When it comes to the quality of your home, there is nothing more important than a solid roof. Your roof protects you and your family from the elements, keeps energy costs low, and maintains the structural integrity of your home – not to mention adding to your curb appeal! However, if left unchecked and unmaintained over time problems can start to arise that may require professional repair.
To ensure this doesn’t happen with your own roof system, it is essential you stay on top of regular inspections– but how do you know which areas need looking at? In this article, we explore just that: The main problem areas of a roof system & how to inspect them. Keep reading to see how you can detect issues and give Tresnak Roofing a call for a professional inspection.
Gutters
Keeping your roof in pristine condition is no easy task, but understanding what its main problem areas are and how to inspect them can help you keep your roof lasting for years to come. One of the main areas of concern with any roof system lies in its gutters. As a homeowner, it’s important to regularly clean out any debris or leaves from them and make sure they are free from clogs. Failing to do so can cause water to build up and wreak havoc on the roof decking beneath it, potentially leading to expensive repairs down the line. In order to check if your gutters need servicing, take a look at their position – are they hanging straight, or slanted? If they aren’t completely level, this could be an indication that there is a buildup of particles blocking their flow.
Shingles And Roofing Materials
When it comes to inspecting your roof system, one of the most important steps is to check your shingles and other roofing materials. From your asphalt shingles to slate tiles, all of these components need to be checked for wear, damage, or discoloring. Cracked or brittle shingles may not provide adequate protection from the elements and can lead to a weakened roof structure.
Furthermore, inspecting the roofing materials can help you spot potential problem areas such as granules washing off from your asphalt shingles or fungi growing on wooden shakes. To ensure that there are no weak points in your roof system, make sure you check the age of the materials and the overall condition of the shingles and other components before allowing any water or dampness in through small gaps.
Flashing
Flashing is typically one of the most important elements of roofs and should be checked for deteriorating or faulty seals. Many times, this can cause water to get between different sections of the roof, causing serious damage over time. Look out for rust and corrosion on metal flashing or warping, cracking, discoloration, or other signs of damage where shingles meet walls or chimneys. Make sure all caulking, sealants, and tape used around exhausts and external vents are in good condition. Even if you don’t think there’s an issue with the flashing now, remember that it can deteriorate over time – so keep tabs on it with regular inspections – before a little problem becomes a major hassle.
Soffit And Fascia
When you think of a roofing system, the soffit and fascia may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But in actuality, these components are one of the main problem areas needing periodic inspection. The Soffit is the downward-facing portion on the underside of your roof overhang, whereas Fascia is the board/trim installed along the sides. When inspecting these components for any future damage or deterioration it’s important to look for sagging boards or fastener punctures, such as holes from mice or birds pecking away at them. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace them entirely if they have rotted beyond repair. Don’t let any potential issues linger – staying up-to-date on how your soffit and fascia are doing can go a long way in ensuring that your roofing system remains strong.
A visual inspection from the ground with binoculars is the first step in detecting most roof system problems. Begin by looking for any visibly sagging areas, which could be indicative of a structural issue. Also, look for any missing, damaged, or curling shingles, as well as any cracks or holes in the flashing around chimneys and vent pipes. If you spot any of these problem areas, it’s time to call in a professional roofer for further evaluation and repairs.
