Everything You Need to Know
Routine Roof Inspections
Routine roof inspections are a normal part of owning a home. Inspections are considered a check-up for your roof as they can help prevent large disasters. The NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) manual suggests getting an inspection done twice a year at the least. It is preferred that these inspections happen in the spring and fall. Severe weather from the heat of summer and the ice and snow of winter can damage roofs more than in the off seasons, so it’s important to get them checked and prepared. If nothing else, it’s very important to get a roof inspection done before winter hits. The NRCA also suggests an inspection after any major weather event such as hurricanes, tornados, and hailstorms.
What Things Are Looked At During An Inspection?
The first inspection area may surprise you. They’ll first want to take a look at your attic space. The attic can create issues from below your roof as weather can from above. They’ll make sure the attic is properly insulated and ventilated. There shouldn’t be any moisture built up or any water stains. If moisture or water gets in, mold can quickly and easily follow. If they find any leaks, they’ll be sure to look for mold or any other hazards that have been caused.
The layers of your roof and the decking. Anyone performing a routine roof inspection will see how many layers are to your roof and what the decking looks like. If layers of the roof are in poor shape, the entire thing may have to be taken off in order to repair it properly, and if the decking is also in a poor state, this would have to be fixed and replaced before new material and shingles can be added.
Roof Vents.
Vents on your roof can be obstructed with leaves and other run-off debris. Inspectors will make sure they are clear and working properly. If the ventilation isn’t correct, this can cause issues inside the attic as previously mentioned.
Shingles and Shingle Installation.
The inspector will check to make sure that the shingles were applied correctly, and that they are still holding up. If there was an issue with the application, it can give way to a number of issues with the shingles, and thusly affect the layers of roofing beneath. They’ll check the ridges and creases to make sure everything is secured properly, and check for any poorly applied materials.
Things Installed Through Your Roof.
These are applications such as pipes, chimneys, and skylights. Pipes that come up through your roof should have a boot around them to keep the water from running down the outside of your pipes. Chimneys, especially ones that run through the center of the home, will be checked to make sure the facets are tight and secure, sealers are not cracked or chipped, and mortar isn’t falling apart. A chimney with a leak around it can cause damage to the center of the home, as the water can run down the length of the chimney and create issues at every level, just as pipes can. Skylights will be checked for proper sealers and faceting as well, and make sure that nothing has cracked or pulled away from the framing.
Flashings.
All flashing should be looked at during a routine roof inspection. Flashings are metal pieces that cover where the roof meets other areas. These are normally around your chimneys, the meeting of two harsh plains of a roof, and the edges of skylights. Inspectors will make sure the flashings are still tight, and that there is no rust. They’ll make sure the flashing is still capable of holding up to the elements of the upcoming seasons.
Growths.
Roofs can very often build up with moss. Think of moss as an extra layer of insolation, but instead of holding in heat, it’s actually locking moisture against your roof, which can lead to a number of needed repairs. Moss very often can also grow in your gutters. If this happens, more mud and debris can get lodged in your gutters and this can turn into a sky garden, where plants grow from your gutters. Though cute and effortless, it’s a sign of poor roof conditions.
Gutters and Downspouts.
Both will be considered to make sure they’re clean, attached properly, and capable of doing the service to your roof as they were made to do, which is to help collect the running water and move it away from the house.
Just like any piece of our house, roofs become worn and torn by normal use with the temperature both inside and outside of the house, and the weather that may bear down on it. To avoid broken shingles, leaks, or moldy attics, make sure to schedule the recommended inspections. If no other time, schedule an inspection before the winter when ice damming, heavy snow, and changing temperatures can cause even worse issues. Make sure to schedule this with a reputable roofing company, such as Clayton Hoover & Sons. They can help keep the integrity of your home’s roof and everything underneath it. Contact us for a FREE routine roof inspection at ClaytonHoover.com/roofing!
