Regularly inspecting your home’s roof is vital to ensure that it provides the protection you can trust for years to come. Knowing what to look for and how to perform the inspection safely will help you avoid neglecting this valuable part of your home.
Why you should inspect your roof regularly
Regularly inspecting your roof can help you:
- Spot damage or other issues when they are small, limiting damage
- Save money on smaller repairs and extend the life of your roof
- Protect family and property from leaks that could cause mold growth, water damage, or damage the structural integrity of the home
- Save energy by ensuring that your attic is properly insulated
- Know ahead of time when you’ll need to replace your roof, allowing time to budget or save
- Maintain the terms of your roof warranty and homeowner’s insurance policies
How often should you inspect your home’s roof?
It’s recommended that you inspect your home’s roof twice a year, in the fall and just before spring starts. Additionally, you should inspect it after severe weather conditions. Regular inspections help you identify potential issues before they become major problems.
While you can safely inspect most parts of your roof from the ground using binoculars, a professional should perform a more thorough review every couple of years. If you have any concerns about accessing your roof, leave it to the professionals, who have the proper safety gear and training.
Residential roof inspection checklist
Here is a checklist of items that need to be looked at when inspecting your home’s roof:
Roof surface
Only walk on the roof’s surface when it is safe, and you have the appropriate fall protection equipment. Otherwise, use binoculars to view your roof from the ground.
- Look for missing, cracked, or broken shingles both on the roof and the surrounding property, especially after a storm.
- Note any loose or exposed nails.
- Check gutters for excessive granule loss, which is a sign that shingles have been damaged and are not as protective.
- Walk around on the roof deck, noting areas that are sagging or soft. Also, look for sagging along the ridgelines.
- Inspect the flashings around penetrations (chimneys, vent pipes, etc.) for rust, corrosion, or loose or missing flashings.
- Examine the chimney for damage or cracks.
- Look at the fascia boards and soffits along the edge of the roof, checking for signs of rot, water damage, or pests.
- Note any moss, algae, or lichen growth.
Gutters and drains
- Clean debris and leaves from gutters and check for cracks, rust, or sagging.
- Make sure downspouts are attached to the home and direct drain water away from the foundation.
Interior (attic)
- Check the underside of the roof deck for signs of water leaks, such as dark stains, wet insulation, or mold growth.
- Look for daylight coming through the roof deck, which indicates that there are holes or cracks.
- Clear soffit vents, ridge vents, and gable vents if dirty or obstructed.
- Ensure that bathroom and kitchen fans are venting to the outside, not into the attic.
Tips for accessing your home’s roof safely
- Make sure the roof is dry before going up.
- Wear soft-soled shoes.
- Don’t work alone.
- Avoid walking on roofs with a slope greater than 6:12 unless you are experienced or have the proper safety equipment.
- Use a ladder properly:
- Use a sturdy ladder that is properly rated to hold your weight.
- Place the ladder on flat, stable ground and secure it at the top or bottom.
- Make sure the ladder extends 3 feet above the roof line to provide a safe handhold.
- For every 4 feet of height, the base of the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall.
- Always keep three points of contact on the ladder: two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand.
For a complete, thorough roof inspection, it’s best to call a professional, like those at New Roofs. We have the equipment and training to safely inspect any roof, and we’ll provide recommendations for necessary repairs and maintenance. We’ve been providing roof inspection services for homeowners in Delafield, Oconomowoc, Hartland, and Pewaukee for years. For quality inspection services, contact us today.