Whether it’s high winds and hurricanes, or heavy, disastrous snowfall, a home’s roof is the first line of defense against storms and extreme weather conditions.
Homeowners often trust their roof blindly and neglect it completely. When the first sign of a leak appears, they could be dealing with something much bigger: unwanted structural problems, mold growth, or damaged insulation, for starters.
Save yourself a headache in the future by having your roof inspected regularly by roof repair in the north shore, as they have demonstrated to be the best in the area.
After a hail storm or other major weather event, most homeowners recognize the need for a full roof inspection. This inspection is essential to know if the roof has suffered damage.
But that shouldn’t be the only time the health of your roof is considered. Perhaps the most important time of year to inspect a roof is fall, before the cold of winter sets in. That is the right moment.
Freezing temperatures can compromise the success of new roof installations and repairs. An example of this is shingle replacement, as new shingles cannot seal properly when it is too cold outside.
Additionally, attempting to repair an icy roof can be treacherous, so roof problems discovered too late in the season may have to wait until spring to be repaired.
Another argument in favor of a fall inspection is the fact that some roof repairs need to be started in the fall so that they can be completed the following spring. This is the case with the treatment against moss and lichens.
The solutions used for any of these invaders can require a long period of time to act, sometimes up to 180 days.
If moss or lichens are discovered during a fall deck inspection, there’s still a chance to attack them before the cold sets in.
Thus, moss treatment can work through the long winter months, and dead lichens can be swept away or thinned in spring.
Without needing to climb on the roof, most homeowners can spot obvious roof problems, such as missing or shifting shingles.
However, other types of damage are not as visible to the untrained eye, so it is important to get a professional opinion. The type and age of your roof are very important when deciding whether or not to hire an inspector.
If the house is new or the roof was replaced less than five years ago, the roof shows no signs of leaks or internal leaks, and it has not been exposed to major weather events since it was last inspected, you can save yourself some money.
In this case, it’s okay to settle for a visual inspection from the ground and a quick check for leaks and roof leaks, as well as checking the attic insulation.
In all other cases, however, a thorough roof inspection should be performed by a roofing professional who knows what to do and what to look for.
If your roof is more than 10 years old or if you have reason to believe that it has suffered some type of damage, it is best to call a roofing contractor.
If you plan to pay for the repair with your insurance company, ask your insurance advisor to recommend a qualified inspector or contractor recognized by the insurance company.
A roofing inspector will look for leaks, unusual wear, wind damage, organic growth problems, and problems that may have occurred during shingle installation or subsequent repairs.
In short, a roof inspection has to be in charge of reviewing four aspects: structure, materials, interiors and labor.
The inspector will check for uneven and unusual angles in the roof, as well as signs of sagging. He should also examine the condition of the soffit, fascia, and gutter system.
Inadequate attic ventilation can cause heat and moisture buildup, reducing the life of the roof and increasing the risk of ice dams forming at the edge of the roof.
Masonry chimneys should be inspected at this time for cracks and cap damage. The inspector can also check your attic ventilation.
In this type of inspection, you have to look for loose, missing or curved tiles. It is also the time to locate spots; moss; oxide; and lack of flashing or fasteners.
Both shingle aggregates that have settled in the valleys of the roof, as well as in the soil at the bottom of the gutter downspouts are a sure sign that the roof may be nearing the end of its useful life.
The inspector will also check the rubber gaskets and seals around the vent pipes, looking for gaps or deterioration.
Since roof leaks eventually damage your home, in this case, the inspector will check the inside of the roof, soffits, attic, and walls for water stains, mold, rot, and other signs of leaking water is making its way into the house.
A thorough inspector will examine your roof for workmanship issues that may increase the risk of leaks or other possible future damage to the roof.
Improper flashing around roof penetrations including vents, skylights and chimneys is a red flag.
After the inspection, you will receive a detailed report on the condition of your roof and the necessary repairs, if any, to keep it in good condition.
If repairs are necessary, schedule them as soon as possible. If it’s in your hands, do it before the first snow falls. So, when the snow covers the neighborhood, you can be sure that your roof is in good condition.
