Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against damage from the elements, and usually the most neglected area when it comes to taking care of your home. As a homeowner, doing a yearly roof inspection is one of the best decisions you can make. It will not only help in prolonging the life of your roof, but it allows you to catch small problems early, so they don’t turn into expensive repairs later on. For those living in the Pacific Northwest, automated Thurston County gutter cleaners are a prudent choice to aid in the maintenance process. Well-maintained gutters are essential to avoid backups of water below shingles, as well as flow overs from porch and entry points.
Knowing what to look out for, whether doing a roof inspection by yourself or hiring a professional, can help you save a lot of time, money, and unnecessary hassle. To make your annual roof inspection hassle-free, the following is a complete checklist for you to initiate your effective inspection.
Before advancing a single step, walk around your house to observe the roof from the ground. Take a binocular to help you observe details. Look for the following:
- Missing or Damaged Roof Shingles
- Visible debris buildup along the edges or in the rotting areas.
- Dark streaks or patches that show algae, moss or any other growth.
- Presumably sagging areas that show weak spots in the roof structure.
This step is critical for identifying problem areas so that your roof does not sustain any unseen destruction.
Shingles serve the roof by protecting it from UV rays, wind, and rain. Damaged or worn out shingles are a common oversight in the shingles themselves.
Look for:
- Loose or curling shingles – These can allow water to seep in, so take care of these as soon as possible.
- Cracked or split shingles – These can happen due to extremities in the weather or bad ventilation in the attic.
- Missing shingles – Any empty slot in coverage increases the risk of a potential leak.
- Granule loss – If shingles are losing granules, there may be a need for a replacement, so check the gutters for a build-up.
Nail pops lead to the severing of the roof shingle from the roof deck. This can occur due to sustained pressure, and can eventually lead to:
- Lifted shingles that are easy to lose in the wind.
- Water entry points that are especially dangerous in storms.
- Loose roofing material that can impact the wind.
Nail pops can be easily dismissed, but are a red flag that should be addressed during the inspection.
Flashing can be referred to as the rubber or metallic material used to cover the joints that are on the sides of the roof structures like chimneys, skylights or even vent pipes. The purpose of flashing is to prevent water from stagnating in the joints.
Check for:
- Rusted or corroded metal flashing
- Loose parts or missing sections
- Sealant that is cracked or dried
- Flashing is gapped with the surface that is supposed to seal
Compromised flashing is one of the most frequent problems affecting leaking roofs. If your flashing is damaged, water can readily penetrate your attic or the internal walls of your house.
These skylights and chimneys should undergo a detailed examination since they are especially susceptible.
With chimneys:
- Observe for cracked mortar or loose bricks
- Check for missing or damaged sections on the chimney cap
- Inspect the base flashing for any evidence of water leakage
For skylights:
- Inspect for cracked glass or fogging, as these may indicate a failed seal
- Verify flashing is sealed as intended
- Observe the interior trim for any water stains or discoloration
In many cases, the first signs of roof damage occur inside the home. Check the attic for:
- Damp spots or water stains on the insulation or wood
- Indications of mold or mildew, often as a result of poor ventilation or leaks
- Gaps or missing shingles indicated by sunlight shining through the roof boards
Ensuring the vents are clear, especially from insulation or debris, is very important because the attic ventilation system also functions as the roof.
Without question, clean gutters are essential, especially to the roof. If gutters are blocked, water may back up and damage shingles, or even overflow around windows and doors.
While looking at your gutters, make sure to:
- Clear away twigs, leaves, and other debris
- Check for sagging sections or loose fasteners
- Look for shingle granule, suggests aging or damaged shingles
- Inspect the downspouts to check for proper water diversion away from the foundation
Downspouts should divert water away from the foundation, preventing erosion and expensive repairs, and gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, after storms, or heavy leaf fall. If you're local, call Thurston County gutter cleaners for the job!
With a slope and a flat edge, the edges and the corners are the most exposed sections. Along with collecting the most water, roof valleys also are exposed and vulnerable.
Pay attention and do the following:
- Look for signs of wear or discoloration, particularly along the valleys
- Check for discoloration, particularly along the valley’s center
- Check the proper alignment for the underlayment and the flashing
Compromising materials and lack of proper ventilation along the roof valleys will lead to expensive repairs and pesky leaks.
While moss and lichen might seem harmless, they can:
- Trap moisture against shingles, speeding up wear and tear.
- Lift shingles, making them prone to wind damage.
- Cause rot to wood beneath the roofing shingles.
If you spot moss, it can be brushed off and removed with water and bleach. Remember, don’t pressure wash, it can void warranties and damage the shingles.
While you inspect, ensure you take clear pictures of any damage or areas of concern. This is particularly useful if you:
- Plan to file a homeowner’s insurance claim.
- Hire a contractor for repairs.
- Want to monitor the condition of your roof year after year.
Keeping roof inspection records helps show the homeowner’s reliability and may improve resale value for the home.
While a DIY inspection has some benefits, a professional roofer has the experience to identify problems that could be overlooked. Certified contractors are equipped with the right tools to perform:
- Thermal imaging for water leaks
- Assessing moisture levels
- Detailed condition reports with repair costs
Schedule a professional inspection with a contractor if your roof has surpassed a decade of use, or if you’ve had to deal with extreme weather conditions.
Annual roof inspections are not only critical for identifying problems, but they are also key for preventing excessive damage, preserving your property's value, and ensuring the safety of your family. Spending a couple hours each year to inspect your roof and perform minor maintenance can lead to thousands of dollars saved in the future.
Stay proactive, stay knowledgeable, and treat your roof with the right level of care. Each part of the roof that contributes to the overall condition of the roof, such as shingles, nail pops, flashing, and gutters, matters and should be treated with care.
For those in the local area, professionals such as Thurston County gutter cleaners and licensed roofers are available to conduct thorough, safe, and effective inspections.
