Seasonal roof checks can be extremely beneficial for homeowners. Not only do they help target future needs which will be addressed, but they also help ensure proper roof maintenance and procedures to best protect your home. As a front-line defense mechanism against Mother Nature and other volatile elements, helping keep your roof in proper working order is extremely important. The seasonal changes aid to keep homeowners cognisant of arguably the most important aspect of their property. These routine checkups also can help property owners identify any potential issues and then take the appropriate steps to rectify any identified problem areas.
As important as proper roof maintenance will always be, it unfortunately often goes ignored by a majority of individuals until an issue arises. Of course, every homeowner is going to address an identified leak, stopped up gutter, or breach of the structure, but often causes of these issues could have been properly disposed of had someone taken the time to perform an inspection of the surface. Identifying issues doesn’t always come easy, which is another reason annual professional inspections are also recommended. Coupled with seasonal checkups from the homeowner, this maintenance schedule will help keep your property protected and its roof in solid working order. However, when the time for the homeowner inspection, gaining roof access is key to completing the task, and depending on the design style and structure of your property this can be a dangerous endeavor. Fortunately, there are numerous steps individuals can take to reduce the risk associated with accessing your roof. Falls are one of the most common causes of dangerous roofing accidents and homeowners should be aware of the risk that comes with accessing the top of their home. For this reason, some individuals may choose to have any inspections completed professionally, but if not, these areas should be highlighted to reduce the risk associated with any roofing issues.
Ladder Safety
Equipment used to climb atop a roof is often to blame for falls and other high-risk activities. Depending on the structure of your property, having a serviceable access point can be beneficial and also an important part of safely completing an inspection. Basic ladder safety comes first and foremost but there are other important aspects individuals should consider before making any plans for climbing atop their property. All footing should be solid and access angles appropriate for any ladder use. In addition, having the correct size apparatus to properly execute a climb should be examined before beginning the project. Angles and footing are both extremely important, along with having an extra person on-site to steady the ladder and be on alert in the event anything out of the ordinary occurs during the inspection process.
Weather
Weather also can play a critical role in the inspection process. While no one should ever risk accessing a roof in inclement weather, timing also plays an important part in the safety of all involved. Even recent rains could make footing for a ladder unstable or create a slick surface on the roof itself. Other factors may also hinder an individual’s ability to access the roof, including high winds or extreme heat. In both instances, immediate roof access should be limited and the current patterns of all-weather in an area should be examined when determining the appropriate schedule for a roof inspection.
Line of Sight
Maintaining an appropriate line of sight after gaining roof access can also be extremely important. Unfortunately, edge awareness often isn’t given the priority it deserves when individuals access a roof. Depending on the construction of your roof type, there are items – chimneys, flues, vents, gables, etc. which may block the sightline of a person but understanding the overall layout is also important. Mapping out a plan for any inspection and understanding where you are in terms of any obstructive items, at all times, will help keep individuals as safe as possible while atop a structure.
Construction
The construction style of your home and roof can also play an important part in maintaining safety while either on top or gaining access to a property. The height of your roofline from the ground will determine what size ladder is needed for access unless there is another means of availability – including a deck or patio. This measurement should indicate the length necessary but also if there should be any extreme measures. Provided all things are relatively normal, then gaining access from one of these prominent entry points should be a viable option. Once atop the roof, construction concerns shouldn’t wane. The pitch and other factors associated with a roof can make navigating its surface extremely difficult. Even those layouts which have a uniform appearance can be risky when atop them completing an inspection – regardless of type.
Structural Integrity
If your roof has suffered some type of damage, either from a falling limb or weather event, then extreme measures should be taken before putting yourself atop the structure. Now, not only are you putting yourself at risk of falling off the building but if the construction components have been compromised, then falling into the property also becomes a concern. While homeowners want to examine the extent of any damage as quickly as possible, if the concern for structural integrity is presented, then it may be time to hire a professional before taking matters into your own hands.
Training
Ultimately, if there is any concern about being able to safely access your roof for a routine inspection then contact with a professional service should immediately be made. Not only does this take the risk out of your control but it also provides the opportunity to an organization with specific training associated with your situation, regardless of roof type, recent weather, site lines, or any other concern.
With a wealth of knowledge and experience, quality service has been our priority in Denver and the surrounding area for years as we handle any roofing or siding needs. Arvada Roofing and Construction has been completing roof and siding installations, evaluations, and multiple other exterior household projects or associated services for nearly two decades. Their highly trained experts can provide an estimate on any vinyl siding installation project, repair, remodel, or new construction project, if needed, as well as any roof inspection you wish to have completed. Should you find yourself in a situation where you are concerned about the effectiveness of your exterior building materials or already have an issue, we are here to help.
Our certified and extremely knowledgeable staff is available to handle any construction or roofing job and provide a variety of other services such as seamless guttering systems, or any potential damage analysis thought to be caused by severe weather for insurance reporting. Contact us today online or call 303-432-2753 for your free estimate on any of the above-mentioned projects!