Be honest: when it comes to home maintenance, sometimes you forget about your roof, right? Well, you’re not alone! The two most common causes of water damage in the home come from flooded basements and leaky roofs. You should have a roof inspection done at least twice a year, and after every storm or severe weather event. You don’t always need to call a professional to inspect the roof – here’s an eight-step, do-it-yourself task that’s simple, quick and money-saving.
Step 1: Walk around your home’s exterior, inspecting the roof from the ground for signs of damage, sagging and aging. Take notes of any possible problem areas, or areas in need of closer inspection.
Step 2: Identify areas with moss, algae and piles of leaves — these are notorious for causing costly leaks and water damage.
Step 3: Keep your eye out for buckled and curled shingles. Hot air from attics often cause shingles to buckle and curl away from the home, putting your roof and home at great risk for weather damage and poor roof ventilation.
Step 4: Look for missing, damaged and aged shingles, which is the leading cause of roof damage. Missing shingles equals direct exposure to inclement weather. Plus, they’re an eyesore.
Step 5: It is important to clean your gutters and roof overhangs, and maintain your downspouts. As you’re performing these essential tasks, make note of open joins and signs of rot, as those are typical indicators of larger issues.
Step 6: Look closely for granule loss (texture on shingles). Granule loss indicates that shingles have aged or been affected by severe weather, and are no longer protecting your home against damaging storms. If you find that your shingles are no longer texturized, it’s time to replace them.
Step 7: Grab your ladder! While on top of your roof, inspect your counterflashing. Counterflashing is a metal, waterproof strip installed over areas in need of additional moisture protection. When inspecting, note damaged, cracked and shrinking sealant around the edges of the counterflashing. If you find that the seal has deteriorated, your roof and attic will be highly-vulnerable to water damage.
Step 8: Still concerned about your roof, or discover any potential problem areas? It’s time to immediately contact a qualified, local roofer for a thorough inspection. Remember: a smart homeowner is a proactive homeowner. Fixing minor problems and concerns before they become disasters is the key to stress-free home maintenance.
Pinnacle Roofing Systems, Inc., is a full-service roofing company handling both residential and commercial projects in South Texas. Based out of Corpus Christi, Pinnacle Roofing is an established company with more than 25 years serving the Coastal Bend. Check out their website at pinnacleroofingcc.com