Your Fall Roof Inspection Checklist
It’s never too early to start thinking ahead to fall – especially when it comes to roof maintenance. It’s easiest to hire a roofing contractor in DC and beyond, but there are a few things you can do on your own to ensure your roofing system is working as it should.
Here is a handy fall roof inspection checklist to guide you. Remember: proactive maintenance is key to keeping costly repairs at bay.
Be on the lookout for…
1. Missing Shingles
This is an obvious sign that your roof may be in need of attention, usually the result of storm damage or strong winds. Any time a shingle is missing, this can invite water to get beneath the surface and cause damage to the roof itself as well as your interiors.
2. Excessive Granules
When cleaning out your gutters and downspouts, you may notice an accumulation of black granules from your shingles – a sign of an aging, deteriorating roof that most likely will need to be replaced soon.
3. Curling Shingles
When shingles start to lift up at the edges, this is called curling. This results from wear and tear or poor ventilation, but may also signify more serious underlying damage.
4. Clogged Gutters
Clogged, overflowing, backed up gutters can’t properly divert rainwater off your roof, which can cause damage to the roof itself as well as erosion and foundation problems.
Action Items: Fall Maintenance
Here’s a list of chores you should be doing to ensure your roof is in proper working order and is doing its job of protecting your home and family.
Trim Trees Around the Perimeter
Large trees with extended branches pose a risk to your home – especially ones that are overhanging the roof. Twigs and branches can break off, puncturing or scratching your roof. Leaves from those trees can accumulate in your gutters and cause a blockage. Other consequences of this can include termite invasions, wood rot, and mold growth. It’s a worthwhile endeavor to trim overhead branches near the roof before fall hits.
Assess Your Attic
Your attic can have a direct impact on your roof’s condition. Assess the insulation situation in your attic to make sure you have enough, that it’s not wet or otherwise damaged, and that it’s not covering the eaves’ vents. If the latter happens, uncover the vents to allow air to escape while at the same time preventing ice dams from forming in winter.
Check that your ridge and eave vents aren’t obstructed by plants and other debris. Do you see signs of unwanted guests in the attic, such as rodents or birds? Call a pest control company now, as these pests can quickly chew holes in your roof and cause costly damage.
Inspect Roof Flashings
Flashing seals the spaces between the roof joints to keep water out. But with time, roof flashing can start to get small holes in it or become rusted. You can plug small holes with roofing cement but if the area of damage is extensive, you may need new flashing. While you’re at it, check that the flashing has not pulled away from the roof, leaving gaps where moisture can get in.
Clean Your Gutters
Your gutters fulfill an important role in your exteriors, responsible for rerouting water from the roof and away from the foundation. This helps to prevent erosion and basement flooding. Check for blockages of leaves, acorns, mud, twigs, and other debris, and scoop it out so the water can flow freely. At the same time, inspect your gutters to make sure they are in good condition, and make sure your downspouts are properly positioned.
Replace Old, Broken, or Worn Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are an affordable option for many homeowners, but like anything else, they have a certain lifespan (about 25 years). After that, they can start to develop bald spots, warp, break, curl at the edges, or come loose. Replace these now so you can make it through another winter, or consider adding a new roof.
Hire a Roofer For an Inspection
You may consider yourself to be both handy and observant, but even the most diligent homeowners miss signs of roof damage. That’s why it’s wise to call a professional roofer for a complete roofing inspection. They know what to look for and how to address it promptly. They are adept at finding damage that isn’t visible to the naked eye, which can save you money and hassle down the road by repairing it now. From pest droppings to cracks in roofing materials, getting a fall roof inspection by a qualified professional is a wise investment in your home.
Book Your FREE Roof Inspection With NVB Contracting Today!
It’s best to book with us now in advance of the end of the season so we can prioritize your project for the fall. Book your free inspection now online or call us at (877) 682-4044.