What Happens During a Roof Inspection?
A roof is a very integral part of any building and requires proper care. Effective roof maintenance starts with an exhaustive inspection to ascertain potential dangers to your roof and finding the right solution. Waiting for your roof to show signs of damage before you carry out an inspection is waiting for a disaster to strike. Roofs that cave in are a pointer to poor or no routine maintenance. A professional roofing contractor will help you carry out an inspection on your roof and advise on a routine maintenance plan that increases its lifespan.
Several things happen during the roof inspection process. It starts with an interior inspection that focuses on the rafters, trusses, ceiling, and other internal parts of the roof. A roof inspector then surveys the exterior of your roof for a couple of things.
Let’s dig in.
Why Do You Need a Roofing Contractor to Inspect Your Roof?
Roofs are prone to damage from debris, tree branches, extremes of weather, and more. Besides, there’s the aging and weathering factor. Therefore, inspection enables you to single out damaged or missing parts for replacement. Note that it is easier and less costly to replace a missing or defective part than it is to fix a whole roof.
By hiring a roofer contractor, you reduce the risk of damaging your shingles and tiles during an inspection. A roofer contractor is a professional who understands the ins and outs of roof inspection. Engaging the services of reputable roof companies assures you of thorough inspection and effective maintenance of your roof.
Signs That You May Require a Roof Inspection.
The most common warning sign is leakage when the skies open up. Rainwater finds its way into the house through cracks and other openings in the roof. Breezes are another common indicator and you will hear your roof creaking when the wind blows. It is a common trend with metal roofs. Roofs with broken tiles also allow wind into your house. Also, moonlight or sunrays penetrating your roof is a red flag you should not overlook.
And now…
The Roof Inspection Process.
The inspection process entails both the internal and external parts of a roof for different signs of damage. A professional roofing contractor starts by checking the interior of your roof and winds up with the external part.
Interior Inspection
The expert checks the ceiling for dark stains and streaks that result from leakages. Moisture on the ceiling, trusses, and rafters gathers dust that results in the stains and streaks. Eventually, microbial activities that lead to decay occur and make the affected parts of the roof weak. The roofer contractor carrying out the inspection also looks for the following things:
MoldsMolds growing in the roof is a sign of serious water damage. The chimney areas are more susceptible to water leakage.
- Rotting wooden surfaces
Moisture causes wood decay. Loose overlays in shingles and tiles occasion the seepage of rainwater that may cause rotting of the rafters, trusses, and other wooden parts of a roof.
- Drafts and light rays
Drafts enter a house through cracks or loose intersections between pieces of roofing materials due to damage or loose screws. Light rays may also penetrate the roof through the openings.
External Inspection
External inspection requires the use of a ladder to enable the roofing contractor to access the outer part of your roof. Caution is a must to avoid damage to the roof and injury to the roofing contractor doing the inspection. Here are some of the things the expert inspects:
Drainage
Pools of stagnant water on a roof increase the likelihood of damage. Trash, leaves, debris, and other objects thrown on the roof clog roof drains giving rise to water stagnation on the roof. The water makes the roofing materials deteriorate and hence reduces the lifespan of your roof. A regular inspection ensures proper drainage.
Vegetation
The roofing contractor checks whether there is any vegetation on the roof. Wind and birds deposit seeds on your roof, which results in the growth of plants on it. Be sure to find vegetation on your roof if the gutters are clogged with leaves, paper, soil, seeds, etc. Another thing to check is tree branches extending to the roof. The branches scratch it when the wind blows and may cause damage when the wind gets stronger.
Loose or missing roof parts
As time progresses, the screws and nails that hold roofing materials firmly on the roof become loose and even come off. And so, strong winds may blow shingles, iron sheets, and other roofing materials off the roof. The roofing contractor takes note of the loose and missing parts for replacement during repair work.
Wearing and aging
Roofing materials wear out and age with time depending on the type of material. For instance, asphalt and wooden shingles have different aging rates. The wearing and aging causes openings in the roof. Even though some roofing materials are durable, there comes a time when they become weak and start to crack and break. Therefore, a roofing contractor
inspects the materials to determine whether they are still strong or need replacement.
Fix It
After a comprehensive inspection of your roof, your roofing contractor should furnish you with a report on his findings. The expert then gives you the cost of fixing your roof, the materials you should buy, and the work schedule. The work schedule indicates, among other things, the duration of the project and the working hours.
Final Thoughts
Your roof needs regular maintenance to ensure it lasts long. Leakage is one of the common warning signs that tell you when the roof requires inspection. There are many roofer companies out there that can help you do that. But the challenge lies in getting a roofing contractor that can provide you with reliable roofing services at a cost that doesn’t eat too much into your finances.
However, regular maintenance can save you the cost of fixing an entire roof. Do not ignore any minor damage to your roof. Damages make it weak. They can make it cave in from strong winds and cause bodily harm or even loss of life. Finding a roofing contractor who can satisfy your roofing needs makes you feel the safety, durability, and comfort of your roof at all times.