Most home roofs last 15 to 30 years, but that’s a 15-year span. So what makes a roof last for 30 years instead of only 15?
One difference is maintenance. Homeowners who focus on proper care might extend their roof’s lifespan.
Proper maintenance starts with a roof inspection checklist. Using a thorough checklist gives you something to work with and a guide to follow. When you use a checklist, you’ll know what services your roof needs.
Here is a thorough inspection checklist you can use to use to keep your roof in the best shape possible.
Check for Ponding Water
Ponding water is more common with flat roofs but can also happen with residential roofs. Ponding occurs when water creates puddles on a roof.
Unfortunately, ponding water destroys the roofing materials and must be addressed quickly. A residential roofing company can fix this problem by determining the cause and making the necessary changes.
Examine the Roof for Moss and Debris
Next, examine the roof for moss and debris. Moss forms when a roof is wet, but debris can end up on a roof from storms or high winds.
Moss weakens shingles and must be removed. In fact, part of effective roof maintenance is cleaning a roof. You can clean the moss yourself or hire a company to clean it.
Look for Problematic Shingles
A practical roof inspection always requires looking for problematic shingles. You can look closer at your roofing materials by getting on your roof with a ladder.
As you examine your shingles, you should look for curling shingles. Shingles will curl as they dry out. You can also look for missing, cracked, and worn-out shingles.
You might find a couple of bad shingles on your roof, which you can fix. However, you might be ready for a roof replacement if you find many problematic shingles, as this is a sure sign you need to replace the roof.
Evaluate the Flashing
Every opening on your roof should have a metal material around it called flashing. Flashing lasts long, but it can become loose or worn out.
Therefore, your inspection should include evaluating the flashing. You can locate the flashing by looking at every vent, skylight, and chimney. Worn-out flashing leads to water leaks, so replacing it when needed is vital.
Consider the Gutter System
When inspecting a roof, you should also evaluate other parts of the roof, including the gutter system. The gutter system connects to the roof and serves a vital role in drainage.
Therefore, look at the gutters and downspouts to ensure they function properly.
Use This Roof Inspection Checklist
When you use this roof inspection checklist, you’ll know what to look for when examining your roof. If you have signs of wear or problems, contact a roofing contractor.
A roofing contractor can fix roofing problems or replace your roof if necessary.
Contact us at Novalis Roofing and Siding in Chatham, NJ. We’ll begin by inspecting your roof and then determining what work it needs.
