Roofs can go unnoticed. Homeowners can often forget the structure above their heads is constantly protecting them from the elements. No matter what part of the world you live in, your roof repels the elements and ensures your home’s interiors are safe and sound.
Because of a roof’s constant work, it is a great idea to get it inspected regularly. For something as vital as a roof, it is best to stay ahead of any normal (or abnormal) wear and tear. Homeowners should deal with easy fixes now — like a broken shingle or a roof leak — rather than severe damage in the future.
If left uninspected for too long, small damages can result in severe damage until you need a full roof replacement.
How Often Should a Professional Inspect My Roof
While you can conduct a personal inspection of your roof, the best individual for the job is a professional. Even if you don’t live in a climate with heavy storms, you should still have your roof inspected once a year. Roofing companies are an excellent resource for a roofing inspection.
7 Things No Contractor Should Miss
Whether a powerful storm damaged your flat roof or roof membrane or it’s been a year since the last inspection, you’ll eventually need professional help. What areas should your roof contractor check, especially with a commercial roof?
There are seven parts of a roof every contractor must have an eye for the vents, leaks, layers, roof pitch and drainage, gutters, light penetration, and chimneys. If any of those terms are confusing, this article will explain them.
Roof Vents
Roof vents lead into the attic below and help the house manage factors like humidity and temperature. If the temperature or humidity is off in the house or attic, it can lead to problems like mildew and mold. Mold can grow on a large range of organic materials, so when the ventilation, temperature, and humidity in the house create the right conditions for mild to grow, homeowners have a problem.
Contractors checking the roof surface and roofing system should ensure the vents on the roof are working properly. Reviewing the vents means making sure they aren’t clogged or jammed. Gas and water vents must be clear so the house is getting the proper ventilation.
Roof Leaks
If you can look up at the ceiling inside your home and see patches of water damage or mildew, you know there is a leak on the roof where water is getting in. Not all leaks are visible from the bottom, however, so this area is where the roofing contractor helps.
Your roof contractor should check the roof for any cracks or leaks on the roof where water can enter. The attic ceiling is another place that they can check for leaks.
Roofing Layer
When a new roof is installed, there are two ways it can go on: workers can install the new roof once they remove the old roof, or a new roof overlays the old one, i.e. it covers the old roof.
Overlaying a roof with a new roof adds weight to the system because the new one weighs a lot and the old roof is still there. A roofing contractor should check the layers of the roof and all roof surfaces to make there is not too much weight.
Roof Pitch and Drainage
Roof pitch is the angle of the roof, and it determines how quickly moisture will run off from the roof. In climates with significant moisture, rooftop surfaces generally have a steep angle that allows snow and water to slide off.
Roof pitch and drainage are essential to make sure there is no standing water on the roof.
Homes in dryer climates can get away with flatter roofs because the decreased moisture amount removes the necessity to have a roof that immediately disposes of precipitation.
Contractors should make sure your roof pitch is up to standards, but unless your home is undergoing a big remodel, it will most likely be up to code. Builders determined the roof pitch during the house’s original construction.
Gutters
It seems like a critical part of a roof’s job is managing moisture. So, homeowners should that gutters are on this list of key roof parts.
Gutters are an important fixture on a house to dispose of water properly. When the rain comes, or the snow melts, gutters whisk away water to a safe area away from the foundation of the house.
A roof’s gutters also prevent sitting water, which can lead to mildew. Roof contractors should make sure the gutters are clear, clean, and working correctly. Effective gutters quickly remove water from the roof, metal roofs especially.
Roof Penetration
If light can get in, water can get in (this rule doesn’t just apply to skylights.
Your contractor must conduct a roofing inspection to check for any visible holes or cracks in the roof. Checking anywhere that light can get in, including a skylight, for holes and cracks is crucial too.
But even a skylight can be a gateway for water to enter your home. Where the skylight is located on the roof can become cracked or damaged, and holes can appear that allow water to enter.
Chimneys
If your house has a chimney that is blocked, you will likely know. A contractor must check all chimneys should be checked on the outside, too.
The contractor should keep an eye out for any cracks or damaged parts of the chimney. If a chimney is leaking, you’ll see visible damage on the inside of the home.
On a structure like a chimney, there’s always the potential for some separation between the chimney and the rest of the roof that allows water to enter. The roofing contractor will check for leaks there.
Summary
A good roof contractor will check all portions of the roof.
When it comes to your home or even a commercial roof, it is best to stay on top of inspections. A roofing contractor is a valuable investment to make sure your home is working its very best and to resolve problems before they become expensive and time-consuming.