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Prepare your roof for the return of pumpkin pies and family gatherings by following the steps listed here:
1. Start outside, using a pair of binoculars from ground level to inspect roofing shingles and flashing. If you find bare patches, inspect the underlayment for damage before replacing any broken or missing shingles. If more than a quarter (25%) of your shingles or tiles are damaged or missing, you probably need to have a new roof installed.
2. Once you’ve given the top of your roof a once-over, head inside. Tour your entire home, using a bright flashlight to check for damp or wet spots in each and every room. Inspect the corners of rooms as well as behind any crown moulding for possibly hidden areas of wetness. If moisture is concentrated in one particular area, chances are there’s a leak somewhere in the roof directly above it.
3. Use a smoke candle or other safe means to test the ventilation system in your attic or crawl space. Make sure all vents move air freely, and that warm air can easily escape. The materials that help keep warm air in your home’s living spaces are called a thermal envelope. Heat escaping from a thermal envelope leads to increased heating costs. If that heat then escapes through a hole in the roof, it can cause ice dams to form. Damp rafters or discolored insulation in your attic or crawlspace could indicate a leak. Again, leaky spots in roofs are where ice dams form. Since they can tear through even the sturdiest roof, avoid ice dams at all cost.
4. Remove debris from all parts of your roof, especially from roof-valleys, through which rainwaters flow downward. Clean out the gutters, being very careful whenever mounting a ladder. Clogged gutters can cause rainwater to run into places it shouldn’t, like behind siding or under roofing materials. Water trapped behind siding or under a roof can damage wooden support structures and cause mold or mildew to grow.
5. Check for signs that animals have reached the inside. These might include grease-patches, dark stains, or an opening where insects are flying into or crawling out of some part of your property. Many critters prefer to overwinter inside permanent structures. Take the necessary steps to stop them from taking up permanent residence inside your home.
6. Since it usually funnels hot smoke and ash through the roof, have your chimney swept professionally if you plan on heating your home using a wood stove or fireplace. A chimney fire can ruin lives in the blink of an eye - avoid one at all cost.
For extra peace of mind, schedule a professional roof inspection from the experts at Professional Roofing Consultants. We’ll perform an honest and reliable assessment of any repairs your roof might need and then fix it right - the first time around!
