The roof of a home or any other structure is one of its most important features because of the protection it affords against the elements. For this reason, it is essential to have it regularly inspected. Once every other year is acceptable if the roof is relatively new and no obvious damage is observed. Older roofs – 10 years of age or more – should be inspected by a professional every year, however. Here are a few things that should be expected in any thorough roof inspection:
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4 Roofing Resolutions to Make this Year
1. Walk the Roof – This task is not for the faint of heart, especially if the roof has a substantial pitch. If the homeowner is concerned about heights, a professional roofing specialist should be brought in. Not only will they have superior working knowledge of roofs, they will also have any safety equipment necessary should it be needed. The reason to actually walk across the roof as this is the best way to ascertain if there are any soft spots in the underlayment. In addition, damaged, missing or poorly nailed shingles that cannot be seen from the ground can be also be documented and then repaired.
2. Inspect the Eaves – The eaves – the wood that surrounds a roof – is integral to a roof’s construction and its function. Although usually decorative in nature, they are also an important barrier to the elements as they transition the roof to the walls. They should be inspected up close – on a ladder if necessary – to identify any damage or rot. Metal eaves should also be inspected for the early signs of oxidation.
3. Don’t Forget the Interior – A great deal can be learned about the condition of shingle or metal roofing by examining its underside. A good inspector will again check for sagging underlayment as well as a light penetration or obvious water leaks around vents and other roof penetrations. A final important task in the attic is to establish that it is being adequately ventilated. This will help keep the roof dry underneath the shingles and help to significantly increase its life.
4. Check for Animal Infiltration – The roof area of building is notorious for attracting all sorts of creatures from insects, birds and bats to mice and other larger rodents. Usually a distinct smell will be noticed but the nest may be difficult to safely discover. The animals should be removed as they present a health and safety problem for every member of your family. In addition, the manner of ingress should be determined and properly sealed to prevent the problem from reoccurring in the future.
Contact Fowler Exteriors for Roof Inspections
Properly inspecting a roof is not particularly difficult but it does require the proper training and equipment as well a bit of experience. It should usually be left to a professional. For more information on metal and shingle roofing inspections, please contact us at Fowler Exteriors. We can be contacted online or at reached directly at 770-377-8009.