3 Things You Should Know About the Roof Inspection Process

3 Things You Should Know About the Roof Inspection Process. Best way to know the shape of your roof is through a professional roof inspection. By getting an expert roofing contractor checking your roof, you can detect probable roofing issues. Indeed, therein lays the importance of the roof inspection process. You can solve problems before emergencies occur.

In this sense, The National Roofing Contractors Association suggests checking your roofing system in the fall and spring. Besides, they indicate conducting roofing inspections after severe storms hit. These types of weather events may bring heavy winds, hail, and flying debris that can cause damage.

But, for those homeowners subscribed to any roof preventive maintenance program, the age of their roofs will define the regularity of their inspections. Usually, homeowners get a roof inspection at least once a year.

Have you ever got your roof inspected by a professional? If not, you will see below the answers to some frequent questions about the process.

3 Things You Should Know About the Roof Inspection Process

What are the warning signs that you may need a roof inspection?

Drafts and leaks are usual signs of damage in old and poorly maintained roofs. They are the two most evident indicators that your roof has deteriorated. So, a professional contractor should inspect it. 

Besides looking for visible leaks, your contractor should also look for black streaks and stains on your ceiling. These issues may tell you that you have a leaking roof. Even moisture can cause damage to both your roof and the interior of your home. 

Your roof is not the only cause of cool drafts. However, a damaged roof can generate improper ventilation and poor air circulation. These problems lead to higher energy bills.

Sometimes, homeowners think that their roofs do not require repairs and much less a replacement. But, frequently, thorough roofing inspections show issues that are not evident to the non-experts’ eyes. That is why planning and performing a roof inspection every year is a wise decision.

What is the difference between an exterior and interior inspection?

A proper roof inspection must include methodical examinations on both sides of the roof, inside and outside your home.

An internal roof inspection implies examining your ceiling looking for water stains. Also, it is necessary to check your attic insulation and ventilation and discard the presence of mold and moisture. 

On the other hand, an external roof inspection requires climbing up on the roof. The roofer should look for leaks, in addition to the condition of flashing, shingles, and chimneys. 

After finishing the inspection, the roofer specialists should provide you with a complete and detailed list of the repairs your roof needs. Moreover, he should propose you an action plan to fix them properly.

What are roofers looking for during an inspection?

The roofing materials of your roof will determine the elements the roofing contractor will check during an inspection.

Do you have an asphalt shingle roof? Here, we will mention some typical problems that a roofing professional will check while inspecting your roof:

  • Signs of water damage – Water damage may have a variety of reasons. Among the most common causes are clogged gutters that do not allow proper draining of rainwater. Also, broken or incorrectly installed flashing and heavy storms able to blow shingles off cause damage that later translates into water seeping in.
  • Mold – Mold can grow around the chimney and on attic insulation. When this happens, your roof may be suffering severe water damage. A roofing specialist will particularly focus on areas like these.
  • Shingle deterioration – This issue can manifest as missing or curling shingles, rotting, or algae formation in the shingles.
  • Clogged gutters – An elevated number of loose shingles in your gutters indicates that your shingles are being worn away. The purpose of mineral granules is to protect the shingle against UV rays from the sun and to give resistance to the shingle structure.

When it comes to metal roofs, it is also critical to spot leaks and their causes. Thus, following, we mention some elements every roofing professional have to check during a roof inspection:

  • Loose seams – metal roofing panels contract and expand depending on the weather conditions. Consequently, the screws loosen and seams detach. If you do not address this issue immediately, water accumulation may cause damage to the roof’s underlying structure.
  • Damaged flashing – Over time, flashing tends to deteriorate giving place to gaps between them and the surfaces they are supposed to seal. Rainwater can filter through these gaps, generating leaks in your metal roof. Besides, the presence of humidity under the panels can cause corrosion on the panels’ underside.
  • Rust – Rust is the biggest enemy of metal. It can eat away your metal roof, producing large holes and cracks that equals leaks. In cases of advanced rust, roofing panels can even fall apart, literally.

Do you want to get a professional roof inspection for your home?

Call RRG Roofing at 678-325-6949 and schedule the visit of one of our experts in Dahlonega, GA and Murphy, NC!

Also, you can contact us online to get an estimate of our Roof Preventative Maintenance Program.

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