4 Things to Check on When Inspecting Your Roof

Once or twice a year, it is good idea to inspect your roof to make sure that there are no problems that need to be repaired before they become worse and you need to have major roof restoration done.

As long as you are taking all of the proper safety precautions, you should be able to do roof inspections yourself. It is best to stay on the ladder, and use binoculars to look at the surface of the roof, so you don't have to risk injury by getting right onto the roof. Here are some of the things that you should be looking for during your roof inspections, depending on the roofing materials that have been used.

Flashings

When there are areas on the roof where the shingles or tiles are separated by something, such as a chimney, vent pipe, or a dormer, there will be pieces of metal known as flashings to cover any bare spots. If you notice any problems with the flashings, such as bends or breaks, you need to have them repaired right away. When flashing is damaged, water can seep through the roof and into your home.

Asphalt Shingles

If your roof has asphalt shingles, you need to check to make sure that there are no areas where there are missing granules. Asphalt gets brittle over time, and the granules will come off. One way to tell if this is a problem is to look into the gutters. Also check to make sure that the shingles aren't curling. If you see granules or curling, it is time to have the shingles repaired or replaced.

Wooden Shakes and Shingles

Wooden shakes and shingles can warp, especially if you live in a damp climate. Wooden shakes are uneven in appearance, because they are split by hand and can be both straight and tapered. Shingles are always tapered, and they are sawn and not split. Two things to look for when inspecting a roof that has either of these shingles is warping and dry rot.

Slate, Clay, and Cement Shingles

These are some of the most durable roofing materials that can be used, but they are susceptible to some problems. For instance, if you live in an area where there is a lot of snow and ice, the tiles can become damaged by the ice. Also, these shingles tend to be brittle, so they do break easily. Look for areas that may be chipped or broken.

If you notice any of these issues, or you're not sure how to interpret what you saw, talk to roof restoration experts like Reliable Restorations for more assistance.