Your roof works hard to protect your home from the elements. Without it, you could face costly damage from rain, snow and even the sun’s harsh rays.
Prevent these issues with regular maintenance. Visual inspections and prompt repair of small problems will help you avoid costly repairs down the road. Contact Ellingson Roofing LLC for professional help.
After a storm, debris can be left behind on the roof. This can cause damage to the sheathing or the roofing material, and it also provides a place for moisture to collect. Moisture can create mold and other problems that may not show up until later, when it’s too late to fix the issue.
A visual inspection of the roof should be done after a major storm. Look for debris that was blown onto the roof from the yard or other areas around your home. Also check for signs of impact such as pockmarks, dents and rips. If you can access the attic, a close inspection should be made from the attic door or other means of getting inside.
In addition to looking for debris, you should also check for the presence of moss or other live vegetation. It’s a good idea to use a roof treatment chemical to kill any moss or other living vegetation that appears on the roof. This will protect the roof and help it last longer.
Flashing is another area that needs to be inspected. Look for gaps, rust and missing pieces of flashing. Loose flashing is a common cause of roof failure, especially in high winds.
Finally, you should check for sagging. A sagging roof can be very dangerous and is indicative of problems with the structure of the building. If you find a sagging spot, it’s important to get it repaired as soon as possible.
After a thorough inspection, it’s important to note any findings that need to be addressed by the roofing professional. This way, the professional will come prepared and ready to make any necessary repairs. It’s also a good idea to establish a procedure where this type of inspection is conducted on a regular basis. This will ensure that all the issues are addressed before they become serious. If you’re interested in having a professional roofing maintenance crew inspect your commercial or industrial roof, contact us today to learn more about our services. We can provide you with a free estimate and recommend the best maintenance schedule for your roof.
Check for Loose Shingles
As the name suggests, shingles are your roof’s main covering. They provide protection from potentially costly water damage and help insulate your home, keeping utility bills lower. And when your roof shingles are in good shape, they boost your home’s curb appeal. So if you notice loose or missing shingles, it’s important to figure out why and take the proper action.
Loose shingles are often the result of harsh weather conditions, including high winds and hail. But subpar roofing materials and poor installation can also contribute to shingle loss.
Missing shingles can lead to moisture intrusion and mold, so it’s crucial to find the source of the problem and nip it in the bud. Fortunately, this is often easy to do. Start by looking at the edge of your roof where it meets the fascia and soffit, as this is the most common area for shingle damage. If you see raised shingles or creases in the tabs, these are telltale signs of a loosened shingle.
You can check a shingle’s condition by gently tugging on it. If it comes free with little effort, it’s likely loose and needs to be replaced. Be sure to examine the surrounding shingles as well, since they may be loose as well.
Another sign of a loose shingle is curling at its corners. This occurs over time as the asphalt shingle loses its strength and begins to wear. If you observe this, you can prevent it from getting worse by gluing the curled section down.
Check for other signs of a shingle problem, such as bubbling or blistering. This indicates that the shingle has been exposed to excessive moisture and should be replaced. Also, look for areas of the roof that are lighter or darker than other areas. This might indicate that a shingle is leaking or that a more serious problem exists beneath the surface.
If you suspect a shingle is damaged or missing, call a professional to make repairs as soon as possible. A professional can determine whether the underlying cause is structural or simply cosmetic and repair or replace the affected shingle(s). For instance, a damaged shingle near a chimney or vent might suggest that water has been accumulating in the area for an extended period of time and could be causing other problems.
Check for Creases
Creases are lines or ridges that appear in your shingles, and they’re often the result of wind damage. They’re also a warning sign that something beneath the shingle is damaged and could lead to leaks inside your home.
If you’re able to safely climb a ladder, take a closer look at the shingles and look for creases. It’s a good idea to do this after a rainstorm so you can see if any water is infiltrating the roof or gutter system.
A crease in the shingle means that the air was strong enough to get underneath it, which lifted it up. If the shingle was able to lift up, this is a problem because it’s not protecting your home from things like rain and snow. A creased shingle can also lead to the loss of granules, which can be a huge problem for the stability of your roof.
In addition to looking for creases, you should also check for any areas where the flashing is missing or damaged. Flashing is the material used to seal the joints and seams on your roof, especially around chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and exhaust fans. If the flashing is damaged, you can expect water to leak into your home during high-wind storms.
If you notice any signs of flashing damage, it’s important to call a roofing expert right away. They’ll be able to repair the damage and protect your home from future problems.
It’s also a good idea to check for any other areas where the caulk has started to crack or peel away. Caulk is a crucial part of the integrity of your roof, and it can help to prevent leaks. A professional will be able to inspect the caulk and determine if it needs to be replaced.
While these are just a few of the many problems that can be caused by not performing regular maintenance on your roof, they’re some of the most dangerous and easiest to spot. Be sure to regularly walk around your property and inspect your roof for these and other issues. Keeping up with your maintenance program is one of the most responsible things that you can do for your home.
Check for Sagging Spots
If you notice areas of your roof sagging, it’s important to take it seriously and have them looked at by a roofing professional. Sagging can mean that the structure is weakening or has been damaged, and it should be taken care of right away to prevent collapse or further damage.
Roof sagging is caused by a variety of things. One common cause is water damage. If your roof isn’t adequately distributing water, it can lead to sheathing rot or damage. This can then cause the ceiling joists to sag. Another possible cause is aging. Nothing lasts forever, and your roof can begin to sag as it begins to age.
You should also be on the lookout for sagging areas near chimneys, vents, and valleys. These areas are especially vulnerable to leaks and damage. If you’re not comfortable walking on your roof, you can use binoculars or a drone to get a closer look at these areas.
If you’re seeing sagging areas, it’s important to seek professional Wimberley roofing services help immediately. They will be able to inspect your roof and identify the underlying issue so they can recommend the proper solution.
A sagging roof is not only unsightly, but it can be dangerous for anyone who goes inside of your home or attic. It can also affect the structural integrity of the building and put people at risk of injury if they fall through the roof.
Fortunately, you can prevent the problems that can cause sagging in your roof by doing regular maintenance and inspections. By keeping your roof free from debris, addressing any water damage early, and taking care of aging structures, you can help to ensure that your roof is safe and secure for years to come. Getting your roof professionally inspected and maintained on a regular basis is also critical for long-term safety and reliability. A professional roofer will be able to spot potential problems and address them before they become serious issues that can compromise the integrity of your entire building.