What to Know About Roof Inspections

Roof inspections are like a general health check for your home. While a clean report is always preferable, spotting issues is not necessarily a bad thing when it means you can make simple repairs and prolong the life of your roof. 

Importance of Regular Roof Inspections

Annual roof inspections should be part of any property owner’s maintenance checklist, and it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected before and after a significant storm, too. Catching more minor problems as early as possible can save you time, money, and much more substantial damage down the road. 

How to Inspect Your Roof on Your Own

Here are a few things Austin homeowners should look for when calling their professional roofer for a more thorough inspection. 

• Check your shingles – Shingles that are curling, cracked, missing granules, or missing altogether should be replaced immediately. 

• Check your flashings – Roof flashings are made of galvanized steel and redirect water away from critical roof areas, like around dormers, chimneys, and vents. If they start pulling away or exposing gaps, seal them immediately before leaks or other water damage can occur.

• Check any previously repaired areas – If parts of your roof have been repaired or patched, you want to pay close attention to these weaker points, as they may be the first to go again.

• Check for signs of moss or lichen growth – This could mean too much moisture on your roof and potential decay underneath. 

• Check your gutters and downspouts – Keep them clear to allow rainwater to flow easily out and away from your home rather than gather on your roof or try to flow into your home.

It’s worth mentioning that much of this can be done from the ground with a good pair of binoculars. Climbing on roofs is dangerous and can potentially damage your roof. Always take caution and leave the more treacherous aspects of the job to a professional. 

What to Expect During a Professional Roof Inspection

While some roof inspection items you can safely do on your own, others are best left to professionals. Below are things you can expect a roof inspector to evaluate when they stop over for your home’s yearly roof check. 

Here are a few areas your professional roof inspector will pay attention to:

• Overall roofing structure – The inspector will look for structural issues like sagging and uneven roof planes, stains or visible leaks, cracks and fissures, and other matters, particularly near roof penetrations.

• The condition of your roofing materials – In addition to looking for structural issues, the inspector will also closely evaluate the condition of your roofing materials, including your shingles, flashing, the rubber boots and seals around vent pipes, and the condition of the mortar and cap of your chimney. 

• Your gutters and downspouts – Clogged or damaged gutters and downspouts can lead to structural damage on your roof. It’s important that they be cleaned regularly to allow unrestricted water flow out and away from your home. 

• An Interior inspection – Your inspector will also check inside for signs of roof leaks and assess your attic’s ventilation. Proper ventilation allows your home to breathe, which is important for prolonging your roof’s lifespan. 

After the roof inspection, you should receive an analysis of your roof’s condition. If your inspector recommends any repairs, consider taking action as soon as possible to maximize your current roof investment. 

If you’d like to schedule a roof inspection with our Storm Guard of SW Austin team, please contact us today or schedule your inspection online.