Your roof provides crucial protection for your entire home. Though durable, it can sustain damage over time. For this reason, you must inspect your roof at least twice a year. Then you can spot early signs of potential damage and intervene before it advances. The best time to do this is in the springtime, following the harsh winter storm season, and in the fall, before winter weather hits.
A home improvement contractor can use their training and experience to complete this crucial maintenance for you in a safe and efficient manner. But it is possible to do this yourself too with proper preparation. Read on to find advice regarding how you can perform your own inspection of the roof of your home.
Look for Debris Accumulation
When you inspect your roof, you can do so from a distance, looking up at your roof, perhaps with binoculars. But for the most thorough inspection, you will want to obtain a ladder and climb to your roof.
As you look at your roof, keep an eye out for debris or other accumulation that may collect on your roofing. A pile of leaves may seem harmless, but it could mean animals or pests may take up residence on your property and cause other structural damage to your home.
Leaves will also retain moisture that could then seep into the structure of your roof and create more structural problems. Plus, debris can easily travel to clog your gutters and make your home vulnerable during the next rainstorm.
Look out for discoloration on your roof too. Mold, algae, or moss can point to more moisture problems that may easily lead to further damage to your home. Do not ignore these roofing problems. Call your local contractor to repair any damage to your roof.
Inspect Shingles, Chimney, and Other Roofing Features
Your roof likely consists of many smaller shingles. If one or more shingles sustain damage, the entire house structure could be at risk of moisture and other concerns. When inspecting your roof, pay attention to the state of your shingles and note any broken or missing ones.
If the shingles look warped or curled in shape, they will need replacement too. Otherwise, water can easily slip into your roof. And you could face ventilation problems due to escaping air from within your home.
Take a look at your chimney and other features of your home. If flashing seems to peel away from the chimney, you could face similar exposure problems that may hurt the rest of your home. Contact an expert for repairs as soon as you can.
Check Your Attic
While you should take care to examine the entire exterior of your roof, your inspection should also include the interior aspect of roofing: the attic. Climb into your attic and look around for signs of leaks, including mold or rotted wood.
If you do not have safe or easy access to your attic or your roof, you should call a professional to complete this inspection. This routine maintenance is crucial to the well-being of your home.
You should not skip it due to logistical problems that stop you from completing the task yourself. Find a trusted expert to evaluate your roof for signs of damage before an emergency happens.