Several factors can contribute to the deterioration of your roofing system. Whether it’s normal wear over time, sun exposure, severe weather conditions such as strong winds or heavy rain, or improper design and maintenance, your roof can present damages that, if left unattended, can become a major issue for the occupants of a property.
Having your roof inspected shouldn’t be a daunting task but an opportunity to ensure that the interior of your home or business is a safe space for its occupants and eliminate the worries of having their daily activities interrupted by preventable damages to the building. It is highly recommended that you have your roofing system inspected at least once a year to guarantee that it is working smoothly or to identify any minor repairs that can be addressed promptly.
If you’re looking to have your roof system inspected, you probably wonder what you need to keep in mind before doing so and maybe even what to do after the inspection is completed. Don’t worry—we have prepared a checklist for you!
- Consult with a professional
The first thing you need to do is contact a licensed contractor to come take a look at your roof. Make sure that the person or company that you are reaching out to has the necessary state and local licenses to operate in your area. Once you’ve settled on the person or business you feel comfortable with, schedule a date for the repairs. On the day of the inspection, share any issues you have observed on your property with them so they can be aware of them and take a closer look.
- Make sure they inspect the exterior
For composition shingles roofing, your contractor should be looking for missing, cracked, or loose shingles and the overall state of your shingles. For flat roofing, they have to make sure there are no cracks, blisters, or punctures on the material, as well as check to see if there is granular loss and the condition of the coating. They will also have to check for the condition of roof features such as gutters, skylights, flashing, fascia, soffits, chimneys, and vents.
- Have them take a look inside
If your property has access to the attic, ask your contractor to check it to ensure there is proper ventilation and insulation and that there are no signs of water penetration, like mold or rot. It is important that they also make sure that there is no damage to the structural integrity of your roof by checking the state of the roof decking and making sure it’s not sagging and that the sheathing does not present any cracks. Having the inspector take a look at the ceiling conditions to make sure there are no cracks, water stains, or leaks is also highly advised.
- Ask for a report
Once the inspection of your roofing system is completed, ask your contractor for a report on their findings, as well as their evalutation on the overall condition of your roof inside and out, and whether they believe repair work is needed. They should be able to give you an estimate of the cost of repairs or connect you with a sales representative who can sort out the details of this for you. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for tips or suggestions on roof maintenance practices to expand your knowledge and prevent minor issues in the future.
- Be ready for the next steps
After you get your inspection results, you can now decide if you would like to proceed with repairs or, if the damage is considerable, determine if a roof replacement is the best option for you. Once the repairs or re-roofing project are completed, you can also work on a regular maintenance plan that can include gutter cleaning, and yearly inspections to keep everything in order.
WE HELP YOU TO KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE INSPECTING!
Sustainable Living Builders is a roofing company in Santa Rosa. We firmly believe that the foundation for your safety and well-being starts with making sure that the spaces you inhabit daily are up to the highest quality standards. We have a team of professionals dedicated to providing you with the professional assistance you require, whether it’s a roof inspection or assistance regarding services for new construction.