Extreme Exteriors Now - Roofing

Roofing tips from a pro

How often do you look at your roof? If you’re like me, you run in and out of the house, shuttle the kids back and forth, and glance up at the roofline only occasionally as you back out of the driveway. Inspecting your roof regularly and making little fixes as needed can prevent some costly repairs down the road — and keep those raindrops from falling on your head. There’s another benefit, too: keeping your roof in good condition will also be a big plus if you decide to sell your home. Take it from the pro.

So, what should you look for when inspecting your roof? The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends you do a roof inspection at least two times a year — spring and fall. The best place to begin is inside your house. Grab a flashlight and make a trip to the attic.

Here are four things to look for on the inside of your roof:

1. Places where the roof deck is sagging
2. Signs of water damage or leaking
3. Dark spots and trails
4. Outside light showing through the roof.

Damaged shingles

Damaged roof from the inside

Exterior Roof Check

When you take a look at the exterior of the roof, pay attention to such things as damaged flashing, missing shingles, curling, blistering, buckling, rotting and algae growth (which occurs most often in humid climates and appears as dark or greenish stains.

Exterior roof inspection checklist:

1. Wear and Tear - Visually inspect your roof for cracked, torn, bald or missing shingles. Scan the roof for loose material or wear around chimneys, vents, pipes or other penetrations.
2. Clear Roof - Keep the roof free of any debris which may create a dam or divert water from flowing off the roof into the gutters. Be sure to regularly remove any leaves or tree branches that accumulate on the roof or in the gutters.
3. Shingle Granules - Watch out for an excessive amount of shingle granules (they look like large grains of sand. in the gutters — this is a sign of advanced wear.
4. Moisture, Rot, and Mold - Check for signs of moisture, rot or mold. Note that wet spots may not be directly under your faulty shingle; water can travel down to its lowest spot before it drips. Mold, fungi, and bacteria can grow quickly — within 24 to 48 hours of a water-related problem.
5. Check Drainage Areas - Examine the drainage, and make sure gutters and downspouts are securely attached. Also, ensure all drains are open and allow water to exit, and all gutters and downspouts are free of debris.
6. Minimum Foot Traffic - Keep foot traffic to a minimum on any roof, especially a metal roof. Walking on a metal roof will cause dents in the metal which will cause the water to pond and eventually ending in leaks.
7. Check Ventilation - Check that all bath, kitchen and dryer vents go entirely outside of your home, not just into the attic space

Of course, our best advice is to contact Extreme Exteriors Now for a professional inspection!