Homeowners often perform routine tasks to keep their residence in the best shape possible. Cleaning, painting, performing yard maintenance, and other responsibilities all combine to ensure that a home perseveres without decay. However, there is one area on the property that unfortunately many individuals forget about when performing regular upkeep duties – the roof. From changing air filters to staining a deck, or pressure washing a driveway there are many tasks that when accomplished periodically help to keep things in good working order.
A roof protects everything underneath from the outside elements and also assists with the heating and cooling of a home. For these reasons it should also receive annual inspections to help avoid any potentially damaging situations should weather or something else causes an issue. Full home inspections are typically only ordered when buying or selling the property but taking a look at your roof can help not only potentially prevent a catastrophe but also keep your home and its inhabitants protected. Not only can a professional inspection highlight signs you need a new roof but it can also address areas in need of possible repair.
Not every situation is going to be extreme and there are certainly plenty of preventative steps which can be taken to benefit homeowners and fit necessary repairs into their budget. In fact, a proper roof inspection will not only cover the outer protective layer of your home but also the interior areas closest to the roofing material, whether that be a liveable upper story or simply an attic. Thorough inspections will include many of the following, if not more, to help keep your home protected and address any needed areas of concern.
General Observation
The first things noticed will be general observations which may also have even been the culprit behind a homeowner making the call for a more thorough examination. Some damage (i.e. missing shingles, structural deficiencies, or tree damage) may easily be viewed from the ground but just because you may not notice anything out of the ordinary, roof integrity could be compromised. After an initial inspection of the roof from the ground, searching for debris and potential causes of any damage, the appearance of any debris on a roof will also be noted.
Roof Specific
The type of roof on your structure will determine exactly what signs of damage may exist particular to your residence. For example, sloped roofs may be observed for the condition of its surface – usually, shingles of some variety – which can be examined for granular loss or potential causes of missing pieces should any be found. Metal roofs may show damage more readily noticeable to untrained professionals with dents and/or corrosion occurring throughout the upper surface. A flat roof is more prone to industrial markets or urban living but it too has specific areas of concern when serving as the focus of an investigation. A flat roofs coating condition or the appearance of any cracks should be properly addressed.
Roof Features
Roof features will be unique to every home, but they should all be examined equally while completing a proper inspection. From skylights to gutters and everything in between, the varied features of a roof make each inspection different but all additives should be observed for potential signs of damage or other concerns. Drains, vents, chimneys, and the entire gutter system should be shown to be working properly to help avoid water damage from rain or snowmelt during the winter months. Spring and summer both make for the perfect time to perform a professional inspection before the temperatures dropping and leave causing potential debris or snow preventing a proper examination of the roofing elements.
Exterior Condition
Observing any areas of concern among the outside walls should also be addressed during an inspection. If drainage issues or something else is causing a problem, then discoloration of an area or staining could occur. While the focus is obviously on the roof itself, there are many indicators of an issue both inside and outside the home. For this reason, checking the exterior condition of these spaces and any ground issues – such as drainage – should be part of a roof inspection.
Ceiling
Moving inside the property, ceilings may expose an issue before it is noticed anywhere else. Cracks, stains, leaks, mold, mildew, etc. can all be signs of a problem with the roof. If one or more of these are noticed, checking above the area is critical but individuals must also remember that water tends to flow freely and a breach in the outer layer may not be revealed simply by looking up once any puddle or dampness is noted.
Interior Condition
Similar signs of potential damage looked for outside should also be reviewed on the interior in either the ceiling or on walls. Cracks, in particular, may be the result of a home naturally settling but they could also be the product of a larger issue. Should you notice any cracks beginning either from the interior ceiling line or above door jams, then they should be professionally examined. Doing so may prevent a much larger repair bill down the road.
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 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 repair, remodel, or new construction project, if needed, as well as any inspection you wish to have completed.
Should you find yourself in a situation where you are concerned about the effectiveness of your roof 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!