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How to Inspect
Asphalt Shingled Roofs
Once up on your roof, inspect for
cracked and missing shingles. Also look for popped roofing nails and missing
sections of ridge vent. High winds and extreme temperature changes can cause
roof shingles to dislodge and roofing nails to work their way upwards.
Also inspect asphalt shingles for
curling and warping. This is a sign that the shingles are either getting old
and/or have been exposed to very high heat, possibly due to an inadequate
amount of attic insulation. |
Photo by Mark Donovan |
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In addition, check the shingles
for a significant loss of aggregate. If you see a significant amount of
aggregate lying in the gutters, this is a clear sign that the shingles are
wearing. This could mean that the shingles may need to be replaced in the
not too distant future.
Next check around chimneys, vent
pipes and dormers to make sure the metal flashing is not corroded or
missing. Also check to make sure any roofing cement is not dried out or
cracking around these areas. |
Metal flashing plays an integral role
in preventing water from seeping into the home, and if your roof inspection
suggests it is failing, you should have it repaired immediately.
Also inspect around the roof eaves to
make sure no water has seeped through the lower level shingles and damaged the
roof eaves. This is a common sign that you have had ice dam damage. With ice
dams, water works its way up and under the bottom shingles near the eaves. The
water then drips down into the roof soffit areas causing rot, mold and mildew.
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Inspecting
Membrane Roofs
If you have a membrane roof, look for
any tears to the membrane or any standing puddles of water. Pay close attention
to around scuppers and down spouts. Make sure they are not damage or clogged.
Inspecting Wooden
Shake or Shingled Roofs
If you have a wooden shake or
shingled roof do not climb up on the roof. Instead from a ladder look out over
the roof line and inspect your roof for cracked or warped shakes/shingles. |
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If you see any, make a note of it and
call a roofing contractor experienced in repairing wooden shakes or shingles.
Inspecting Metal Roofs
If you have a metal roof chances are
it is in good shape as metal roofs typically have a very long life span, e.g. 50
years or so. This said, from a ladder, look out over the roof and inspect your
roof for signs of rust, corrosion or pitting of the metal. Also make sure all
joints and seams look tight. Again, if you see loose seams or joints, and any
decay of the metal contact a roofing contractor experienced in installing and
repairing metal roofs.
Inspecting Clay or Slate Tile
Roofs
If you have a clay or slate tile
roof, again do not climb up on it. Instead inspect your roof from a ladder and
look for signs of cracked, broken or chipped tiles. Tiled roofs are easily
susceptible to ice damage so examine them closely if you live in a cold weather
climate.
So with these basic skills on how to
inspect your roof, you should now be able to identify roofing problems fairly
quickly. Make sure after finding any roof damage to have it repaired promptly.
For help on Shingling Your Home's Roof, see HomeAdditionPlus.com’s
Asphalt Shingle Roofing Bid Sheet.
The
Asphalt Shingle Roofing Bid Sheet
will
help to ensure
that
your roof won't end up with a blue tarp over it and a dumpster sitting in your
yard for weeks
as you wait for the roofing contractor to come back and finish roofing your
home.
How to Finance your Roof Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
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