The seasonal change provides a great time to complete a roof examination to ensure that your property remains protected. Not only is the roof your layer of protection against all of Mother Natures elements, but it also plays a vital role in the heating and cooling of your home. Proper ventilation is key and this is even more prevalent as the temperatures begin to rise during the summer months. In addition, routine inspections coupled with an annual professional review can also assist in noticing any signs of potential problems which may become serious issues in the future if left unattended. Fortunately, when caught early, many roof issues can be easily fixed without having to break the bank in order to cover the cost of repair. Not every situation warrants a new roof but keeping a close watch on your property throughout the year can really help.
Depending on the construction material and location, most homeowners can expect their roof to last anywhere between 20-30 years on average. Weather elements, including sun exposure, can all have an impact on the lifespan of your roof but proper maintenance is critical and far too often homeowners fail to keep a close watch on this particular component of their structure. However, if you remember that as each season changes another roof inspection should be completed, then it will aid in ensuring that you get the best return out of your materials. For summer, there are also a few key areas that need to be addressed in order to keep your home protected now and into the future.
Gutters
Gutters are a critical component of your home and should always be included when completing a roof inspection. Not only do you want to keep dirt and debris from building up within the trough but also clear the roof of any foreign materials which could ultimately cause a problem. In addition to the roof line gutter system, also check to make certain downspouts are flowing freely to keep water moving effectively away from your homes foundation. After snowy winters and spring rains, maintaining the gutters effectiveness throughout the summer months is just as important to help keep your home from sustaining potential water damage from any heavy rains.
Attic
Although odd to consider the interior of a home as part of the roof inspection process, it is here where potential damages can be first revealed in order to deal with problems before they become major factors. Not only should you keep an eye out for any daylight peeking through the roofline but the appearance of mold or mildew could also indicate another issue. If you suspect there is a roof leak somewhere, remember that water will flow along surfaces and to inspect the entire area instead of just assuming the culprit lies directly above a puddle. Often, water may be seeping through one area but then traveling along the rafters or pitch of the roof before finally falling to rest in a certain spot. Remember, looking inside can help to pinpoint any problem areas from the exterior layer.
Mold
Mold and moss may begin to appear on certain areas of your roof depending on where it is situated on the property and if it is receiving enough ventilation. Often, the areas affected are shady or underneath overhanging tree branches which may be keeping the sun from reaching the surface area. If you notice mold, moss, or mildew beginning to grow then quick action should be taken before it becomes too big of a problem. While its existence won’t necessarily impact the roofs integrity it can degrade the shingle materials quickly and shorten the overall lifespan so removing moss from the roof should always be a priority.
Shingles
A quick scan of the shingles on your roof both from the ground level and atop a property can also help to reveal any potential problems. If you notice that certain areas are sustaining damage or missing shingles then a replacement or repair may be in order. Fortunately, if the damage is confined to a particular area then measures could be taken to avoid any further issues. For example, if you have a tree branch which is coming into contact with the roof repeatedly during windy days, this constant scratching may potentially cause shingle damage or removal. If this is the case, simply cutting the tree back could quickly help to protect your roof. If theres no noticeable cause, then it may be time for a professional inspection to examine the damage and search for a remedy.
Vents/Seals
All vents and seals should be examined to ensure they are intact and functioning properly. Around exhaust pipes, chimneys, solar panels, or skylights, these areas are often the subject of leaks and if a weakness is caught early it could help to avoid a potential disaster down the line. When atop your roof, quickly give these areas a thorough examination to help keep your home protected.
Insulation
Insulation plays a pivotal role in helping to control the heating and cooling costs associated with maintaining your property. Without it, not only could the entire HVAC system be in jeopardy but your bank account is also going to take a significant hit trying to maintain a comfortable temperature within the home. As the summer months begin to heat up, controlling this cost is even more important and insulation is a helpful tool in this battle. When checking the interior attic or upper levels associated with your roof, double check to see if three are places in need of additional insulation or where it may have shifted to reveal underlying materials. If found, having more insulation material added or adjusted to keep your home protected may be necessary.
Inspection
In the event that a problem is noticed during a routine personal examination, it may be time for a professional service. Not only can they assist in helping to find a cause for any issue, but they may also be able to provide a remedy which is much more cost effective. Avoid trying to do too much yourself, especially when dealing with something so important, and leave any solutions up to a professional service.
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 and all roofing 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 now 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 the purposes of insurance reporting. Contact us today online or call 303-432-2753 for your free estimate on any of the above mentioned projects!