The roof is probably one of the most important parts of your house since it plays an essential role in protecting your family against extreme weather conditions. However, it can be a challenging task to maintain and keep it in the best condition since environmental changes of temperatures, snow, rain, ice, sleet, damp shade, wet leaves, ultraviolet radiation, and other factors would lead to different issues on roofing.
Most experts recommend visual roof inspections at least twice per year in the spring and fall to find out any potential problems and have immediate resolves. Of course, you could try to assess the conditions with binoculars from the ground, but having a certified inspector walking on the roof will allow for more precise measurements.
With that in mind, here are a few important areas that you need to evaluate when having a visual roofing inspection in Culpeper VA. In general, you will need to examine the main components of the roof involving gutters, flashing, and shingles.
Inspect the shingles
The first thing to do in a roof inspection is to examine shingles’ condition. Damaged parts which are missing, broken, blistered, curled, or loose should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Carefully lift the shingle to see if there is roofing underlayment between the decking and the shingles. If it is missing, then the roof installation is improper and needs a new replacement.
Also, take a look at the ridge for failure or cracks. Leakage in this area could present itself anywhere inside your house. Lastly, the inspector will check for the shingles’ granular erosion. This is often a symptom of deterioration, which needs new shingles quickly.
Inspect the flashing
The inspector will examine the roof valleys for failures of any metal flashing or holes and cracked roofing in any patches. These valleys are especially prone to leaks. Next, the step flashing around chimneys and walls should also be checked for any damage. Make sure there aren’t any gap between the wall and the flashing.
The flashing around roof penetrations should be tight and sealed with pliable cement or caulking. Look for any missing rubber boot, flashing damage, improperly installed boot, or visible nail heads.
Inspect the gutters
A common symptom of granular erosion in asphalt roof shingles is the finding of many tiny granules in the gutters. In most cases, this might indicate deterioration and age. Also, make sure the downspout and gutter system is functioning and cleaned out correctly. Otherwise, they could get blocked and accumulate water under the lower edge shingles. As a result, water will drain and rot the boards.
The bottom line
No matter if you want to have roof inspections for insurance or maintenance, it is necessary to check these areas. Also, there are many reasons why it’s better to hire a professional service. With highly trained and certified roof inspectors, they can ensure thorough results and provide the ultimate solutions to keep your roof in the best conditions.
Flashing is installed around valleys, chimneys, and vents to control leakages. If the flashing is installed wrongly, your house becomes prone to water damage. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that the flashing is in the right shape. If you recognize even a small issue with the flashing, the immediate repair should be done to avoid escalation of the problem. This is the right way to ensure that your roofing is in the proper condition and avoid costly water damage.
Asphalt shingles are available in a wide range of colors. It is a great mistake to get shingles that are not of the same color. The best option is to get a whole set with the same shade. This helps bring a more cohesive look and enhance the overall appeal of your roof and entire home. The best way to avoid the mistake of having mismatched shingles is by purchasing them in a set. If possible, make sure you get them from a single provider for proper matching.