A well-maintained roof protects the home, rafters, beams, and walls below. Performing regular inspections prevents minor problems from becoming big, expensive ones.
The most important part of a roof maintenance inspection is looking for missing or damaged shingles. You should also check the flashing soffit and fascia for signs of water damage. Contact Roofing Lafayette LA for professional help.
In stormy weather, shingles can become damaged. If you notice that your neighbors are repairing or replacing their roofs after significant storms, it’s a good idea to have your own roof inspected by a professional as well. Look for shingles that are loose, misshapen or have cracks or pits. Missing shingles should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent water damage and further problems with your roof.
In addition to missing shingles, you should also check for shingle blisters. These blisters are characterized by the loss of surface granules and expose the underlayment of the roof. They can also allow rain, snow and ice to penetrate your roof, leading to leaks in the attic or other rooms of the house.
It’s also important to note any areas of the roof that appear darker than the rest. This could indicate moss or algae growth. Moss and algae are unsightly, but they don’t necessarily require a new roof. However, the longer they are left unchecked, the more moisture will accumulate on your roof. This can lead to rot, mildew and other problems with your roof.
If you find any dark streaks on your shingles, they may be caused by lichen or blue-green algae. While they don’t pose a threat to the integrity of your roof, they do affect its appearance and can diminish the value of your home.
When inspecting the shingles, you should also look for any that are curling or buckling. Curled and buckled shingles create an opening for water to damage the underlayment of your roof, and they can lead to costly repairs down the road.
You should also inspect the step flashing, which is used along the walls that intersect with your roof. This flashing channels water down the shingles, but it can get rusted and cause leaks. You can usually slip new flashing under the existing rusty material to repair this problem. Finally, you should inspect the chimney and vents for any signs of rust or damage. If you see any of these issues, it’s a good idea to call a roofing company as soon as possible to make the necessary repairs.
Inspect the Flashing
Flashing is made of metal and installed at the intersections of roof protrusions such as chimneys, skylights, vents, and dormers. It helps to prevent water from seeping into these areas and causing both cosmetic and structural damage to the house. Like all roof components, flashing is vulnerable to damage and wear. It is also susceptible to corrosion from exposure to the elements such as wind, rain, ice, and acidic storms, especially in coastal neighborhoods. Regular roof inspections and repair of damaged flashing can prevent the onset of leaks.
When examining the flashing, start at ground level to look for signs of damage or rust. You should also check for granules in the gutters, which are evidence that water is not being properly diverted away from the flashing.
Next, go inside and inspect the ceilings and walls for water stains or spalling plaster or wallpaper. These can indicate that water has entered through the flashing and gotten past the underlayment. Also look for any areas where the wall and roof meet. A missing piece of flashing at this joint, called a kickout flashing, is very common and can lead to serious water penetration problems down the line.
Finally, examine the caulking around the flashing for cracking, open holes, or deterioration. The caulking helps to seal the flashing and keep moisture out, so any issues should be addressed promptly.
Flashing is usually made of aluminum, so it is easy to spot rust spots or other signs of corrosion. However, if the flashing is galvanized steel or copper it is more difficult to identify. In these cases, it is best to hire a professional to perform an inspection and recommend any repairs that may be needed.
Roof inspections and maintenance should be conducted regularly, and the results recorded. This can be done by a roofing company, such as A&J Reliable, or by facility staff. The schedule should be established so that the most common problems are caught early, before they can cause significant damage. Regular inspections can also help to avoid any unnecessary costs, by catching problems before they become costly and difficult to repair.
Inspect the Gutters
Gutters work along the edge of a roof to capture and direct rainwater, protecting the siding, foundation and roofing from moisture damage. A gutter that is clogged or damaged can fail to move water away efficiently, leading to puddling, leaks and damage. As with the shingles, gutters should be checked regularly for signs of wear and tear.
First, clear any leaves, twigs and debris from the gutters and downspouts. This can be done with a gutter scoop or a garden trowel. Next, examine the gutters for cracks, holes or rust. Small problems can often be repaired with gutter sealant, but it’s best to replace the damaged gutters to avoid water and debris buildup that can lead to leaks and shingle damage.
Once the gutters are clean, test their flow by running a water hose through them from the highest points to ensure they are properly draining and directing rainwater away from the home. Examine the downspouts for cracks, holes or rust as well. If the gutters aren’t adequately draining, it can cause moisture and rot in fascia boards, walls and the siding.
A professional roofer can assess the overall condition of a roof and identify areas that require repairs. In addition to the visible components on the roof, such as stains, peeling paint and discolored drywall, the roofer will look at the caulking around chimneys and sanitary stacks, the flashing at the eaves, and the condition of the fascia boards.
Inspecting a gutter system can be difficult and dangerous if you’re not comfortable climbing ladders or working from the ground. It is best to have a professional roofer inspect the gutters for any damage or a lack of proper slope that can affect their ability to properly drain and direct runoff. Besides, a professional inspection report can be helpful in making an insurance or warranty claim in the future. This report will also serve as documentation of roof maintenance should you ever sell your home. This is particularly important if you’re planning to use your home as an investment property. It will help you get a better price when it comes time to sell.
Inspect the Soffit and Fascia
While shingles and roof materials often get the most attention when it comes to roof repair, it’s equally important to check on other elements of your home, including the soffit and fascia. Located under the overhang of your roofline, these components help protect your house from moisture damage and pests. In addition, soffits and fascia add to the overall appearance of your home’s exterior. Inspecting them for signs of damage can help you address problems before they turn into major headaches down the road.
In addition to looking for signs of water damage, you should also keep an eye out for dry rot or insect infestation. These conditions can weaken the fascia, causing it to warp or pull away from your roof edge. In addition, wood rot can lead to wood damage in other areas of the roof, including the decking, rafters and trusses.
You can also check for dry rot by tapping the fascia with a large screwdriver or similar tool. If the material easily crumbles, you likely have dry rot and need to call for professional repairs. A properly maintained fascia can withstand the weather and other environmental factors for years, but it’s still important to look for signs of wear and tear.
Fascia is usually made of wood, but it’s also available in a variety of materials such as aluminum or vinyl. These alternatives can offer increased durability, low maintenance and a range of color options to match your home’s exterior.
The fascia supports gutter installations, helps maintain proper ventilation in your attic and adds a finished appearance to your roofline. Inspecting it for damage is vital, as a failing fascia can allow moisture to infiltrate the rafters and trusses of your roof and compromise their structural integrity over time.
To keep your fascia in good condition, you should trim any branches that hang over the soffit and ensure all seals around roof penetrations such as skylights, vents and chimneys are intact. It’s also a good idea to clean the surface with a pressure washer, using a low-pressure setting to avoid causing damage.
