Before you get an inspector or roofer to check your roof, you can do a quick inspection yourself to see any apparent problems. Inspecting the roof yourself is essential since you can spot minor problems before they turn into bigger ones. Also, it will help you understand the condition of your roof so that when you hire a professional, you will be able to communicate the issues to them properly. The following is a guide on how to inspect your roof safely:
Safety measures to take before you inspect your roof
Have a stable ladder
A stable ladder is important since you will be accessing the roof. Make sure that the ladder is tall enough to reach the roof comfortably and that it is also placed on solid ground.
Wear proper shoes
Walking on a roof can be dangerous, especially if there are any slippery surfaces. Wear shoes with good traction so that you can safely walk on the roof. Avoid wearing slippery shoes such as those made from leather or suede. Also, avoid wearing open-toe shoes as you may accidentally step on the wrong area and damage it even further.
Wear gloves and protective eyewear
It is important to wear gloves and protective eyewear before you inspect your roof just in case your roof is covered in debris, or any sharp objects could potentially cause injury.
Inspection steps
Once you have taken the necessary safety precautions, you can start inspecting your roof. The steps that you should take are as follows:
Check the roofing material
The first step is to check the roofing material to see if it is still in good condition. If there are any broken or missing tiles, you will need to repair them as soon as possible.
Check the eaves and gables
Next, check the eaves and gables for any water damage or holes. If you see any damage, you will need to fix it immediately.
Check the roofline
The roofline is the area where the roof and the walls meet. Examine the area for any evidence of water damage or mold. If you see any damage, you will need to fix it as soon as possible.
Check the chimney
The next step is to check the chimney. Look for any cracks in the mortar or bricks. If you see any damage, you will need to fix it as soon as possible.
Inspect the roof vents, skylights, and attic fans
Next, inspect any roof vents, skylights, or attic fans that you have in your home. Examine them to see if they are in proper working order. If there is a problem with any of these ventilation systems, you will need to fix it as soon as possible.
Check the downspouts and gutters
The last step is to check the downspouts and gutters for any signs of damage. Look for water flowing over them and in between joints since this may indicate a problem with the gutter system. If you see any problems, you will need to fix them as soon as possible.
What to expect when your roof is damaged
If your roof is damaged, check for:
Curved shingles
When you see curved shingles, this means that they are probably suffering from wind damage. If the shingles curve up or down at the ends, this means that they are suffering from an excess or deficiency of granules, respectively.
Excess granules
This may mean that your roof needs to be re-coated with a sealant. Sealants are used to protect your roof from deteriorating due to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Insects
Inspect for any insects or rust on your shingles. This may indicate that you have a problem with either corrosion or moisture damage. Corrosion may be caused by aging, while moisture can come from water leakage, so it is important to find the source of the problem.
Debris, moss, or algae
These may indicate that there is a leak in your roof. If you see any of these on your roof, go straight to finding it so you can resolve the issue as soon as possible since this could potentially lead to more damage.
Split shingles
Split shingles indicate that your roof is in need of repair. If you see any, it is best to have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent the problem from getting worse.
If you notice any of these issues, it is best to deal with them as soon as possible. If your roof is left without having a regular inspection, then you may be looking at some much bigger problems in the future. By being proactive and inspecting your roof regularly, you can prevent any extensive damage that could require a total roof replacement.
After you have inspected your roof, hire a professional roofer to thoroughly inspect the roof and identify any damage that was not visible during your own inspection.
In conclusion, by following these simple steps, you can keep an eye on the condition of your roof and prevent any extensive damage from occurring. By being proactive, you can save yourself a lot of money and hassle in the future.