One of the most worrying things about roofing leaks is that they only become apparent when the roof damage is in its later stages. This is why roofing companies, including ourselves at Exterior Building Solutions, recommend doing your own inspections in between scheduled roofing maintenance. Let us share with you how you can spot signs of roof damage before leaks appear.
Why You Need to Do Your Own Inspections
You may be wondering why you should inspect your roof in the first place – isn’t that why you hire roofing contractors?
Considering that scheduled roofing maintenance is conducted every two to three years, there is the chance that your roof may sustain damage in between. By the time the next scheduled maintenance is up, you may already have a leaking roof. Your own inspection doesn’t have to be as thorough as what we do: you simply need to look out for certain signs.
How to Inspect Your Roof
Start with an exterior inspection. On a clear day, use a pair of binoculars to conduct a visual inspection of your roof – no need to risk injury by climbing it. Look out for signs of damage, such as missing or cracked shingles, holes in the roof or dents in the roofing. While other issues like discoloration or signs of aging should also be noted, these are less likely to require emergency leaking roof repair than the aforementioned signs.
Make sure breaks in the roof, such as valleys, dormers and protrusions like chimneys and vent pipes all have their flashing intact. These spots are vulnerable to water intrusion and therefore will require the protection provided by flashing. The roof’s edges should likewise have their drip edges intact and should be perfectly flat. If there are noticeable gaps between the drip edges and the first row of shingles, these are signs of wind damage, which could lead to water intrusion.
Lastly, climb into your attic for inspection. Pinholes of light are obvious indicators of holes in the roof and should be readily visible. Check the trusses, and look out for water stains as well as clumped insulation. Both are signs of water damage. If you do see these signs, make it a point to call a trusted roofing contractor, and have these fixed while the season is mostly favorable.
If you would like to know more about our roof maintenance services, call Exterior Building Solutions today at (314) 470-8783. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation estimate. We serve Arnold, MO, and nearby areas in Missouri.