As a homeowner, you should regularly check your roof; however, sometimes a roof may have incurred more damage than an untrained eye can see. If you have any concerns or have experienced bad weather, it’s best to schedule a roof inspection from an experienced roofing professional, who will look for damage that you might not realize is there.
If you think your roof is leaking, if you’ve seen signs of water damage, or if there has been a recent hail or windstorm, you need to find out if your roof is damaged, how it is damaged and where it is damaged. While you can get up on a ladder to perform an inspection yourself, chances are you will miss things like improper flashing, leaks, rot and mold, structural issues, shingle deterioration, and gutter damage. Also, unless you are used to getting up on a ladder higher than 6 feet (for example, if it is part of your daily occupation), you should not attempt to climb up on your ladder without properly stabilized equipment and help. Ladder falls accounted for 43% of fatal falls last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
That’s why getting a professional roof inspection is a good idea. An accredited roofing company has the experience, knowledge and equipment to get up onto your roof and spot all of the damage (and potential problems) quickly and easily, saving you time and backaches. Here are the typical things that should be on your roofer’s inspection checklist:
Roof Inspection Checklist
1) Look for obvious signs of damage. Visible structural deformations, dirt and debris, standing water, and blocked or broken gutters and downspouts are signs of obvious damage that should be repaired immediately.
2) Examine exterior structural components. Chimneys, vents, fascia, drip edges, and decking should be inspected for damage, missing components, rust, and rot. Leaks tend to form around chimneys, vents, and skylights – and if they’re not noticed in a timely manner, damage can occur to the underlayment, sheathing, and joists, leading to potentially expensive repair and replacement costs.
3) Go up into the attic. Interior structural roof damage can occur especially if the roof hasn’t been inspected or maintained regularly. And, often if you see a leak inside, or signs of water damage, the source of the leak may not be directly over the damage itself. Water follows the path of least resistance, and if a leak has been left to linger, all rafter and roof trusses should be checked for evidence of mold, mildew and rot, which could indicate extensive structural damage.
Finding a Reputable Roofing Contractor
It’s vitally important that you hire an experienced, local roofing contractor that you can trust. Beware of engaging a company that is running a scam (see our related article Avoid Roofing Scams from Storm Chasers and Unqualified Roofers). Always vet the company by asking to see their business license, researching them through the Better Business Bureau, and reading testimonials. The company should be able to show you proof that they are fully licensed, insured and bonded. You should be able to talk to some of their previous customers.
In business locally for more than 30 years, DryHome Roofing & Siding Inc. is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We’ll happily provide references of satisfied customers in your area and copies of our insurance and licenses. We are listed with Angie’s List, the Better Business Bureau, and the National Roofing Contractors Association. Find out more about DryHome Roofing & Siding Inc. here: https://www.dryhome.com/about/history.
