How to Regularly Inspect Your Roof to Prevent More Expensive Repairs

The most important way to help yourself avoid costly roof repairs is to regularly inspect it for damages. A lot of homeowners let their roof damages sit for months or years before getting them repaired, and this can end up costing them tons more money in the long run. Your family-run Wichita roofing company can help with inspections and repairs, so that you don’t have to worry. Here is a guide to help you inspect your roof and prevent further issues:

Inspecting Your Roof to Get Ahead of Problems

Your roof takes care of you — return the favor with a yearly inspection that’ll stop moisture damage and head off expensive repairs.

A roof inspection is one of those preventative maintenance jobs that’s easy to overlook. Don’t. Add a once-a-year reminder on your calendar to go out on a warm day and fix any problems you find.

If you’re squeamish about heights, don’t worry. You can do a thorough inspection from the ground using a pair of binoculars.

Or, you can get up close and personal with your roof using a ladder. However, there’s no need to get up on your roof just yet. The less you walk around up there, the better for your roofing— and the safer for you. Work your way around your house, noting any potential problems.

Here’s what to look for:

• Cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing.
• Shingles that are buckling, curling, or blistering.
• Missing or broken shingles.
• Cracked and worn rubber boots around vent pipes.
• Missing or damaged chimney cap. (OK, that’s technically not part of your roof, but since you’re looking anyway.)
• Masses of moss and lichen, which could signal the roof is decaying underneath. Black algae stains are just cosmetic.

If you find piles of colored grit from asphalt roof tiles in the gutters, that’s a bad sign — those sand-like granules cover the surface of roof shingles and shield them from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. Check the age of your roofing and see if it’s nearing the end of its life cycle.

Easy Fixes for Roofing Problems

Any loose, damaged, or missing shingles should be replaced immediately. Check for popped nails that need to be hammered back in place.

Metal and vinyl flashing around chimneys, skylights, and attic vents that has separated needs to be resealed with caulk. However, flashing and vent boots that are beginning to rust or deteriorate should be replaced.

Clearing Your Roof of Moss

Moss eradication begins in the fall. Apply a moss killer intended for roofs (granules for lawn-use contain iron which will stain a roof).

In the spring, use a broom to remove remaining dead moss. Spread moss killer along the ridge of the roof and on any remaining green patches. Cost: $20 for moss killer to treat 3,000 square feet of roof. Allow about three hours to sweep the roof, clear the gutters, and apply the granules.

Be Alert to Early Signs of a Roof Leak

A yearly roof checkup is great, but problems can occur at any time. Early signs of trouble include:

• Dark areas on ceilings.
• Peeling paint on the underside of roof overhangs.
• Damp spots alongside fireplaces.
• Water stains on pipes venting the water heater or furnace.

If you find worrisome signs, especially if the roof is old or there’s been a storm with heavy wind or hail, get a professional assessment. Some roofing companies do this for free; specialized roof inspectors, like those who work through the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association, charge about $175.

Replacing Your Roof

If your asphalt roof is 15 years old or more, it may be due for replacement. You’ll recover a healthy 105% of that investment if you should decide to sell your home, making a roofing replacement job the only project in the “Report” that repays more than the initial investment.

Not only that, but you’re bound to be glad you replaced your roofing. Homeowners polled for the “2015 Remodeling Impact Report” gave their new roofing a Joy Score of 9.7 — a rating based on those who said they were happy or satisfied with their remodeling project, with 10 being the highest rating and 1 the lowest.

Find out more at houselogic.com

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Penney Construction
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