A thorough roofing inspection should cover all the parts of your roof. This includes examining shingles for curled, blistered or missing pieces. It also means checking rubber boots around vent pipes and identifying masses of moss and lichen that can deteriorate the roof surface.
A roof inspection should also examine the condition of the gutter system, scuppers and drains. Debris can block positive drainage and cause severe damage to a roof over time. Visit https://www.corpuschristiroofingco.com/ to learn more.
A thorough roof inspection requires going beyond a simple glance at the exterior. A roof’s health and integrity is much easier to assess in the attic, where a professional can spot problems that would otherwise be difficult to notice. This is why attic inspections are one of the most important steps in a roofing maintenance plan.
An attic inspection involves a visual examination of the structural components and insulation. This includes examining the rafters and trusses for signs of distress, such as cracking, bending or wood rot. These structural elements are essential to the overall stability of the roof and must remain in good condition. If left unattended, a problem that begins as minor could become a serious safety hazard or lead to costly roof repairs.
Home inspectors will also look at the wires in the attic, ensuring they do not pose a fire hazard. Many homes use attic access for electrical, plumbing and heating and cooling, and it is important that these wirings are properly run. Inspectors will ensure that these wires are not covered by insulation, and they will make sure that the airflow in the attic is not blocked.
In addition to inspecting the structural framing of the attic, a professional will evaluate the insulation and ventilation. Inadequate or damaged insulation will lead to higher energy bills, while insufficient ventilation can cause moisture problems and ice dams in the winter and excessive heat gain in the summer. An inspector will also examine the vents in the attic for obstructions, such as bird nests or leaves that can block the flow of air and cause moisture issues.
While it is possible for homeowners to perform a basic attic inspection, hiring a professional can save time, money and stress. Before the inspection, homeowners should clear all obstacles from the attic entrance and provide adequate lighting for a thorough evaluation. The homeowner should also be prepared to discuss the findings of the inspection with the professional to better understand the recommendations for maintenance. It is also helpful to remove any items that may be stored in the attic, such as boxes or furniture.
Gutters
Gutters perform a vital function in the roofing system. They redirect elements like rainwater and melting snow away from the house’s foundation. Without gutters, these materials would likely accumulate on the roof and cause rot, deterioration, mold, lifting of shingles, and other issues that affect your home’s foundation.
Gutters are a series of troughs connected to the edge of your roof. The troughs collect and channel the flow of rainwater from the roof to a downspout. A downspout is then positioned to dispense the water at an angle away from the house’s foundation. This helps to prevent moisture penetration into the house and basement, staining of the siding and foundation, and damage to the roof’s soffit and fascia.
However, the gutters must be regularly cleaned to avoid blockages. If clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris, the gutters are ineffective. This can result in rainwater spilling over the edges of the troughs and damaging the roof, siding, garage doors, foundation, landscaping, and other parts of your home’s exterior.
Your gutters should also be inspected to ensure they have the correct slope. If they have lost their original slope, they won’t redirect the water properly and could even hinder drainage altogether. This can lead to the formation of ice dams, water spilling over the side of the gutter and back up onto your roof, and other issues that require costly repairs.
Gutter maintenance is a vital part of a healthy roof, and the best way to maintain your gutters is by hiring professional gutter services. They have the tools, knowledge, and experience to safely and effectively address any complex issues with your gutters and downspouts. Professionals can save you time and money by addressing issues with your gutters as soon as they arise, preventing them from deteriorating or becoming damaged further.
If you’re interested in having your gutters and downspouts inspected, repaired, or replaced, contact New Heights Roofing today. We can discuss your options and schedule a free inspection. Our professional and experienced team will help you keep your roof in its best condition, extending its lifespan and protecting the value of your home.
Flashing
The flashing that covers roof joints, valleys, chimneys and skylights prevents water from seeping through these vulnerable areas. A professional can inspect these parts of your roof for damage and recommend repairs. They may suggest replacing the flashing rather than repairing it, depending on the type of damage and your roofing material.
Most flashing is made of metal, but it can be installed in a variety of ways. It can be exposed, embedded or a combination of both. The flashing can be coated with a waterproof sealant, but over time, this can break down. Flashing should be periodically resealed, especially after it has been repaired or replaced.
Flashing is usually made of aluminum, copper or zinc. It is designed to shed water and direct it away from the vulnerable areas of your roof, but even these materials are not invincible. Over time, the flashing can be damaged by rain, snow, ice and wind. Even if it isn’t damaged, flashing can degrade from UV rays.
While it’s possible to do some flashing repair at home, it’s best to leave this job to a professional. A trained and certified roofer will be able to identify the proper type of flashing for your roof, and they will know how to install it properly.
There are different types of flashing, but most are similar in that they cover gaps between various structures in your home. Some examples of these are base flashing, which sits where the roof plane and a vertical protrusion meet; step flashing, which is bent into a crevasse to protect the edges of the wall; and counter flashing, which covers the lower step flashing.
Some flashing is made of a single strip, called continuous or apron flashing. This can be used around the sides of a roof where the walls meet, but it’s not recommended for sidewalls that are perpendicular to your roof slope. If a part of this flashing is damaged, your gutters can become clogged and leak into your home. It’s better to use a method like step or counter flashing for these sidewalls.
Shingles
The shingles provide the first line of defense for your home against the elements, safeguarding the roof deck from water damage and extending its lifespan. Regular inspections can help you identify potential issues that may lead to costly repairs.
Missing shingles are an issue that should be addressed promptly, as they will leave your roof vulnerable to the elements during a storm. You should also keep an eye out for algae or moss growth, as these organisms can displace granules and cause the deterioration of shingles.
You can perform shingle maintenance on your own or call in a professional. If you are considering performing the work yourself, it’s important to prioritize safety above all else. Use a sturdy ladder and wear slip-resistant shoes to prevent falling and injury. It’s also best to work on a sunny day when the weather is warm, as working in cold or windy conditions can be dangerous and affect your ability to do a thorough job.
When performing shingle maintenance, be sure to remove any debris that has accumulated on your roof, such as leaves and twigs. Also, if your gutters are clogged, this can result in water runoff that pools on the roof and can eventually cause shingle damage.
Depending on the condition of your roof, you might need to replace some or all of your shingles. You can usually identify damaged or missing shingles by the presence of cracks, curling, and discoloration. Replacing shingles is generally less expensive than a full roof replacement.
Leaking is one of the most serious issues that can impact shingle roofing, as it allows water to enter the interior of your home. If left unattended, this can cause significant structural damage to your property and affect the health of your family.
You can often prevent leaks by repairing broken or loose shingles, replacing flashing, and sealing any cracks in the chimney or other roof penetrations. It’s also a good idea to trim any tree branches that hang over your roof, as this can protect it from damage during storms.