Tips for Getting a Roofing Inspection
Most of the time, the roof of a building is looked over twice: once when a roofing inspection is scheduled by a roofing contractor and then once more, just before the roofing company puts on the roof. Often, the first inspection covers the basics: the tile work, the flashing, and other on-site elements. Sometimes, though, roofers uncover unseen problems that end up needing to be fixed during the original installation or after a subsequent repair. In these cases, it’s wise to have an inspection conducted by a qualified roofing contractor.
A thorough roofing inspection needs to begin at the roofing surface, instead of on the roof itself. Even the smallest and least noticeable leaks can turn into big problems that are difficult to fix. The roofing underlayment protects the base of the roof from moisture, which is one of the causes of leaks. First, an experienced roofing contractor will check for appropriate attic ventilation, which includes any blocked vent pipes or ducts.
Next, he checks for leaks under the eaves, roof vents, and edges around window frames. If these signs are ignored, they could develop into large and expensive leaks. Finally, if a leak develops, he inspects the materials used to build the house, and specifically, the tiles and shingles used. Roofing contractors also need to look for signs of deterioration in the roofing material such as cracks, holes, and fraying. While these signs aren’t always as obvious as leaks, they’re still important to see since they allow a roofing contractor to tell whether the roof repairs needed are really necessary.
If an inspection has detected visible damage, it’s time to decide what kind of roofing repair is needed. Usually, repair work includes patching holes or cracks, replacing shingles or tiles, and cleaning off excess moisture. Many roofing contractors recommend that the repair be done in stages so there’s less downtime and that you start with a smaller repair project until your home inspector is sure the problem has been completely corrected. In case of minor roof damage, it’s best to do the repair while the weather is still good because the weather can make things worse.
One of the most common roofing contractor mistakes is failing to repair small roof leaks. Sometimes a small leak may only be visible to the naked eye, but to a trained roofing contractor, these kinds of issues can be very revealing. If you have noticed evidence of a leak, it’s best to fix it right away before it becomes a bigger problem that you’re unable to fix. In some cases, repairing small roofing problems can even save you money since small leaks can be quickly filled in using inexpensive products.
Whether you’re repairing a single damaged shingle or replacing several damaged tiles, make sure that you get an inspection before starting work. A thorough inspection will let you know if you’re making the right choices when it comes to replacing or repairing your roof.
We have a qualified, licensed, and insured roofing team ready to help you out with all your roofing needs. Give us a call today and request a free estimate.
