.  

Our professional team of roofing contractors will be happy to give you a detailed report on the condition of your roof and offer recommendations for any repairs that may be needed.