Structural Enginners

Roof Inspection Checklist for Homeowners

How long has it been since you evaluated the condition of your roof in terms of its age and usage? Any visible signs of wetness? Or have you ever asked yourself if your roof can cope with the bad weather conditions, which as the next heavy storm? In as much as roofs act as shields for the house, they are prone to all types of issues, as no matter how small a problem may be, it will eventually become a huge cost of repair if not dealt with promptly. Roof wear and tear can be easily managed by regular inspections which can detect the damage in time. Is your roof really of good quality or subsiding your conscience towards maintenance? Be concerned about the health of your roof to avoid more serious problems in the near future.

Are roof inspections usually included in the home inspection?

Generally, roof inspections rank on top when it comes to the maintenance of a home, and home inspection does not always address these needs as required. Usually, home inspectors carried out some degree of the activity aimed at the roof as in looking at the obvious signs of damage such as broken tiles or shingles. What they do not encompass is checking the existing concerns, which could include: do not penetrate the structure to look for breaches such as leaks or structural compromise, nor excess moisture damage within their scope. Therefore, especially in the case of older properties or with the presence of dramatic weather patterns, it is necessary to engage the services of a roof inspection company. These professional services do not just scratch the surface services of checking out the roof and rather guarantee the roof safe being and raising any issues that may turn cost issues if left to grow further.

Roof Inspection Checklist for Homeowners

Regular roof inspection services help you avoid serious issues down the road. Here’s a more detailed roof inspection checklist with key areas to focus on:

Check for Missing or Damaged Shingles

The shingles on the roof of your house are protective shields, and one or more might be missing or damaged and can cause leaking within the house, hence there is need to replace them. If this is not stopped promptly, there could be water in your attic causing mold and making the structure weak. With time, even two or three missing shingles can bring down the whole structure of your roof causing the problem to escalate from a small one to expensive repairs.

Inspect the Roof Flashing

Roof flashing is the material that is placed in the joints where the roof comes into contact with other components, for example a chimney, a skylight and so on. If flashing is damaged or missing, water intrusion may occur in your house, which will cause leaks and also damage your insulation and walls. Ignoring repairs to flashing can cause problems with mold, wood rot and costly repairs to the finish of the house later.

Look for Signs of Sagging

A roof sagging is usually a warning of serious problems with the structure; supports may be weak, and beams may be damaged, and so on. If it is not controlled, the sagging may cause the roof to collapse, putting your family in danger. Even if the sagging is slight, it indicates that there are structural problems within the roof which needs to be resolved as soon as possible, considering that it could result to major expensive renovations.

Examine the Gutters

Gutters are extremely important in ensuring that the water does not collect on the roof and the sides of the foundation of the house. They can become ineffective if there is debris blocking the gutters and this results in the deposition of water either on the roof or at the base of the house. Eventually, this may cause damages to the house and its foundation, and even lead to flooding of the basement. If this is not done, serious damages may occur on the roof and on the rest of the house as well.

Check for Granule Loss

Granules are present in asphalt shingles for their protection from direct sunlight as well as withstanding weather effects. When you find a lot of granules in the gutters or shiny looking shingles, then this means that the protective cover of the roof is being worn out. Aging of shingles due to granule loss advances their shed age, hence increasing the chances of the roof developing leaks, cracks or any other forms of destruction. The sooner you recognize this, the less likely you will be to have to replace the entire roof.

Look for Signs of Moss or Algae Growth

Algae or moss on residential roofing systems may not seem a concern to many homeowners, but if this issue is not addressed it could pose serious complications. Moisture is trapped against the roof surface by moss and could cause rot in the wood and damage the shingles when it dries out. Algae will stain your roof, and over a period of time weaken the materials that make up the roof. The practice of scrubbing off algae and moss will ensure that the roof’s leaves do not rot off leading to expensive restoration works later.

Inspect Attic for Leaks or Water Damage

An attic space can provide several clues regarding the condition of the roofing system. Observe any apparent signs of water leaks or damages, such as wet insulation, the growth of any type of mold, or discoloration on walls and ceilings. Some leaks, especially unnoticed, may cause interior damage to the house, excess moisture, and consequently harmful health risks due to mold exposure. Everyday inspection of the attic makes sure that any water damages are dealt with on time and helps in the carrying out of repairs on the roof as a way to prevent leakage with the use of gauged surfaces.

Final Words

To summarize, periodic evaluation of the roof is an essential aspect of maintaining the house, and in case all or any of the items from the roof inspection list is omitted, may prove to be very costly. Safeguard your house against heavy damages by Structural Engineering Services that involve regular roof inspection carried out with ease. Get it done before it is too late and your roof is the best version of itself!

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