The roof on your home sits fully exposed to the weather, so it’s bound to suffer the effects of wear and aging over time. If you don’t take proactive steps to keep it in good condition, minor problems can escalate into expensive repairs or even a premature roof replacement.
Having the roof inspected periodically is the best way to identify any developing issues so you can get them fixed while they’re easy to repair and avoid bigger headaches. For an excellent, in-depth roof inspection, you should hire a certified professional. Make sure the process includes the following three essential elements.
An Interior Assessment
An experienced inspector should first check for any signs of water damage on your ceilings, and then head up to your attic to look for the following:
- Adequate ventilation to keep the attic dry and prevent roof deterioration.
- Damp insulation or signs of mold growth that may be due to a roof leak or excessive condensation.
- Dripping water or evidence of staining on the underside of the roof deck.
An Exterior Evaluation
Next, a certified professional should assess the entire roof system from the ground and up on the roof itself to check for:
- Broken, curled, or missing shingles or uplifted nails.
- Excessive amounts of shingle granules in the gutters or on the ground.
- Visible bare patches of shingle substrate.
- Signs of rust, missing fasteners, or loose panels on a metal roof.
- Damaged/missing flashing or cracked caulking around the eaves, side walls, valleys, chimney, vent stacks, and any dormers or skylights.
- Leaking or loose gutters and decayed fascia.
- Blocked or damaged roof vents.
- Evidence of bowing or sagging of the roof deck.
- Signs of exposed or damaged water barrier or underlayment.
A Written Inspection Report
After the interior and exterior evaluations are completed, your inspector should give you a comprehensive report on the state of your roof that includes the following information:
- The type and age of the roofing material, and an estimate of how many years you can expect it to last.
- Details about any existing leaks found during the assessment.
- A description and photo of any visible damage.
- A cost estimate and recommended timeline for making any needed repairs.
If you’re concerned about the condition of the roof on your Huntsville- or Athens-area home, contact us today at Yellowhammer Roofing to schedule a free, no-obligation roof inspection and consultation with a certified professional.
