10 Steps You Need For Your Residential Roof Inspection

Having your roof inspected at least once a year is an important part of keeping it in good condition. How can you keep track of everything which should be part of this inspection? Keep the following residential roofing inspection checklist handy when your roofer checks your roof.

Keep Track of Who’s on Your Roof

Keep a record of who goes up on your roof to do an inspection. You should also note when they are on your roof and which areas of your roof they inspected. In addition, you should record why they were on your roof, such as to check for storm damage or signs of regular wear and tear.

Note the State of Different Components

Make sure you get information from your roofer on the condition of various components. Each of these items should be listed with what condition they are in. If they’re in bad condition, they’ll require repairs sooner rather than later. You should also have pictures taken of damaged areas.

Keep Roof Checklist Supplies Handy

You should keep your checklist and a pen or pencil handy, along with a camera for pictures and a copy of your roof plans. Other items which might be needed include a flashlight to check darker areas and a tape measure. However, you won’t need to worry about having these items if you have a professional roofer handle the inspection.

Check Your Walls

The walls inside your home might show signs of roof damage, such as leaks. Look for mold growth or dark spots on your walls, along with peeling paint, which are all signs of a leak occurring from your roof. Other signs to check for on your walls include water spots or stains.

Check Vent and Chimney Areas for Damp Areas

You should check the interior areas around your chimney and vents for signs of dampness. If any areas are damp, this indicates there has been damage. You’ll need to have these areas repaired to prevent serious leaks and additional damage from occurring.

Check for Proper Ventilation

Your attic and roof should have proper ventilation, but cracks or other damage can affect this. While walking around your attic, check for cracks or other signs of damage in the rafters and sheathing. You should also check to see if your decking is sagging or if you’re seeing any light shining through where it shouldn’t be.

Look for Leaks

When you’re checking the interior of your home for roof damage, look for leaks. You might see or hear water dripping, but leaks can happen inside walls where they’re hard to see. Check for water stains and spots on ceilings or walls, as well as soft areas of wood caused by moisture damage. Have professional roofers handle inspections for leaks on the outside of your roof and make prompt repairs as needed.

Watch for Visible Damage and Debris

You can look up at your roof and check around your home exterior for obvious signs of damage or debris. You should look for damage to your gutters and downspouts, such as serious dents or other damage. Seeing debris around your yard, such as pieces of shingles, can also help you determine if your roof is damaged.

Look for Wear and Tear

Your roof can develop wear and tear damage over time as it’s exposed to the elements. During an inspection, professional roofers can thoroughly check your roof for this kind of damage. You might also be able to spot signs of wear and tear by looking up at your chimney and flashings. Roofing experts can also check the vents, drip edges, fascia, and decking for signs of damage, such as rust, wood rot, or corrosion.

Check for Shingle Damage

If your home has a shingle roof, you can look up at it to check for noticeable signs of damage, such as missing or broken shingles. Professional roofers can check for other signs of roof damage, such as buckling shingles. You should also check your gutters for granules, which can indicate damaged or worn shingles on your roof.

Get Reliable Roofing Services

If your roof has any signs of damage from wear and tear, storms, or other causes, you should have it repaired as soon as possible. Professional roofers can do a complete inspection, then recommend and handle any needed repairs. Having these roof repairs done sooner instead of later helps lower the risk of having extensive damage.

If it’s time to schedule your roofing inspection, please contact Couto Construction today. Our professional roofers conduct roof inspections and provide other roofing services for homeowners in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and Rhode Island. We have more than 30 years of experience with roofing inspections, installations, repairs, and more.