With the looming cold temperatures and winter weather you’ll want to make sure that your roof is in good shape. A roof that is in need of repair or replacement is going to be much more vulnerable to heavy snow and ice. Heavy snow or ice could lead to leaks and water damage – or potentially cause your roof to partially or fully collapse.
Seeing as how this is the absolute last thing that you want to have happen, you should strongly consider scheduling a roof inspection while it’s still fall. The following are some of the things that a professional roof inspector will look for:
- They will check to make sure you have the proper ventilation.
- They will check the interior of your home for signs of moisture and mold, which could compromise the integrity of your roof.
- They will look for any signs of leaks from the inside.
- They will inspect your roof’s flashing. There should be a minimum of three feet of leak barriers to help repel ice, water and snow. Damaged flashing can lead to leaks in your roof. They will specifically look for any cracked caulk or rust on the flashing.
- They will look for signs of rot and mold on the exterior of your roof.
- They will check the structural integrity of your roof by determining whether your roof is sagging.
- They will check to make sure the gutters running alongside the bottom of your roof are in good condition and properly attached.
- They will check to see if there are any granules in your gutters. This is usually a sign that your shingles are wearing down and could mean that your roof needs to be replaced.
- They will carefully inspect the exterior of your roof to see if there are any missing shingles. They will also look for signs of damage, such as broken shingles, cracked shingles or buckled shingles. Damaged or missing shingles need to be replaced because they leave the roof exposed to potential leaks as well as further wind damage (strong winds will have an easier time getting under the other shingles and blowing them off).
- They will inspect the chimney where it comes out of the roof for a missing or damaged chimney cap.
- They will look for any moss or lichen that is growing on the exterior of the roof. The presence of moss or lichen is a sign that the roof underneath may be decaying.
While you can do a basic visual inspection on your own, you should leave it to a professional to get on your roof and perform a more thorough checkup.
Schedule a roof inspection this fall by contacting us at Park Heights Roofing. Our inspectors have the experience and know-how to be able to identify any problem or potential problem your roof might have. We will then make sure to recommend the proper course of action to ensure that your roof is ready for the winter season.