This is an ever-valuable tool which will help you avoid un-needed roof repair, The DIY Roof Inspection. Fixing a roof is super expensive and inconvenient. Knowing the “Red flags” will help you to know whether or not to find a local certified roofing company to inspect your home.
This checklist will enable you to make an assessment that you can be confident about, because it’ll be yours. If your personal analysis shows your roof needs restoration, repair, or replacement, tend to it a.s.a.p. There is no benefit in procrastinating when it comes to necessary repair work.
If you have to hire a contractor, remember 2 things:
1) Make sure they’re local
2) Check out their reviews
DIY Roof Inspection: 101
Here are a few tips to follow when checking your home for roof-related damage. In DFW, after a hail storm, you’re guaranteed to receive unwanted visits from out of town contractors. These guys are passing through North Texas looking for storm repair work, and you can’t guarantee they have your best interest in mind during an inspection.
There are 3 areas of your home to inspect to generate your first opinion: the attic, ground level, and on top of the roof. If you think you need a second opinion, or repair work, make sure to get a local NTRCA (North Texas Roofing Contractors Association) certified roofing company. This will ensure the best rate, warrant, and quality roof repair for you and your family.
Start Safe And Easy: The Attic
But be careful the attic’s heat during the daytime will detour any homeowner from completing their pre-inspection. If it’s possible, wait until late afternoon or early morning to look for sure signs of a problem. These ‘easy to spot’ signs will be sunlight showing through the plywood decking, which should reveal any serious holes that need repair.
If there are no obvious holes, use a flashlight to inspect the decking for dark stains and streaks, as well as sagging, all of which could be caused by excessive moisture.
Inspect Outside:
You may be able to see most, if not all, of your roof from ground level. Walk around your house, examining the roof for these signs of damage:
Dark Patches
Where granules have come off the shingle. In addition to affecting the aesthetic of the roof, bore patches like these leave shingles vulnerable to the sun. In time this may dry out the asphalt and lead to leaks.
Debris
A branch on the roof may not seem like a big deal, but overtime it can rub the granules loose from your shingles, or may even be covering a crack that is caused as it landed. Luckily you can easily remove debris by hand or with a blower.
Bent or Detached Flashing
Flashing helps to prevent water from leaking into your roof, chimneys, vents, and any other roof penetrations. These should be thoroughly sealed to prevent water penetration. If you do notice an irregularity, it’s best to address it quickly. This type of damage can be a cheap fix or an expensive oversight.
Crooked/Curled Shingles
Are quite often caused by high winds or flying debris and their repair priority is usually a judgement call based on the severity of the damage.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles have many causes, and can turn into many issues like leaks, and further structural damage. Missing shingles should be replaced immediately.
Up The Ladder
If you are comfortable climbing a ladder, get a better view from the roof top.
Flashing
Around the upslope and back of the chimney, and penetrations can be seen easier from on top of the roof.
Loose Nail or Nail Head
A loose nail, located above the shingle, is typically a storm away from letting go completely.
Gutter Debris
Can lead to ice dams later in the year. Your roofing contractor may provide gutter cleaning services if you decide you’re not comfortable about doing the job yourself.
If after your DIY Inspection you feel you need a second opinion, fill out the form below.
We’ll give you an honest inspection that you can TRUST, and we’ll also ‘Grandfather’ you into the ‘Lifetime Shingle’ offer in the case you don’t need work. That means that if/when you do need repair FREE Lifetime Shingles will be waiting for you** Our work is always Guaranteed and is our your ‘Best Price Guarantee’.
