Roof repair checklist; prevent costly roof repairs with regular interior and exterior roof inspections.
Interior inspection – Here’s what to look for:
Areas where the roof deck sags.
Natural light coming through the roof.
Any signs of water leaking or general water damage.
Dark spots and trails.
These could be signs of structural damage to your roof.
Exterior inspection – Inspecting the exterior of your roof will require you to climb the roof and walk around. Or, you can hire a professional to do this for you.
A. Pay attention to any tree branches near or touching your roof. They can rub against or puncture roofing surfaces.
B. Be aware of any moisture, rot or mold. These are signs of potentially damaging water wear.
C. Visually explore your roof for damaged shingles. Look for shingles that are loose, cracked, torn, bald or missing.
D. Look around the chimney for any loose materials and any wear around chimney pipes and vents.
E. Examine all gutters and downspouts. Make sure that the drains are secured to the roof and free of debris.
F. Look for shingle granules in the gutter. A large number of granules may be a sign of excessive roof wear.
G. Note any rusty nails or flashing.
H. Check to ensure that all bath, kitchen and dryer vents go directly outside the home.
Roof type-specific signs. Different types of roofs show different signs of wear and tear.
Tile roof: Check for broken or cracked tiles without walking on the roof. A specialist should replace tiles. Tile roofs must be replaced every 40 years for insurability.
Wooden shake shingles: Be on the lookout for wood-boring pests like termites and carpenter ants.
Asphalt roof: If your roof has any added layers of asphalt, the newest layer needs to be less than 10 years old for insurability.
Your roof needs repairs. What’s next?
Do your research to determine the scope of any needed repairs. Some repairs may be simple do-it-yourself work. For more complex repairs, contact a professional.