Unless a section of the roof blows off or a tree limb falls on it during a storm, most homeowners pay little attention to the condition of their home’s most critical component until they notice water stains on the ceiling. By the time that a problem with the roof becomes visible inside the home, a great deal of damage may have already been done. Water must pass through several layers before it can reach the interior, including the roof covering, the underlayment, the plywood decking, the attic insulation and the drywall. This journey can take as long as two years. During this time, damage is being done to every barrier and possibly additional components, including your rafters, trusses and wall studs. Professional roof inspections can help you catch problems early, saving you money in the long run.
What Is a Roof Inspection?
A professional roof inspection is a visual examination of the condition of your roof, flashing and attic. The inspector will look for signs of mold or moisture, missing or damaged flashing and inadequate ventilation. If you have asphalt shingles, he will check for excessive amounts of granules in your gutters and look for shingles that are missing, cracked, cupped, blistered or curled. If you have a metal roofing system, he will check the condition of exposed fasteners, look for rust and make sure that the panels do not have any gaps between them. On flat roofs, the inspector will look for damaged membranes, make sure that the roof is draining properly and check the overall health of the roof. Most roof inspectors will also check the chimney and downspouts.
When Should a Roof Be Inspected?
It is best to have a professional inspect your roof every spring and fall. You should also request an inspection after an incident involving hail, high winds or other severe weather. In addition, if you notice moss growing on your roof, see missing or damaged shingles, find mold growing in unusual locations, notice that the paint on the underneath section of your roof overhang is peeling, find water or damp areas beside your fireplace or discover that the paint on your siding is cracking, peeling or blistering, a roof inspection would be an excellent idea.
What Might a Roof Inspection Reveal?
The most important thing revealed by a professional roof inspection is the current condition of your roof. Leaks can be identified and fixed before costly damage has occurred. However, the inspector will also let you know approximately how much longer your roof should last and what repairs might be needed in the future. This information can help you decide whether it is best for you to have the repairs made or go ahead and replace your roof. For example, if more than half of the asphalt shingles installed 15 years ago are severely damaged, you might want to consider replacing your entire roof.
Choose a Professional, Reputable Inspector
Alpha Roofing is a leading roof contractor serving customers in Austin and throughout Central Texas. We offer a full range of commercial and residential roofing services, including roof replacement, inspections, roof repairs, moss removal and chimney repairs. We install asphalt shingles, metal roofs and flat roofs. Our employees have the expertise to ensure that our work will be of the highest quality and delivered in a professional, safe manner. We would be happy to inspect your roof and explain all options, allowing you to reach an informed decision. If you have a question about Roof Inspections In Austin, Tx or would like a free, no-obligation quote, call (512) 777-1086 or fill out our online form.