No matter what storm season may be upon you, it’s never a bad time to inspect your roof and make sure it’s ready to continue protecting your family through nature’s worst.
Continue reading to get some insight on what to look for before and after a storm passes through, so you can quickly assess any damage and help you create a path forward for repairs before it’s too late.
Keep this checklist handy, because it can also serve you well during the not-so-stormy seasons to help you get ahead of any issues before they get out of control.
Why Do I Need a Roof Inspection?
Think of it this way: getting your roof inspected regularly (professionally or otherwise) is like getting a regular oil change, or going for an annual checkup with your doctor.
Frequent inspections of your roof, like your car and body, will help you find (and possibly fix) minor imperfections before they become full-blown problems. You’re performing preventative maintenance.
Roof Inspection Checklist
- Missing, broken, curled, or split shingles, especially on hips and ridges
- Loose or exposed nails
- Loose flashings caused by missing or broken caulk
- Flashing rust or corrosion
- Sagging or deformed ridges, hips, and decking
- Excessive granule loss on asphalt shingles
- Gutters and downspouts
- Chimney
- Fascia board
Other Considerations
Anything that anchors into your roof.
If you have equipment, like satellite dishes, antennae, skylights, or even the rubber boots on top of your ventilation pipes, you’re going to want to take a good look around those as well.
Whether they’re damaged in a storm or broken down over time, anything that anchors to your roof could be a root cause for serious problems in the long run.
Lichen, Moss and Algae
Moss and lichen are also things to keep an eye out for. While they seem harmless, they can be tattletales for a bigger issue – improper or poor drainage.
And what does poor drainage lead to? Pooling water. If water pools on your roof long enough, rot will settle in.
Even if there’s no seemingly worrisome damage to your roof, moss and lichen can still eat into your roof and cause big time problems.
Algae, on the other hand, isn’t as serious as the other two. Small areas will typically fill with algae after heavy downpours. However, if you notice a bigger spot that hasn’t gone away after a dry spell, you may be looking at drainage problems.
Don’t Forget to Go Upstairs
We’re not just talking about the top floor of your home – we’re talking about the attic. You’re going to want to look around in the attic if:
- You’re unsure when the roof was last inspected
- You’ve weathered a severe storm
- You see water spots on the ceiling or wall
Make sure you bring a flashlight or two with you, because some of the things you’re looking for may be a little more difficult to see than others. You’re going to be looking for:
- Sagging decking between the rafters
- Light coming through the decking
- Stained, molded, or rotten rafters or decking
- Wet, matted, or discolored insulation
Keep in mind that if you find a wet spot or a drip in your attic, it doesn’t mean you know the exact location of the leak. Make sure you follow the waterline up towards the peak of your roof to find the true origin of the leak.
Don’t Wait for a Roof Inspection
If you sustain some type of damage or find leaks in your roof, you’ll be faced with the options to either repair, replace, or ignore those issues. We don’t have to talk about all the “what ifs” that could happen should you decide to ignore the problem, but it’s recommended that you call a licensed, certified contractor, like Buildpro.
We offer a free roof inspection, and can offer you a range of options for a new roof to meet all your wants and needs.
We provide some of the best warranties in the industry, including partnerships and certifications with Owens Corning and CertainTeed.
We’ll even file your insurance claim and and negotiate a settlement for you. That way, you get the most accurate assessment and estimate to complete your roof repairs or replacemen.
So, if you’re ready to get started, fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch shortly.