How to Inspect for Damage
Inspecting your roof regularly is crucial, especially if you live in areas that experience extreme weather. Don’t wait for your roof to show signs of damage. You can either climb onto your roof or use binoculars from the ground to inspect it. Taking these steps will help you catch any potential issues early on and avoid costly repairs down the line.
If you choose to go up on the roof yourself, remember to always utilize proper safety equipment to prevent falls or injury.
Here are some things to look for:
- Check flashing for damage or inadequate coverage
- Look under eaves and overhangs for damage
- Examine shingles for any that are missing, cracked, curled, torn, or warped
- Look for any open seams or joints
- Look for popped or rusted nails or stains around nails
- Look for signs of insects or critter infestation (squirrels love climbing on roofs)
- Check for sagging or unsound areas
- Check for rotten fascia and eaves
- Inspect your sources of roof ventilation to make sure they are not clogged
- Inspect gutters for sagging or signs of leaks and be sure to remove any leaves or debris
- Check for dark patches or biological growth
- Check around pipes and roof penetrations to make sure they are sealed and in good shape – there shouldn’t be any exposed nails around flashings (if so, they should be sealed)
- Look inside the attic for signs of leaks, dark spots, holes, or sagging sheathing
If you’d rather not go on the roof, or up a ladder, yourself, or would simply prefer a professional inspection, consider contacting Window Depot USA of Eastern Iowa.