Taking care of your roof is critical to ensuring your home is safe, healthy, and efficient. After all, this surface protects your home from rain, snow, ice, pests, and other hazards. And any good roof maintenance program starts with an inspection. This Michigan roof inspection check will help detail everything you need to know to make sure your roof is in good shape and ready for the elements.
Why Roof Inspections are Important
If you take home maintenance seriously, then roof inspections aren’t optional. Checking your roofing system for potential issues can pay off in some big ways.
There are really three main benefits or reasons to perform regular roof inspections:
- For one, regularly inspecting a roof can help prevent small issues from developing into larger, much more costly repairs like roof leaks, damage to the underlying structure, and more.
- Second, roof inspections can help a roofing surface last as long as possible, preventing having to replace a roof prematurely.
- Finally, roof inspections allow you to plan and prioritize repairs long before they become emergencies.
Preparing for a Roof Inspection
Whether you’re performing your own roof inspection or hiring out to an expert roofing contractor, you need to prepare for it.
Start by gathering all of your important documents, including the roof’s warranty and any roof maintenance records. Also, clear the area round the home so there is plenty of safe access to the roof. Remove any debris or obstructions that might interfere with the inspection, as well.
Roof Inspection Safety Precautions
It’s important to be safe when inspecting a roof. These guidelines will help:
- Inspect your safety gear (which you should have), including your harness, tether, any rope, gloves, and footwear
- Inspect the ladder to ensure it’s working safely and properly. If there are any signs of damage or malfunction, do not use the ladder
- Make sure any time the ladder is placed against the home that it is safe, has sure fitting, and there are enough rungs above the roofline (usually three) to facilitate safely stepping on and off the ladder
- Never inspect the roof in bad weather, if the roof is wet, or if the roof could potentially be icy
Roof Inspection Checklist
A comprehensive roof checklist should involve the following:
Exterior Checklist
- Review the roof’s paperwork to identify the age of the roof, the existing warranty, and any related repairs worth noting.
- Inspect the shingles to look for cracked, curling, ripped, missing shingles, or other signs of obvious roof damage.
- Check downspouts and gutters for excessive granule loss (this often happens when roofs are brand new or starting to deteriorate).
- Check flashing and boots around chimneys, skylights, vents, valleys, and other areas for signs of cracking, tearing, or shrinking caulk or sealant.
- Ensure that valleys and anywhere two roof planes meet are free of debris and that caulk or flashing are in good condition.
- Check the soffits and fascia boards for signs of damage, rot, or insect infestation.
- Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear to prevent water damage and ice dams.
- Inspect roof vents to ensure they’re clear (ridge vents, gable vents, and other vents).
- Check chimneys for cracks and damage.
- Ensure that drip edges along the roof’s edges are in good condition and not bent against the home.
Interior Checklist
- Check the attic space or uppermost level for signs of water damage like water stains and discoloration.
- Check for mold and mildew around the ceiling.
- Ensure that any exposed insulation is in good shape, dry, and hasn’t fallen.
- Ensure that the attic ventilation is clear and working properly.
- If exposed, check the deck and rafters for structural integrity issues like cracks or rotting, as structural issues can be an immediate emergency.
Other Considerations
- Look for tree limbs and other hazards that might hang over the home.
- Remove any debris around the roof, including plants that could be climbing the siding, gutters, and downspouts.
DIY Roof Inspection vs. Hiring a Professional
Handy DIYers can perform their own roof inspections, especially if they have experience in the roofing field. However, inspecting a roof can be dangerous, as it’s possible to slip and fall off the surface.
It’s also important to understand that a professional roofing contractor will have a better understanding of what to look for and which conditions are acceptable and which require immediate attention. Knowing this, a homeowner can feel confident that their roof was inspected properly and that any potential issues weren’t overlooked or missed.
In our opinion, it’s always better to choose a professional. Not only is it safer, but there’s peace of mind in knowing you hired a knowledgeable, expert service like Pro Home Improvement to keep you informed about the condition of your roof.
What to Do After a Roof Inspection
There is a chance that your roof inspection will reveal some issues you didn’t know existed. If you handled your own inspection, it’s best to call a professional to explain what you found. They’ll help you prioritize your issues and choose the ones that are most important to handle, or even help you plan for a roof replacement.
If you hired a professional to handle your inspection, they’ll help you take the next steps on your roof repairs. They’ll provide a quote for the repairs as well as help guide you through the different options.
In both scenarios, it’s important to hire a roofing contractor you can trust. Pro Home Improvement is Michigan’s premier home improvement contractor, and we have the experience and proven track record to solve your home repair woes. We believe in delivering excellent projects but also top-notch customer service.
Schedule Your Roof Inspection
If it’s time for your annual roof inspection, contact us at Pro Home Improvement. Our expert teams know exactly what to look for and just how to solve your roofing challenges. Our Michigan customers appreciate our unbeatable customer service and quality workmanship. Contact us today for your roof inspection.