The roof is an unsung hero protecting our homes from the whims of Mother Nature. It’s important to always look for signs of damage and take prompt action.
Regular inspections — ideally twice a year — can help homeowners identify problems and sidestep costly repairs. The following checklist is a useful tool for performing DIY roof inspections.
Inspect the Roof from the Ground
You can spot many roof issues from the ground, but for a thorough inspection you should be sure to head up in the attic (if there is one) or at least check out the rafters. Look for signs of water leakage, such as wet insulation and structural wood that is sagging or warped. Water stains and dark spots on the ceiling are also red flags that it’s time to call a contractor.
Check the shingles for cracks or missing pieces which can lead to further damage and water penetration. Examine the flashings around chimneys, vent pipes and skylights for any rust or other damage. Also look for sagging areas of the roof deck which may be a sign of structural issues.
Next, take a close look at the gutters to see if there are any clogs or debris that can interfere with water flow and cause further problems. Look for any areas of moss or algae which can also cause moisture retention and damage roofing materials over time. You should also examine the soil stack boots for any cracks or other damage.
If you don’t have a ladder to climb, or are just afraid of heights, try grabbing a pair of binoculars for a closer view of the roof surface. Pay special attention to any areas that are covered in green algae, moss or rotting leaves. These are all signs that the roof is in disrepair and should be repaired or replaced immediately to prevent further damage and rot. If you are able to get a closer look at the roof, be sure to focus on the flashings, which are the metal components that redirect rainwater away from the home. If these are rusted or damaged, or the caulk is brittle or cracked, it can allow water to penetrate into the roofing materials and cause serious damage.
Inspect the Attic
While it may seem that the attic serves little purpose, it is vital to the overall health of your home. The roof and attic have a symbiotic relationship that impacts everything from the structure of your home to its energy efficiency. In fact, your attic is the most important area to inspect regularly, especially if your house has an unfinished attic.
A poorly-maintained attic and roof can lead to mold, rot, and structural damage throughout your home. The good news is that it’s easy to prevent these issues with routine inspections and proactive repairs by a local roofing contractor. If you’re looking for durable and high-quality roofing solutions, consider the expert services provided by Roofing Windsor.
Look for water stains or discoloration on the ceilings and walls of your attic to identify roof leaks. Leaks can be caused by missing shingles, cracked flashing, and poor seals around vents and chimneys. If they are left unattended, they can lead to extensive water ingress and the costly repairs that follow.
In addition, an attic inspection is a great opportunity to assess the level of insulation and make upgrades as needed. If you have inadequate insulation, installing more can dramatically reduce your heating and cooling costs. Additionally, an upgraded ventilation system can help regulate attic temperatures and eliminate excessive moisture buildup that can cause ice dams and mold growth.
While you’re in the attic, it’s also a good idea to remove or secure valuable items that could fall during an inspection. You should also take the time to clean and cover anything that is stored in the attic, such as TVs, mirrors, china cabinets, or artwork attached to the wall. It’s also a good idea to remove any insulation that is overly dirty or stained, as these areas can be difficult and hazardous for a roofer to work in.
Inspect the Gutters
Gutters play an important role in protecting the roof, as well as the exterior of your home. When gutters are clogged, it can cause water to back up and damage the roof and building structure. Gutters should be inspected regularly to keep them free from debris and clogs. They should also be cleaned at least twice a year to prevent the buildup of mold, dirt, and other debris.
A thorough inspection includes examining the gutters from the ground and from the roof. From the ground, you can spot inconsistencies in the gutters, such as sections that are knocked out of place or missing parts like hangers. Also look for areas of water stains or rust that may indicate leaks or other problems with the gutter system.
When examining the gutters from the roof, you should pay special attention to the downspouts and roof valleys. These are common areas for leaking, and it is essential that they be free from debris and properly sealed. You should also check the caulking around chimneys, vents, and skylights to ensure it is in good condition. Finally, you should look for moss and algae growth to ensure it is kept under control.
Inspecting the gutters and downspouts regularly is a simple task that can be done by anyone with a ladder. It is a great way to catch problems before they get out of hand, and it will help extend the lifespan of your roof. Regular inspections and cleaning can also prevent costly repairs in the future. Remember, the old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is particularly true when it comes to your roof!
Inspect the Flashings
It’s easy to overlook roof flashing when it comes to a home’s maintenance routine. But this critical element of the roof works tirelessly to prevent leaks around chimneys, skylights and other rooftop penetrations.
Flashing is usually made from aluminum, and it’s essentially what connects the edges of your roof to the walls of your house at any points where they meet (around dormers, around the chimney, etc.). It’s not uncommon for flashing to be a cause of a leaking roof because it can wear down and become corroded over time.
To avoid a costly repair, it’s a good idea to check the flashing on a regular basis. This can be done as part of a full roof inspection or it can be a standalone project. You can use binoculars or a window to check for signs of flashing damage, or you can use a ladder to get a close look at the flashing.
If you notice any corroded spots, you can either clean the area with soapy water and a stiff brush or use a piece of super-fine steel wool. Then, you can cut a patch of flashing several inches larger than the hole and secure it with roof cement. Be sure to add a generous coating of roof cement around the edges of the patch to ensure that it’s completely sealed.
You should also check the flashings and seals at all safely accessible areas of the roof, including any vents or skylights. These can develop cracks and leaks over time because the building materials expand and contract in different directions when it gets hot or cold outside. You can avoid leaks by checking these areas on a routine basis and replacing the caulking or flashing as necessary.
Inspect the Soffits
Soffits are the boards that extend over the eaves, protecting the edge of your roofline from moisture and pests while also providing ventilation to the attic. As such, they’re important components that often get neglected until problems arise. Then they can become a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and wood rot and compromise the structural integrity of your home’s roof and attic.
You can inspect your soffits and fascia in two ways: by climbing into the attic to check for signs of water intrusion and gaps around each rafter tail, or by walking underneath each rafter tail when cleaning your gutters. Both inspections should be done on a regular basis, especially after bad weather.
Damaged soffits are an open invitation to rot and pests, so it’s essential to repair them as soon as you see the first signs of deterioration. You should also take steps to prevent them from deteriorating in the first place, such as installing gutter leaf covers, keeping plants away from the soffit, and taking other measures to minimize blockages that could redirect rainwater into the soffit.
A soffit repair starts with removing the damaged sections of the soffit and replacing them with new plywood. Then, you should prime both the top and bottom surfaces of the soffit to protect it from moisture, improve paint adhesion, and promote longevity. After the soffit has been properly primed and painted, you can fasten it to the underside of the fascia using screws. If the original soffit was wood, you’ll also want to replace the vertical wood fascia strip that runs alongside it with aluminum to avoid future issues with rotting and insect infestations.
