As a homeowner, you likely want your home to be in tip-top shape. That should extend to your roof. Your roof is the crowning achievement of your house. It protects the building and gives it its value.
A roof inspection should be part of your routine home maintenance. It can ensure you can detect any issues before they emerge. Discover some issues a professional roof inspector may notice.
Damaged Roofing Material
A roof inspector can find damaged roofing materials by looking for signs such as missing or damaged shingles or structural damage. Damage to a roof results from factors like high winds and heavy rain. It can also happen when things like tree limbs and leaves get in the way. Roofers can fix the damage by replacing missing or broken shingles or the roof structure.
Deteriorating Flashing
Flashing fills in the gaps around roof openings like chimneys and vent pipes. Flashing can come loose or crack over time, letting water get in and do damage. A trained inspector will look for things like stains or missing pieces that show the flashing has failed. Some of the things that can cause flashing to break down are exposure to the elements, age, and wear and tear.
In some cases, a roofer might not have done a good job installing the flashing. To stop more damage, fix any spots where the flashing has gotten worse as soon as possible. You might need to reseal or replace the flashing to fix these problems. In severe cases, you might have to replace the whole roof.
Gutter and Downspout Issues
A roof inspector will look for any blockages or debris that may be present and any damage to the gutters themselves. Next, the inspector will look for other signs of obvious damage, such as holes or leaks. Afterward, they will check to see if the gutters and downspouts are properly installed and secure. Finally, they will test the gutters and downspouts to ensure they function properly.
The inspector will recommend repairs or replacements if they discover any problems. The solutions the inspector will recommend depend on the severity of the problem. These solutions include unclogging gutters, repairing damage, and replacing missing or damaged parts.
Leaks
From on top of the house, the inspector can check for any signs of leaks. The inspector can look for any gaps around the chimney or vents. In the attic, they will look for water stains, indicating a leak in the roof.
The most common solution for a roof leak is to patch the area where the leak comes from. A roofing company can patch the roof by adding new shingles or sealant around the area. The inspector might advise you to replace the roof if the leak is severe.
Mold, Mildew, and Algae
A professional roof inspection can discover mold, mildew, and algae growth by looking for visible signs of these organisms. For example, mold can appear as black, green, or white spots on the roof surface. Algae may appear as dark streaks or stains, while mildew can appear as a white powdery substance.
A roofing company can clean the affected area with special chemicals and treatments to remove the growth. This process will kill the organisms and remove any stains. Also, they can treat the affected area with a fungicide to prevent future growth. The company can also seal the roof to prevent moisture buildup.
A roof inspection can help you save costs by highlighting any issues before they become severe. However, some issues may have already caused irreparable damage to your roof and require a new installation. Contact Schultz Roofing & Repairs, LLC, if you need a new roof for your home.