Although a roof is a critical structural component, it often receives little more than a cursory glance from homeowners. However, a little preventive maintenance, including periodic professional inspections, can help you obtain a longer life for your roof and reduce the possibility of leaks that can inflict severe damage. Your roof’s condition can be difficult to assess by merely looking at it from the ground, but it is not a good idea to climb onto your roof without the proper safety equipment and training. This fall, do yourself and your roof a favor by calling a reputable Austin Texas roofer to conduct a thorough inspection of your entire roofing system.
Fall Roof Inspections | Why Now Is the Best Time | Austin, TX
Why Is Fall a Good Time to Request a Roof Inspection?
If you own a vehicle, you probably make sure that it is ready for the onset of cold weather by checking its antifreeze, ensuring that its oil is clean, and checking the tire pressure. Winterizing your roofing system can also help keep problems at bay throughout the colder months. Ensuring that your attic insulation is sufficient and undamaged, having a contractor make a minor roof leak repair before it becomes a major problem, making sure that your gutters are secure and clear, and having a reliable contractor inspect all of the various parts of your roofing system can help you keep your home cozy and safe. Since some roofing services should not or cannot be performed in cold weather, you should schedule your inspection in the fall so that your roofer can take care of any problems while there is still time.
What Do Roofing Contractors Typically Inspect on the Exterior of a Home?
Your home’s architecture, the type and age of your roof, and your roof’s history of previous damage can influence the specific points that your contractor will include. However, most contractors have all of the following.
1. Access the roof to inspect all components. Ensure that all flashings are present, undamaged, and properly sealed. Depending on the type of roofing material, check for broken or missing shingles, misaligned metal roofing panels, exposed nails or missing fasteners, degranulated shingles, chimney damage, and vegetative growth.
2. Inspect the gutter system to ensure that gutters and downspouts are not clogged. Ensure that the gutters are firmly secured and undamaged.
3. Check soffits and fascia boards for damage. Damage to these areas can allow water to leak inside walls or attics. Furthermore, squirrels or other pests can exploit the damage to build nests in your attic.
What Do Roofing Contractors Typically Inspect on the Interior of a Home?
The primary purpose of an interior inspection is to check for evidence of current or previous leaks. Leaks can develop in hidden areas, and a rooftop inspection may not be sufficient to identify them. An interior inspection usually includes the following.
1. Inspect the attic space. Look for water stains, damp spots, or mold or mildew on the insulation, the items stored in the space, the roof deck, the attic floor, and the rafters. Carefully inspect the roof and wall intersections to make sure that there are no unusual gaps. Check for evidence of pest activity.
2. Check closets, ceilings, and walls for stains or other signs of water damage. For example, softened drywall areas surrounded by a brown ring, cracked or blistered paint, and warped or discolored paneling could be evidence of leaks.
Whether you need a free roof inspection, a minor roof leak repair, or a replacement roof, Alpha Roofing can help. We are a prominent Austin Texas roofer serving residential and commercial clients. Our roofing services include roof inspections, asphalt shingle installations, emergency repairs, flashing installations, metal roof installations, moss removal, skylight installations, and preventive roofing maintenance plans. We are known for providing exceptional work and exemplary customer service at competitive prices. For a free inspection or job quote, call our Round Rock office at 512-777-1086 or fill out the online request form.