8 Quick and Safe Roof Inspection and Repair Tips
- Marta Griffin | August 14, 2018
Homeowners don’t pay much attention to their roofs until they notice a damage. Even then, some of them may postpone the repair until a real problem occurs. So, instead of waiting for an emergency to happen, such as a leaky roof, you should tackle your roof problems as soon as you notice them. For instance, several missing shingles may not be an emergency, but you should still address the problem. If you notice any such damage, a minor or major, you can contact a professional service provider similar to Beemer KangaRoof (https://beemerkangaroof.com/service-areas/spartanburg-roofing-contractor/) for a quick fix. However, regular checks, assessments and maintenance will enable you to implement preventative measures and ensure that your roof stays in excellent condition.
1. Perform an exterior roof inspection
The first step is performing a through audit of your roof and identifying possible problems. For a comprehensive assessment, you should check your roof both from the outside and the inside. When it comes to an exterior inspection, you should check whether your shingles are broken, severely split, or curled. Loose and missing shingles are also a problem that you need to address. You should also pay attention to ridge sagging, corroded, rusty, damaged or missing flashing, popping, loose or exposed nails, etc.
2. Check the interior of your roof
After completing the exterior inspection, you should also check your roof interior. Some of the most common problems to be mindful of include sagging decking, cracks, improper or damaged roof ventilation, etc. You should also see whether outside light is coming through your roof because it means that there are some cracks in your roof. However, it is understandable if you feel like inspecting your roof can be risky, and you may not be able to do it on your own. Of course, climbing onto your roof to inspect it can seem like a scary idea, and if you wish to leave it to the experts, you always have the option of reaching out to roofing services in Clinton Twp or wherever you live, so that they can come in and inspect the roofs thoroughly. In fact, after the inspection, they might even be able to help you repair the damages (if any).
3. Pay attention to warning signs
When performing both interior and exterior inspections, you should try to identify certain warning signs. For instance, if there are some areas covered with algae, moss and leaves, they will be the most susceptible to leaks. Granule loss on shingles is another warning sign. This is an indicator that your shingles have aged or been affected by unfavourable weather conditions. Damaged or cracked counter flashing is another sign that your roof and attic are vulnerable to water damage.
4. Repair your shingles immediately
If some of your roof shingles are missing, you should replace them as soon as possible. Missing, damaged or aged shingles will inevitably lead to roof damage, so replacing and repairing them will help you avoid this. Leaving your roof without shingles will directly exposed it to the sun and severe weather, making it vulnerable to more serious damages.
5. Don’t skip small holes and punctures
Minor punctures and holes are quite easy to repair, yet they can make a big difference when it comes to preserving your roof. You can simply apply rubber sealant, flashing patch or tar to seal holes. Of course, you should clean the area first to ensure that the solutions stick onto the roof.
6. Beware of large rips and tears
As for large rips and tears, they require similar types of repair. However, repairs should be done on a larger scale, so you’ll need to make sure that you have all the necessary equipment. In Australia, homeowners often rent scaffolding solutions and cranes for enhanced safety. For instance, reliable agencies for crane hire in Sydney offer safe and dependable solutions that enable their clients to perform roof repairs easily and efficiently. Hiring a crane will help you remove damaged materials carefully and safely, preparing the surface for the application of patches and membranes.
7. Seal the leaks ASAP
If you notice stains across your attic ceiling and walls, it means that there are probably some hidden roof leaks. The hardest part about this problem is actually tracking down the leak. When doing so, you should check for any roof punctures and penetrations. Roof penetrations are the most common and likely cause of leaks and they include, chimneys, vents, dormers, plumbing, etc. Those who have attic access can identify the leak more easily that those who have to go onto the roof and perform the inspection. After finding the leak, you need to implement appropriate solutions that will help you seal it. This will depend on the location and size of the leak, so make sure to consult with a professional if you don’t really know how to deal with it.
8. Know when to do a total reroofing
If you can easily repair one area of the roof by replacing or layering shingles, you can simply go with a partial reroofing. However, if your entire roof is damaged or extremely aged, you should undertake a total reroofing. You may have to remove all the shingles and place new ones, or layer new ones on top of the old ones. The latter is a cost-effective solution that will make your job easier. If you are not totally confident that you will be able to do the job yourself, however, you might want to consider calling a professional local to you, like this warren county roofing company, to come out and do the work.
No matter how insignificant a roof problem may seem, you should always address it in a timely manner to prevent a more serious damage.
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