Owning a home carries with it the responsibility of inspecting the roof for any structural damage or signs of leakage and other problems. Homeowners who live in potential winter climates usually make a habit of inspecting their roof during the autumn months before winter brings snowfall and icy conditions that can pose harm.
Inspect Your Roof with These Tips
This is a good practice but it is advised that homeowners inspect their roof biannually, once in autumn and again in spring before the summer months can bring hot temperatures and prolonged periods of sunlight. The roof of a home should be inspected immediately following any severe weather event such as hail or extreme winds. A neglected roof has a much greater chance of costing the homeowner a lot of money to repair as opposed to the normal upkeep of the roof of a home.
Before inspecting the roof of their home, the homeowner should know to look for some standard things. The material that a roof is made from will dictate the care that it requires and which signs of wear and tear will be evident, such as:
- Asphalt roofing materials will begin to show wear by producing granules that can be seen in gutters and drainage run-off.
- Wooden shingles and other wood roofing materials will show signs of rot or begin to crack and curl.
- Metal roofing materials will show the signs seen with the deterioration of any metal material such as rust and corrosion.
If any of these signs are spotted the homeowner should contact a roofing specialist for an official inspection.
Along with the actual material that the roof is comprised of homeowners should be sure to check other areas and features such as metal flashing, under eaves, overhangs, and points of contact such as skylights and other features. A thorough inspection of all these will save homeowners money in the long run.
There are many roofing contractors who offer free inspections to homeowners to gain their future business. Taking advantage of a free estimate may allow a homeowner to complete a more comprehensive check of their roof than they would be able to perform on their own