Aug 31, 2022 | Roof inspection, Roof Maintenance
Your roof is comprised of two main components – the sheathing, which is the waterproof material applied before the roofing surface, and the roof shingles. During a roof inspection, both parts are carefully examined for structural integrity to estimate the number of years the roof is likely to last.
While a mortgage lender usually requires an appraisal of the roof condition should you sell your home, this is not the only time to perform a roof inspection. Homeowners who want to stay on top of and plan financing for major home repairs are keen to understand the condition of their roof. Installing solar panels is also an excellent time to assess the roof condition. Failure to do so could result in a major expense to remove the solar panels on top of the roof replacement costs.
In addition to a professional inspection of the roof, homeowners can monitor their roof conditions without ever stepping foot on the roof. Here are some tips for appraising your roof condition:
Exterior Roof Inspection
- Step back from your home so that you can see the surface of the roof. This may require you to move locations so that you can see every roof surface. Look for uneven slopes, debris, and loose, broken, or curling shingles.
- Use binoculars to see the shingle condition in a bit more detail. Look for missing, stained, or broken shingles. If there are tears in the shingles, see if you can identify gaps or chips in the area. Check for signs of the aggregate wearing off.
- Examine the flashing around sidewalls and roof protrusions such as chimneys and vents. Flashing should lay flat and be rust-free.
- Take a look at the edge of the roof. You should be able to see if you have more than one layer of shingles. As most codes prohibit more than two layers of shingles, this can help you determine if your next roof maintenance is a new layer or a roof replacement.
Attic Inspection
- If your home has an easily accessible attic, it is a good idea to combine an external inspection with an appraisal of the attic. Look for water stains that might indicate a leak.
- Check the integrity of the underside of the roof including the ridge beam. Look for any structural concerns or warping.
- Check your ventilation by making sure your vents are not covered or plugged with debris and your attic can properly breathe.
Professional Roof Appraisal
Even with regular inspections, homeowners should consider periodic appraisals of their roof condition conducted by a professional. At Harlan Roofing, we will provide you with a complete analysis of the condition of your roof and recommendations for repair or replacement if needed. Don’t wait for the rainy season to find out you have a roof issue. Call us today for assistance.
Harlan Quality Roofing
For Quality and Service… You’re in the Right Neighborhood!
916.292.9548
May 3, 2022 | Roof Maintenance, Roof Repair, Roof Replacement
The condition of your roof can have an impact on the overall value of your home. When faced with making the decision between replacing your roof and making a few simple repairs, you will want to contact a roofing company that has the experience and expertise to give you sound advice. Only after a thorough professional roof inspection will you be able to make an informed decision on which path makes sense for you. Here are the major factors that will help you make that decision:
1. Water Spots on the Ceiling
One of the biggest indicators of how severe a roof problem may be is if the ceilings inside your home are showing any kind of damage. Water spots and stains can indicate leaks from many different areas. If leaks are left unattended, they can lead to mold or other problems. This could be a major problem that need replacing or could be a simple repair.
2. Weather Conditions
Know what type of weather the roof is constantly being exposed to. This can also provide your roofing contractor an idea as to what condition the roof is really in. Extreme high temperatures and heavy rains in the Sacramento area can take their toll on an asphalt shingle roof. It is important to address any repairs before any disaster happens.
3. Increased Maintenance Costs
There is no problem in a temporary repair of your roof until you encounter a bigger issue. However, when patching causes it to start to look like a checkerboard, then it’s time to replace. Additionally, if the cost of maintaining the roof is beginning to exceed the cost of replacing the roof, a roofing contractor may recommend foregoing future repairs and opting to install an entirely new roof.
4. Roof Aging Problems
A typical roof lasts for 15-50 years depending on the selection of material quality. Confirming the remaining life of your roof should be through an inspection report by a qualified roofing contractor. A professional contractor can also determine the longevity of a roof by its current condition and how well it has held up over time.
5. Shingles Curling and Buckling
Another indication that you may require a new roof is when the shingles have started curling or buckling. Analyze the slopes of your home that receive direct sunlight and look out for signs of curling shingles and their missing granules. This can provide information on whether shingles have exceeded their life expectancy. Rain and wind can also cause curling of shingles.
These are the top signs you should pay attention to before deciding on replacing or repairing your home roof. Contact Harlan Quality Roofing to get a thorough inspection and an honest evaluation of the recommended course of action that makes sense for you.
Harlan Quality Roofing
For Quality and Service… You’re in the Right Neighborhood!
916.292.9548
Feb 24, 2022 | Roof Maintenance
The temperatures in Northern California are gently climbing. Daffodils, crocuses, and tulips are breaking ground. As we approach spring, it’s time to inspect your roof to be sure the winter wind and rain did not damage your roof. It is also important to get your roof and gutters free of leaves and debris.
One simple way to inspect your roof is a visual ground inspection. Walk the perimeter of your home to view as many of the facets of your roof as possible. If you have a pair of binoculars, this is a great way of getting a close up look without climbing onto the roof itself.
Some homes are built on a hillside or with an architecture that does not allow for all roof surfaces to be seen from the ground. In that case, a climb onto to the roof to inspect may be necessary. If climbing onto the roof is not something you are comfortable doing, then call a trusted roofing company to do the inspection for you.
