Whether you’re a homeowner or you are looking to sell your home, it’s always a good idea to do a roof inspection to ensure the roof remains in great shape. Many things can go wrong with your roof over time, including leaks, mold, and more. If you’re not sure how to go about doing a roof inspection, consider some of the tips mentioned below.
Missing or broken shingles
During a roof inspection, it is important to check for missing or broken shingles. They can cause leaks and damage your home. They can also decrease your home’s value. If you have any broken or missing shingles, get them repaired right away.
During a roof inspection, you should also look for deterioration caused by environmental factors. Check the flashings and caulking. If these are in poor condition, you may need to replace the shingles. If you’re not sure where to begin, you can hire a professional to inspect your roof.
If the shingles have been damaged by a storm, you may notice chunks of them around the home. You can also see them on the ground. If you’re not sure how to replace them, contact a local Austin roofer.
If you’re considering selling your home, it’s important to check for missing or broken shingles. Having a damaged roof will decrease your home’s value and turn potential buyers away. The repairs can be costly. Moreover, mold can grow in the home, causing breathing problems and a lack of air circulation.
If your roof has been damaged by a storm, you should replace the shingles immediately. In some cases, the shingles will fly off in a strong wind. If they aren’t replaced right away, they can cause more damage.
When you replace missing or broken shingles, you should avoid steep inclines. If you’re not sure about the pitch of your roof, you can use a roof gauge to measure it.
Organic growth on the roof
Taking care of your roof can make all the difference in extending the life of your roof. Not only will it keep your home looking good, it will also help prevent thousands of dollars in repairs. It’s no secret that roofs can get wet. If left unchecked, this can cause damage to your home.
One of the most common types of roof growth is algae. These scaly, green creatures need water to survive and thrive. They can be a real headache for homeowners. They can even eat away at your roofing material.
Another type of growth is lichen. Lichens are a combination of algae and fungi. They are green when wet, but can be almost any color when dry. They hold moisture against the surface and require a special cleaner to get them out.
Moss is another common type of roof growth. Its root system can clog your gutters and downpipes, which can lead to leaks and further damage to your roof. It can also spread quickly.
The most obvious way to deal with organic growth on your roof is to clean it up. The best way to do this is to use a soft bristled brush and mild soapy water. You should wash the entire exterior surface to get the most comprehensive results.
Another way to keep organic growth from damaging your roof is to take preventative measures. Trimming down overhanging branches and other shade throwing objects can prevent damp areas from developing on your roof.
Ventilation problems
During your roof inspection, be on the lookout for problems related to proper ventilation. Having a properly vented roof will reduce the likelihood of your home leaking, as well as preventing moisture from developing in the attic.
The best way to tell if your attic ventilation is up to snuff is to get a professional to do a thorough inspection. If your attic doesn’t have sufficient vents, it could mean serious problems. You could end up with mold, water leaks, and a higher than average HVAC bill.
There are several other things to look for during your roof inspection. You may have to replace your roof if it isn’t properly ventilated. If your roof isn’t built correctly, you may have water leaks into the soffit, which is an indication of ice dams.
If you’re lucky enough to have an overhang on your roof, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of proper ventilation. Without an overhang, your roof won’t have a good airflow and may allow moisture to collect.
Having adequate roof ventilation can also save you money on your energy bill. A properly vented roof will reduce the likelihood of mold, mildew, and ice buildup. It will also help keep your HVAC system working efficiently.
Lastly, make sure to check out your HVAC system’s edges. There may be a moisture leak there, and you’ll know it’s there when your heating and cooling system starts to work overtime.
Ripples, blisters, or buckles in shingles
During your roof inspection, you may notice a few ripples, blisters, or buckles in your shingles. These are usually a sign that moisture is trapped in the material. It can lead to permanent damage.
In some cases, blisters in shingles can be caused by a manufacturing defect. However, most manufacturers’ defects are covered by warranties. If you have blisters on your roof, you should have them repaired by the manufacturer’s authorized contractor.
Shingles that buckle or rip are often caused by improper nailing. They can also be caused by a lack of insulation. They will also expand and contract when it gets hot or cold. In areas with high wind, shingles can be lifted by the wind and buckle.
There are other reasons why your shingles may have ripples or blisters. Incorrect measurements or the wrong material can also lead to problems.
Shingles may also be a sign that the material underneath has been warped. It can also be caused by excessive sun exposure. Lastly, ice dams may be forming on your roof. If the ice dam is large enough, it can cause leaks inside your home.
These signs are often overlooked because they do not appear immediately. But if left unchecked, they can cause serious damage to your roof. They can lead to leaks, mold, and premature deterioration. You should check your roof for these signs before an extreme weather event.
Damaged or corroded flashings
During a roof inspection, it’s important to be aware of signs of damaged or corroded flashing. These signs can indicate that you need to make repairs, and they can also help you prevent further damage.
The flashing on your roof is a metal piece that is installed under the shingles to help protect your roof from leaks. If it is damaged or corroded, it can cause water to leak into your home. This can be dangerous, as it can create a perfect environment for mold growth. In addition, it can also lead to moisture buildup, causing rot and deterioration in the wood within the roofing system.
A professional roofer can help you determine whether or not you need to make repairs. They can also check for hidden areas of flashing.
If there are small holes in your flashing, you can easily fix them with roof cement. If there are larger holes, you may need to have the flashing replaced. This can be a major expense, and it may require you to rebuild the basic framing of your home.
A roof inspection can also uncover signs of mold on your fascia boards, or bends in the metal. These signs are common signs of rust and corrosion on the roof.
In addition, if you have a chimney, you’ll need to have the mortar joints checked. If they are broken, the mortar can no longer channel water away from the chimney. This could lead to a chimney leak.
Signs of water leakage
During a roof inspection you should look for signs of water leakage. This will help you prevent further damage and reduce your roof repair bill. A leaky roof can cause mold, rot, and other problems.
If you see any of these signs you should get a roofer to inspect it right away. It is best to do a roof inspection twice a year to prevent water damage from occurring.
Some of the tell-tale signs of a leak include water dripping from the ceiling, soft or sunken shingles, and mold. Mold can cause airborne illnesses and be hazardous to your home. The mold may grow on the plywood sheathing and rafters.
Another sign is missing shingles. This can be due to old age or high winds. Missing shingles can cause water to enter the attic, which can lead to serious damage to the interior of the home.
If you notice a large puddle on the roof, this is an indication of a leak. You should also check the interior of your home for leaks. If you notice a musty smell when you turn on your heating system, this is a sign of wet insulation.
You may also notice a slick surface on the roof. This can be caused by clogged gutters or downspouts. If you notice a slick surface, it may be time to replace the gutters and downspouts.
