Last Updated on March 1, 2022 by Kravelv
Let’s face it: it’s not everyday that you think about your roof. In fact, it’s not everyday that anyone thinks about their roof! Roofs are built to last so homeowners have the tendency to leave them alone, confident that they are doing their work. But while a quality roof certainly doesn’t need constant care, it will still benefit from receiving some attention from you. So how is your roof doing? Let this post help you determine if your roof is in need of some work.
The Most Obvious Signs
Sometimes, it’s easier than it sounds to tell if your roof is in need of repair, even without having your roof inspected. If you spot the following in your home, it would be best to call your roofing contractor right away:
- Actual water dripping from ceiling or along walls
- Water stains on interior and exterior walls
- Roofing material on the ground (if it’s on the ground, it’s not on your roof)
- Ice dam formation
The Importance of a Roof Inspection
While there will be tell-tale signs that your roof will be in need of repairs, some will be more elusive, requiring a closer look. This is where a professional inspection comes in. On the upside, hidden signs don’t call for urgent attention in the same way as the more obvious indicators of damage. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t wreak havoc on your home. Left to fester, these hidden signs of damage will grow, until they become obvious enough. Unfortunately by then, they would have already done a number on your roof. A roof inspection can catch these hidden signs before they worsen, allowing you to address them quickly. As roofing problems caught early have the tendency to be milder in severity, they will be easier to address, translating to cost savings as well.
The Ideal Roof Inspection
First of all, it must be carried out by a certified professional. Roofing experts have the skills and experience necessary for the job so you are assured that your roof will be thoroughly checked as needed. While your roof is an exterior structure, an inspection will also include a check of your home’s interior. Here’s what you can expect:
- Exterior Inspection. After an inspection from the ground, your contractor will move up your roof to look for damaged flashing, missing or damaged roofing material, rotting, and other physical signs of damage. The inspection will cover the entirety of everything connected to your roof outside, including your gutters, soffits, and ridge vents.
- Interior Inspection. From the inside, the roofer will look for places where the roof deck is sagging and where there are signs of leakage and water damage, like dark spots and water trails. They will also check the attic and observe for light showing through the roof which is indicative of a tear in the roofing material and underlayment.
After an Inspection
If you’re the recipient of bad news after a roofing inspection, don’t fret. All you have to do is to make sure that all roofing problems found are addressed as soon as possible. Repairs will come in different forms but don’t forget to make sure that you work only with a reputable contractor. This will help ensure quality service, which will help keep future problems at bay.
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Author Bio:
William Krech is one of the home improvement experts behind Krech Exteriors. Known as Bill to colleagues and customers, he loves sharing his experience in the industry to help homeowners find the solutions they’re looking for. For updates from Bill, check out the company blog!
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