Roof Inspection Checklist
Whether you or your roofing company performs the inspection, here are a few recommendations for a successful annual inspection that we recommend at Harlan Roofing:
- Visually inspect all roof surfaces.
- Remove any debris. Leaves can easily be removed with a leaf blower.
- Check your roof for damage. Look for missing shingles, damaged shingles, or shingles that are buckling.
- Check your flashing. Torn or missing flashing need immediate attention.
- Check your attic. Walk around the attic and look for signs of water or light intrusion. Check for signs of mold.
- Check your gutter and downspouts to be sure they are all intact and clear. Properly moving water away from the roof is important and loose or dangling gutters can pull shingles or flashing loose over time.
Reach Out To Our Team for Quality Roofing Services
Taking care of your roof is just as important as maintaining your car. So much is as stake when it is neglected. If you need assistance with a roof inspection, give us a call or use our online contact form. There have been a lot of homes damaged this winter due to high winds and rain. Getting your home inspected, and repaired if necessary, can save you money and extend the life of your roof.
Harlan Quality Roofing
For Quality and Service… You’re in the Right Neighborhood!
916.292.9548
Aug 2, 2020 | Roof Maintenance
With more time spent at home, home improvement projects are on the rise. Indoor renovations as well as outdoor projects like gardens and landscaping are keeping homeowners busy. One of the largest and most important aspects of your home is your roof. We would like to share some tips in roof maintenance to help you get the most out of your investment as well as beautify your home.
1. Keep your gutters clean and maintained
Your gutters are particularly important in protecting your roof and your home, directing water and debris away from your roof and your foundation. When debris piles up it can cause the downspouts to clog and water to accumulate in the gutters. Left unchecked this can cause water to overflow and cause moisture damage to adjacent lumber such as eave sheathing, shiplap, rafter tails, and fascia. Sometimes this moisture can even compromise the surrounding roofing materials. If your home is surrounded by trees, this may need to be done more regularly, such as quarterly. If you have very few trees or they do not contribute significantly to roof debris, a simple annual cleaning before the rainy season can help the longevity of your roof and gutters. Ask your neighbors for a trusted referral for gutter cleaning or call us for a free recommendation.
2. Remove large debris and clean the roof
Debris, such as branches, leaves, seeds, or other organic material left on the roof will deteriorate over time. As this debris breaks down, it may even become acidic or allow moss to grow or seeds to germinate, which can compromise the surface of the roof, the underlayment, or the moisture barriers. A professional cleaning of your roof 1-2 times a year can greatly reduce damage and deterioration, prolonging the life of your roof. Not only does this maximize your roof investment, it also beatifies your home. Let us help you keep your roof cleaned and maintained! Give us a call at 916-292-9548 for a free estimate on a roof cleaning service.
3. Proper roof ventilation
Proper attic ventilation is critical in prolonging the life of your roof. Roof manufacturers now require proper ventilation for roof warranties. A lack of attic ventilation can cause premature ageing, thermal cracks, and degranulation of your roof. Many roofers do not install additional ventilation or reuse the existing flashings, leading to future roof issues. A professional roofing company will calculate your existing attic ventilation including intake and exhaust to make sure you have the proper ventilation for your warranty, existing whole house fan requirements, or even just to cool your home. If you are unsure of your current ventilation, we would be happy to do a free onsite evaluation of your roof.
4. Get a professional inspection
It is recommended to have a professional roofing company inspect your roof every 1-3 years depending on the type of roof, age of the roof, and the number of surrounding trees. We offer free maintenance inspections where we check for any signs of deterioration or repair that may be needed to prolong the life of your roof. We inspect your shingles, your flashing, and other roofing materials so you can have peace of mind and get a jump on any repairs that might come up. Finding and repairing small issues, can save you from larger issues in the future, such as dry rot or interior leaks. Waterfalls are beautiful, but NOT when they’re coming from your roof!
5. Work with a Trusted Professional
Harlan Quality Roofing has been providing professional roofing services in Sacramento, El Dorado, and Placer counties for over 15 years. We provide you with comprehensive information about the current state of your roof and our recommendations. We take the time to explain our findings so that you can make an informed decision about what needs to be done and when. We are fully licensed and insured and offer excellent warranties on products and workmanship. Contact us today for a free estimate and consultation.
Harlan Quality Roofing
For Quality and Service… You’re in the Right Neighborhood!
916.292.9548
Jul 10, 2020 | Roof Maintenance, Roofing Company, Roofing Contractor
Harlan Roofing is proud to announce the launch of our new website showcasing the professional work that we do for homeowners and property managers in the greater Sacramento area.
For over 15 years, Harlan Quality Roofing has been providing superior service, products, and workmanship to the Sacramento community. Our entire team is dedicated to delivering the highest level of customer experience.
We invite you to browse our gallery of work. We are very proud of our workmanship, and our dedication to always delivering quality on-time…every time.
Our new website boasts a clean design and intuitive and consistent site-wide navigation system with improved menu functionality that directs you to the information most relevant to you. It is fully responsive with mobile devices, making it easy to navigate on a wide range of web browsers and portable devices.
Thank you for visiting our new site. We look forward to helping you with all your roofing needs. Proudly Serving the counties of Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado,
Harlan Quality Roofing
For Quality and Service… You’re in the Right Neighborhood!
916.292.9548