Checking your roof often can help you find small problems before they turn into big ones. Because Fort Wayne gets snow in the winter and storms in the spring, it’s especially important to have a full inspection. To safely check your roof and see how it’s doing, do the following:
Check the weather and get ready
Pick a day that is clear and dry for your inspection. Climbing is dangerous when it’s wet, icy, or windy. Put on shoes that won’t slip and have someone help you. Get a strong ladder, gloves, a flashlight, and a notebook or camera to take notes and pictures.
Look at the roof from the ground
Before you climb, walk around your house and look up. Use binoculars to look for obvious problems like missing or broken shingles, sagging areas, or moss growing. Also, look for granules or debris in the gutters and downspouts. This means the shingles are wearing out.
Put your ladder on solid ground to use it safely
Be careful when you climb. Face the ladder and keep three points of contact. Don’t stand on the top few rungs. When you’re on the roof, move slowly and be careful where you step. Test the stability of each shingle with your foot.
Check out the shingles and shakes
Get a close look at the shingles (or roofing material). Look for missing pieces, cracks, or curls. Check the edges and areas around roof vents and chimneys very carefully, as this is where damage often starts. You should make a note of any damaged shingles that need to be fixed or replaced.
Check the flashing and seals
The flashing around the roof joints (chimneys, vents, skylights) should be in good shape. Check the metal for cracks, rust, or holes. Repair or reseal flashing that is broken so that water can’t get in quickly.
Check the skylights and roof valleys
Roof valleys direct water, so they need to be clear and in good shape. Check metal valley liners for rust or cracks with a flashlight. Also, look for cracks or loose seals in the skylights. Take note of any damage here because it could cause leaks.
Check the attic
Use a flashlight to safely go up there. Check the rafters and insulation for water stains and look for holes in the roof boards that let in light. If the insulation is wet or moldy, it could mean that there are leaks. Also, check the plumbing stacks and roof vents for moisture.
Check the gutters and trim
Look for shingle granules in the gutters. This means that the asphalt shingles are wearing out. Make sure the gutters aren’t sagging and the downspouts are securely attached. Check the fascia, soffits, and roof trim for any damage or rot.
Write down and take pictures
Write down any problems you find. Get clear pictures of the places that are causing problems. Make a note of where you were and what you saw. These notes are useful for your records and for any contractor who might need to make repairs.
Plan Repairs and Maintenance
Based on what you find, choose what needs to be fixed. If you’re comfortable, you can replace a few shingles yourself. If you have a big problem, you should call a Fort Wayne roofing professional. Even if everything looks fine, you might want to think about having a professional check it out every few years. In Fort Wayne, where the weather can change quickly, regular inspections help make sure the roof lasts a long time.
Get Residential Roof Inspection Now…
Fort Wayne homeowners can find problems early and keep their roofs strong and leak-free by following these steps for a roof inspection on a regular basis. The safest thing to do if you see something wrong or if your roof is very old is to talk to a local roofing expert. Taking care of your home and fixing things as soon as they go wrong will keep it safe from the weather for many years.
Contact Tri-State Exteriors for your free inspection and estimate.
