Boy oh boy we are back and do we have some leaks? …. tips for you. We here at Higher Elevation Home Inspections LLC know SNOW can come out of nowhere and we definitely never believe what we hear but how about we lay it down for you with one simple question: How well do you know your roof? Now we are NOT saying go out and walk your roof by any means, we are saying once you own a home these are things to be aware of. If not treated or taken care of it can lead to damages causing major issues later on so let us take a dive into that.
Here are 5 tips :
1. Look for Algae, Moss, or Piles of Leaves
How to look for this? Start out by walking around your home checking your roof for piles of leaves or possibly any other growth or debris, all which can cause some serious damages to any roof. This could trap moisture which could seep below the shingles causing structural elements of the roof itself. CLEAR THESE AWAY IMMEDIATELY! Moss? Do you mean Randy Moss? No way we are talking about the dangerous MOSS that can soak up rainwater like a sponge. The moisture can cause any wooden structure underneath the roof to mold and even decay. When you have your roof re-shingled, consider buying moss and algae-resistant shingles This will be an expense that will keep moss away for the lifetime of the roof because it can lead to mold and moisture issues.
2. Look for Buckled or Curled Shingles
Did you know the hot air in your attic can cause your shingles to warp, buckle, or curl. Misshapen shingles can compromise the integrity of your roof, which you DO NOT WANT in water which causes poor ventilation. If your home inspector (wink wink us) spots more than one-third of your shingles are curling, then we will give you the bad news that it is time to re-shingle the entire roof …..ouch.
3. Check for Damaged, Missing, or Old Shingles
Missing or damaged shingles can also let water seep through your roof. If you have wooden shingles or wood shake shingles, be sure to inspect them for signs of dry rot, either from the ground or from a ladder (don’t walk on a wooden shingle or shake roof). Asbestos, slate, or clay tile roofs can suffer from breakage, be sure to look for the following : cracked, chipped, broken, or altogether missing shingles. Now if you’re performing a metal roof inspection, check for signs of corrosion, rust, stress wrinkling, or other wear.
4. Inspect the Roof Up Close
If you have a ladder you can perform your very own roof inspection up close. If you DO NOT KNOW what you’re doing or still have no idea what to look for call us and we will be happy to come take a look.
If you make it up on your roof, be sure to look for damages to the flashings around the chimney, dormers, and vent pipes (Flashings are the metal materials on your roof that redirect water). Damaged or corroded flashings can let water into the interior structure of your roof which could contribute to rotting in the structure of your roof and the walls of your home. OHHHH NO!!! If you see damage, you’ll probably need to replace the flashings. I highly recommend calling us to ensure the safety of yourself plus we are professionals at roof inspections.
5. Investigate Your Attic
If your home has an attic, it’s important to get in there and look for signs of water leakage through your roof, especially after heavy rain. Doing so can help you spot damages that may not have been visible from the ground or your ladder. While running through your roof, inspect your rafters and the wooden interior of your roof for signs of moisture, mold, and rot. If you see any water damage, you may need to fix your leaky roof. Remember your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Always be sure to DIY “Do it yourself” roof inspections will help you get to know your roof. By doing this you will be able to recognize problems before they get too serious. If you’re wondering how often you should have a roof inspected normally we recommend checking it twice a year. The best times would be early spring and early summer because you want to make sure that it hasn’t been damaged by winter storms, snow, ice or hail. Before winter hits, consider storm proofing your roof and learning how to prepare your house for extreme cold. You should check the roof again in the fall for damage done by summer thunderstorms, falling tree limbs or other hazards.
This is Rob signing off on today’s hot topic.
Higher Elevation Home Inspections LLC
516-509-9091