How Do I Inspect My Roof?

When it’s cold and raining or hot and humid, we’re all grateful to be tucked inside, safe from the elements. Our roofs protect us when we need it most, but are you protecting your roof? Our homes take a beating year in and year out. Eventually, even the sturdiest of roofs will succumb to the effects of weather and time, but routine inspections can help you find vulnerabilities early, prolonging the life of your roofing system and in turn, saving you money. Between your professional roof inspections (which should be scheduled at least once a year), we’ve got a few pointers on when and how to check for damage that might pop up when you least expect it.

First, and this is important, know how old your roof is. If you don’t know already, try to find out by checking the inspection report from when you purchased your home or call A&A Services for an inspection to determine its age and condition. Age alone won’t predict your repair or replacement schedule, but it’s a good place to start for reference.

Second, we recommend spot checks twice per year– in the spring and fall. The transition seasons typically see less extreme weather conditions and provide a good window of opportunity to tend to any issues before the elements become a threat. Throughout the year, it’s also good practice to check after major weather events, like a hailstorm or heavy winds. If your roof is older, or if you live in an area with lots of the extreme weather, your roof may be even more susceptible to damage after those frightful storms. And lastly, if other homes on your street are getting their roofs replaced, it may indicate it’s almost time to replace yours as well.

Finally, inspect your roof. Start in the attic and inside your home- look around for holes, moisture or sagging. Be sure to check for dark spots, mold and mildew as well. If you spot leaks, there could be a couple of things happening: some shingles may be damaged, the underlayment (the protective layer between your shingles and the plywood) may be failing, or the material that seals your joints on your roof has deteriorated (this is called “flashing”).

You can check the exterior and roof itself by accessing it with a ladder, using a drone (your kid’s toy is just fine!), or with a pair of binoculars at varying distances (from the yard, and across the street).

• Check gutters and downspouts for leaks or sagging areas ( remove leaves and debris first.)
• Look for missing, torn or damaged shingles
• Dark spots or sagging
• Exposed or popped nails
• Look for open seams or joints along the top, corners, sides of your roof
• Check under the eaves and the fascia (the part that connects the roof to the outer walls of your house) for rot or animal infestations
• Be sure that your chimney or any roof penetrations for piping, skylights, etc., are sealed

If your roof isn’t very old and you spot a few loose or damaged shingles, you may be able to just replace them. But for broader or more extensive damage, it may be time for a new one. The key is a regular inspection so you know what’s going on up there. If you have noticed a leak or signs of damage, or if your roof is just looking worn-out, contact our team for a thorough assessment. Our technicians can let you know whether a simple repair will solve the problem, or if it’s time for a replacement.

Contact A&A Services, Salem’s top roofing replacement contractor, for help with your roofing inspection or project today.

Tags: How-To, roof inspection, roof repair, roof replacement