While roof repair is always preferable to a replacement, not all damaged roofs are candidates for repair. Look for things like mold, a punctured membrane, or water stains.
There are a lot of things that can damage a roof, from whirlwinds to tornadoes and just general wear and tear. Contact A. Parker Contracting for professional help.
Before a roofer ever steps foot on your roof, they must visually inspect it from the outside. During this process, they will look for cracks in the material, signs of wear and tear, and any areas that appear deteriorating. They will also check the gutter system, chimneys, vents, skylights, and more for any issues that could affect the integrity of your home’s roofing.
They will also check the condition of your roof’s flashing. This is a series of metal pieces that cover the area around dormers, valleys, and other areas on your roof. If your roof’s flashing is cracked or damaged, it will allow water to leak into the house and cause major damage. In addition, they will look for shingles that are missing, curling, buckling, or fading. This will indicate that your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan and should be replaced soon.
After examining your roof from the outside, they will then head inside to look for signs of damage on the interior. This is a crucial step because it will help them determine whether or not your roof needs repair or replacement. Some signs of damage on the interior include water stains, sagging ceilings, and damp carpets. Additionally, they will examine the attic to look for areas that feel soft or squishy and note any musty smells.
If you are looking to have your roof inspected, it is important to find an experienced roofing company that will provide a thorough inspection and complete a detailed report. Contact us today to get started on your free roof inspection! Our service is fast, reliable and affordable. We offer financing options that make it easy to get the roofing you need.
Inspect the Interior
When it comes to assessing roof repair needs, it’s important to consider more than just the visible damage. This is because some issues may not be obvious to a homeowner, but they could still cause problems. For instance, moisture intrusion can weaken shingles over time and lead to future leaks. This is something that a roofing professional can look for during the interior inspection.
During the interior inspection, the roofing professional will check for water damage, wood rot, mold growth and pest issues. They will also check attic insulation, vents and skylights to ensure that they’re in good working order. If they aren’t, these components should be updated or replaced.
One area that is often overlooked is the flashing. This is a thin metal that helps to seal areas that can be prone to leaking, such as chimneys and vent pipes. Over time, the flashing can become loose or crack and leave gaps around the edges of the roof. This is an issue that should be addressed immediately to prevent water from seeping into the home.
Another common problem is shingle granules in the gutters. This is a sign that shingles are wearing out and should be replaced. The roofing professional will also inspect for missing shingles and replace them as necessary.
Finally, the inspector will look at the structure of the roof to check for sagging or structural problems. They will also look at the condition of the soffit, fascia and gutter system. They will also examine masonry chimneys for cracks and signs of water damage. In addition, they will check for debris accumulation in drains and downspouts and clogged gutters that can affect the functionality of the drainage system.
Inspect the Gutters
Gutters play a vital role in your home, protecting it from damage. But, like a roof, they need regular care and cleaning. Leaving gutters clogged can result in puddling along the roofline and in the foundation, which leads to water intrusion problems. It’s important to clean out and inspect gutters at least twice a year or more frequently in certain cases.
Before climbing a ladder to inspect your gutters, it’s best to start with a visual inspection from the ground. This will allow you to spot sections that appear out of place or that may need adjusting, such as gutter hangers. It’s also a good idea to make sure that your ladder is firmly planted on stable ground and that you have a spotter.
It’s likely that your gutters will be clogged with debris from the surrounding trees. This will prevent them from moving water off your roof in an efficient manner, which can lead to shingle and foundation damage. If you notice that a clog is occurring, try using a garden hose to flush the debris. This should help the water flow through and exit the downspout without a problem.
Downspouts are meant to divert water 4 to 6 feet away from a house’s foundation. This ensures that moisture doesn’t saturate the soil and wick into a house’s structure, which can cause rot or mold.
If your downspouts are not diverting water far enough, you might need to add splash blocks that will redirect the flow of water. A good rule of thumb is to install these rectangular pieces of concrete or plastic beneath the downspout at each end of the house. This will help direct the flow of water and absorb any impact from heavy rains.
Inspect the Flashing
The flashing is a vital component of your roof. It helps to prevent water from leaking around chimneys, skylights, vents, and dormers. The flashing is typically made of aluminum, but it can corrode over time. It can also become damaged by extreme weather events or from improper installation. If your flashing is damaged, it needs to be repaired immediately.
There are a few different ways to inspect your roof flashing. You can do a visual inspection from the ground or from inside your home. You can also use a ladder to safely access the attic and inspect the flashing from there. It is important to perform these inspections regularly to ensure that your flashing is in good condition and is preventing water from infiltrating your house.
During a visual inspection, you can look for signs of corrosion on the flashing and any gaps or holes that could allow water to enter your home. You should also look for the presence of water stains on ceilings or walls adjacent to the roof. These stains are a clear sign of a problem with the flashing.
If you are unable to repair your flashing, it may be necessary to replace it. A professional roofing contractor, like A & J Reliable, can recommend the best materials for your particular roof and climate. It is important to choose high-quality, durable materials that will provide long-term durability and protection against moisture infiltration.
One simple way to check if your flashing is in good condition is to run a hose over it. Have someone inside the house with a garden hose, and have them gently spray the flashing. If they see that the water is escaping from a specific area, the flashing in that spot needs to be replaced.
Inspect the Roof
Your roof is your home’s defense against the elements. But if it’s damaged, moisture can seep in and cause costly structural damage. Inspecting your roof regularly can help prevent this, and it’s important to know the early warning signs that you need to get your roof repaired.
The first thing your roof inspector will do is walk around your property from the ground, looking for anything that looks out of place. They will check the inside of your attic or crawl space if they have access to do so, and will take pictures of any actual or potential leaks. They will also inspect the flashing around chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and other rooftop penetrations. This is because if the flashing isn’t installed properly, it can let water in and cause leaks.
They will also look at the condition of the shingles. If they are sagging or missing, that’s a sign that the roof is getting old and needs to be replaced. They will also look at the amount of shingle damage, which is an indication of how much repair work is needed. If most of the shingles are damaged, then you will need to replace them.
After completing the inspection from the ground, they will get on the ladder and do a visual inspection of the roof itself. They will look at the shingles to make sure they aren’t curled, cracked, or buckling. They will also look at the flashing along eaves and ridge lines, and make sure there are no missing pieces or that they aren’t damaged or deteriorating.
