The return of warmer weather provides the perfect conditions for conducting a spring inspection roofing evaluation. Before the summer heat sets in, this could be the best opportunity to catch any problem areas that need attention. With the likelihood of rain, hail and severe storms increasing during the coming months, spring is the time to address any minor issues before they become major ones.
Spring Roofing & Maintenance Checklist
What Should a Roofing Inspection Include?
At no time should you attempt to walk on your roof. Accessing your roof should only be done by experienced roof contractors who are properly trained and equipped to safely do so. Walking on your roof is not only dangerous, but it can also lead to damaging the roof shingles, underlying structure and other parts of your roof if it is not done correctly. The free roofing inspection offered by many roofing contractors will typically be more thorough than what a homeowner can conduct. Roofing professionals know the various areas that can suffer damage, and experienced contractors also know how to identify the source of the damage. Make sure that you choose a reputable roofing contractor, then call to inquire whether the company can provide a free roofing inspection. Before calling, you might want to conduct a spring inspection roofing and siding evaluation to address any minor issues that you can handle yourself.
A preliminary visual inspection of your roof and its components can easily and safely be performed from the ground. Walk around your home and look for any signs of obvious damage or deterioration on your roof. Use a pair of binoculars to get a better view of any areas of interest. Check the roof closely for damaged, worn or missing shingles. Look at the condition of all flashing around chimneys, skylights, vents, valleys and other areas. Look for possible structural damage, including sagging along ridges and valleys or low spots where rafters may be damaged.
While walking around your home, pay attention to the gutters and look for damage that may include sagging, holes, cracks, separations or missing hardware. Check the downspouts on the gutters for blockage. If they are blocked, it is time to clean your gutters or have them professionally cleaned to ensure that runoff is being properly carried away from the roof. Your gutters need to be cleaned at least once a year, but every six months is a preferable schedule, especially if your lot is home to a number of trees. Make sure the downspouts are dispersing runoff well away from the foundation of the home.
Check the condition of the fascia boards behind the gutters as well as the siding and molding around doors and windows beneath the gutters. If necessary, caulk any gaps and/or apply fresh paint to woodwork.
Inspect your attic for any problems that may be occurring from roof damage. Look for water stains or damp spots that may signify a leak. Inadequate attic ventilation can also cause the formation of condensation and eventual water damage. A wet attic can quickly cause mold to grow within the attic space and spread into the interior of your home. Look for any structural damage within the attic, including rot or mildew on the rafters and braces. Report any damage found to your roofing contractor for immediate repair or replacement.
Even if your preliminary inspection does not reveal any areas of concern, you might want to consider calling a roofing contractor for a thorough, professional inspection. In addition to offering free roof inspections, many Austin and Central Texas roof contractors offer economical maintenance programs that include free inspections and certain types of repairs at no additional cost to the homeowner.
If your inspection finds signs of potential damage, you should immediately call a roofing professional to determine the cause and severity of the damage. The sooner the damage is repaired, the less expensive it will be.
Alpha Is the Roof Contractor Austin Property Owners Trust
Alpha Roofing is a roof company and serves residential and commercial property owners with a variety of roofing services. Included are emergency roof repairs, roof inspections, routine maintenance programs, chimney repairs, flashing repairs, asphalt shingle installations,wood siding installations, metal roofing systems, flat roof replacements, commercial roofing services, moss removal, metal fabrication and skylight installations. We have earned widespread acclaim for exceptional workmanship, professional project management, exemplary customer service and reasonable prices. We offer free quotes with no strings attached, so request yours by completing the online form or calling 512-777-1086.