As spring approaches homeowners venture out to see how well their property survived the season. A motivated homeowner will take the time to inspect the property to look for damage. If you are one of these people, ensure your maintenance plan includes a roof inspection checklist. Roof inspections should occur at least twice a year. Best practices favor annual inspections during the fall and spring. In this important article, you will learn suggestions for your roof inspection checklist. Follow these steps to help with your roof inspection. Keep in mind safety first.
NOTE: Roofs get damaged in a variety of ways. A lot of damage may not be noticeable from the ground. To make a proper inspection, you must get on the roof. If you are uncomfortable doing this, call for a professional at Specialty Home Products. We would be happy to help you safely inspect the condition of your roof.
Clear Debris
After the snow melts, debris may begin to appear. First, clear any debris that may have accumulated over the winter. As you clear debris walk lightly and try not to twist your feet. Such movements can loosen granules and shingles. Remove larger debris such as branches or Frisbees by hand. To clear the roof safely of smaller debris, use either a leaf blower or an air compressor. Just be careful not to apply air directly to the shingles. Too much pressure on shingles can cause the roof granules to dislodge. This reduces the effectiveness of the shingles. If you do not have access to a blower, you can also use a soft broom or brush. Use very little pressure. Stroke down the shingles so as not to damage them.
Keep a Record
Begin your log with the date. For your first inspection, detail a report on the current roofing conditions. Note any potential problems and identify their location. It helps to have a template of the basic roof layout. Use this drawing to mark potential areas of concern for future problems. Include what you see and why you are notating the area. Include the age of the roof and any warranties. If you do not know the precise age, make your best estimate. Note how many years you expect your roof to last. Estimate this by subtracting the age of your roof from its general life expectancy. Take pictures to compare any spots of concern in future inspections. This will help you identify if areas of concern change.
In between inspections, keep a record of severe weather; especially hail. Your insurance company will ask when you submit a claim. Also, keep a record of any repairs you have done. Include when and how you fixed it.
Review Previous Roof Inspection Checklist
During the inspecting, review the details you made from your previous inspection. Carefully check areas of concern for changes highlighted in the previous report. Note any changes or potential problems. Determine if the problems need continued monitoring or immediate attention. Identify clearly the potential problem and location. Use this guide later to locate the area of concern. If you made repairs since your previous inspection, check those areas carefully. Ensure the repair is still holding.
Check for Damaged Roofing
Damage from winter storms happens in various ways. Maybe a large branch fell on it. Perhaps ice dams crept backward and under asphalt shingles, or a strong wind loosened some roofing. Maybe hail reduced some of the protective granules on your shingles, or maybe you are missing some shingles. Any number of problems could arise. Many of them can be a quick fix if discovered early. If not discovered early, repairs can become very expensive.
Look for Water Damage
Look for signs of water damage. You may notice discoloration along your siding or on your roof. Or you may find mold, or mildew growing on shingles or siding. If discoloration occurs, check behind the siding for water damage. Take good notes so you can find them when you are ready to fix them.
Review Junctions
Any junctions where roofing meets other elements are vulnerable to leakage. This can include siding, skylights, and vents. Don’t assume that no water in the house means secure seals. It can take months or even years for water damage to appear inside the house. At that point, your small fix becomes a large, costly repair. Check the junctions carefully. Make sure siding is still securely fastened to the house. Ensure all tiles or shingles are secure against junctions. Check the caulking at every junction. Replace any worn caulk with a new bead of caulk.
Make a Repair Plan
Once you complete your inspection, identify which problems need fixing immediately. Determine when and how you will fix each problem. Specify what materials you will need to complete the job. Identify how you will get those materials. If you happen to notice a leak, remember that water may migrate. This means the faulty area may not be where the leaks are observed.
Regular inspections and repairs will best ensure the longevity of your roof. If you notice areas of concern when doing your roof inspection checklist contact Specialty Home Products for help. We will schedule an appointment to get a specialist out to you quickly. Contact us for a list of our services. We will get trained representatives out right away to review your concern. Our specialists help residential and commercial property owners isolate the damage and identify sections of the inspected roof that may become prone to leaks and other issues. These professionals will be sure to help homeowners understand what they can do to minimize potential damage in the future.