A homeowner’s roof is an integral part of the home, protecting it from weather and wear and tear. It is essential to inspect a roof regularly so small problems can be nipped in the bud.
Inspecting a shingle roof is best done on a sunny day with someone in the attic to check soft spots. A clean, properly ventilated attic will protect the shingles. Reach out to Ellingson Roofing LLC for expert assistance.
A home’s attic can be a dangerous place to store valuables, especially when the roof is compromised. A quick attic inspection can help detect the early signs of water infiltration and prevent these problems from escalating. If possible, enter the attic during daylight to shine a flashlight around the space. Look for stains or signs of moisture on the ceilings, walls and insulation. Leaks left untreated can cause rot and mold, which will require professional attention to remedy.
Checking the attic can also reveal discolored ceilings, which are often caused by moisture penetration or a lack of ventilation. If you find any of these, it’s important to contact a roofing contractor as soon as possible.
In addition to examining the attic for signs of damage, it’s also important to examine the gutters and other accents on your roof from the ground level. Look for any debris that might have been blown by strong winds, as well as dents on your roof’s accessories like gable vents and overhangs. If you do find a problem, it’s a good idea to take pictures and write down the details of the damage.
While conducting a visual inspection, pay special attention to the areas around chimneys and roof flashing. These are areas that can commonly be damaged by hail during a storm, and they’re essential for keeping your home’s structure safe and dry.
If you notice any cracking or chipping in these areas, it’s a sign that the flashing needs to be replaced. These repairs are usually quite simple, but you should always have an experienced roofing contractor handle them.
Another common problem after a storm is the presence of rats, mice or other pests, which may be an indication that there are underlying issues with your roof. These are often the result of a leak or other problem, and should be addressed immediately.
Trim Tree Branches
Keeping the branches of your trees properly trimmed can help prevent damage to roofs and power lines. As you inspect your property, look for branches that hang over a roof or power line to determine if they need to be trimmed. Also, look for dead branches that could fall during a storm. It is best to prune during the winter, when the tree is dormant.
Rather than cutting branches to the stubs, it is important to make cuts that allow for the regrowth of new branches. When a branch is cut back to a stub, it will not be able to form a strong union with the tree and is more likely to break in a future storm. Besides, stubs are an entry point for plant diseases.
When trimming a large limb, start by making a partial cut about halfway through the bottom on the underside of the limb, several inches out from the trunk. This is known as an undercut, and it helps reduce the amount of wood that will be removed when the limb falls. Next, move up about an inch and make another cut all the way through the limb. This removes the remaining weight of the limb, and a clean cut promotes rapid healing. Finally, make your final cut just outside the branch collar (the swelled area of stem tissue that connects a branch to the trunk), and angle the final cut downward. This will prevent water from collecting inside the wound and causing rot.
Never trim a branch to within one-fourth of the branch collar. This is too much and exposes the trunk to unnecessary stress and injury. Finally, always sanitize your pruning tools between using them. It is possible to kill a tree with one wrong cut.
Clean the Gutters
Gutters are vital for the roofing system, as they channel rainwater away from the roof and foundation of a home. However, if they are not cleaned regularly, clogged gutters can result in water and debris overflowing during a storm, which can cause foundation problems, leaks on the roof, and even mold growth.
Cleaning the gutters is a relatively easy task for a professional, but it can be dangerous if you try to do it yourself. Working on a slanted roof or trying to reach into the gutters with a ladder can be very dangerous, particularly if you have a weak back. If you are not a professional, it is always best to hire someone for these types of maintenance tasks.
Regular cleaning is necessary for any gutters that have been installed to prevent the buildup of pollen, grime, or sludge, which can cause a blockage and lead to damage. Professionals can also wash the gutters to remove any trace of moss and algae, which can encourage mold growth. They can also inspect the gutters and downspouts to ensure that they are free of cracks, rust spots, and separation, which could allow water to enter the roofing system and cause damage.
Leaks in gutter seams are common, so it is essential to check these areas regularly for signs of wear and tear or damage. In addition to checking the seams, it is also important to make sure that any downspouts are directing rainwater at least five feet away from the house’s foundation to prevent soil erosion and potential basement flooding. Additionally, it is essential to trim tree branches that are overhanging the gutters so that leaves or debris can’t fall into them, which can contribute to clogs.
Finally, it is important to check that all roof penetrations, such as skylights, vents, chimneys, and other fixtures, are secure and in good condition. During this inspection, it is important to ensure that the flashing around these areas is intact and in good condition. If any of the components are damaged or in need of repair, then they should be repaired immediately.
Inspect the Chimney
During a storm, your chimney can suffer from just as much damage as your roof. Being the highest point on your house, it is often exposed to high winds, heavy rains and lightning during a weather event. Small problems such as a missing chimney cap or cracked bricks can lead to costly repairs if they aren’t addressed quickly.
The chimney flashing, a metal sheet of likely lead, copper or rubber that closes the gap between your roof and your chimney’s brick structure, can be one of the most susceptible areas for water leaks. If this area becomes damaged during a storm, moisture brought in through the flashing can drip down and cause deterioration of the attic, roof deck or ceiling. In addition, moisture damage can lead to the growth of mold and the rotting of supporting beams in your roof.
Chimney leaks can also occur from a damaged chimney crown, or the cement cap that tops your chimney’s masonry structure. The cracks and deterioration caused by heavy rain and hail may allow water to seep into your chimney, causing damage to the masonry structure or allowing for water penetration into the home.
If you’re concerned about the condition of your chimney after a storm, consider scheduling a Level 1 inspection. This comprehensive visual examination is ideal for assessing storm damage and provides detailed documentation of the state of your chimney for insurance purposes or planning future maintenance or repair.
A Level 1 inspection costs between $100 and $250 and includes a visual check of the easily accessible parts of your chimney to ensure it is structurally sound and free of blockages and excessive creosote. The chimney professional will use a camera to examine the inside of your chimney for signs of deterioration and leaking.
A Level 2 inspection is also available. This more thorough and in-depth assessment requires access to the attic or crawl space, and includes a camera inside the chimney to inspect the flue for leaks and deterioration. The chimney professional will also assess the underlying structure of your chimney, including the smoke chamber, flues and smoke seals. If he finds damage that affects the structural integrity of your chimney or home, a structural engineer can be hired to design temporary supports or permanent solutions.