You probably haven’t set aside time for this year’s “Check Your Roof Day,” but it’s a good idea to inspect your roof for problems every spring and fall, which is why we’ve provided this handy Texas homeowner roof checklist.
If you know more about your roof’s condition, you’ll be able to make better choices when it comes to having your roof repaired or replaced. And, unless you’re a professional roofer, you probably have no idea where to begin.
Roofing System Maintenance Advice by Dallas, Tx, Professionals
It’s always good to start your inspection inside the home. Begin up in the attic. Examine the walls and ceiling for dark spots, water trails, water damage, leaks, sagging drywall or cracks that permit light to enter the room.
Symptoms of indoor damage also include mold or mildew on the walls and ceilings, blistered or peeling paint or stains. If your heating and cooling costs suddenly increase unexpectedly, you should inspect the attic carefully.
There are two ways to perform an outside inspection. You can climb up on the roof, or you can use a pair of binoculars from the ground for extra safety. If you choose to go up on the roof, be careful. It’s a long way down. You might want to have a professional from Texas Star perform an inspection instead.
Texas Homeowner Guide: Spring & Fall Roof Checklist 2015
If you do decide to get on top of your roof, here’s a roof inspection checklist to conduct during fall and spring:
- Examine the nails used on your shingles. Look for rust or stains surrounding them.
- Look around any pipes, vents, skylights, fireplaces and any other things that protrude through the roof. Make sure the seals are secure.
- The shingles shouldn’t be torn, warped, curled or cracked. There should be no missing shingles. Asphalt shingles can get brittle, which makes them crack and break apart. Cedar shingles can become mossy, split apart or fall off the roof. Check for broken shingles or shingles that have been attacked by termites or other pests that eat wood.
- Make sure the gutter is correctly attached and isn’t leaking, sagging, or filled with pieces of broken shingles.
- Look for any unsound patches of the roof. Watch for areas that are sagging.
- Make sure the flashing is adequately covered and hasn’t been damaged.
- Examine the roof for rot, mold, and algae. These can compromise your roof in a short order.
- Look under the eaves and overhangs for signs of water damage from leakage.
- And lastly, on your inspection checklist, look for any open seams.
If you spot any of these problems during your inside or outside inspection, be sure to call us right away. We’ll come over and give your roof a professional inspection. We’ll let you know what items are still on your roofing checklist, and the best options for repair, if need be.
