May 9, 2022 | Roof inspection
When To Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Every year the sun, wind, and rain add a little age and decay to your roof. Stronger storms that bring hard rain and driving wind can present damage to the roof. While a properly installed roof can withstand the elements, minor damage and decay can lead to more serious issues and need to be checked regularly to be sure no immediate maintenance is needed.
The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends that you have your roof inspected twice per year. The recommendation is based on a goal to catch any significant issues before the damage is apparent or urgent. If you are able to self-inspect once per year, Harlan Roofing recommends a professional roof inspection once per year as well.
What is Involved in a Roof Inspection?
A professional inspection involves more than just a quick visual. The physical inspection consists of climbing onto the roof and examining all the roofing surfaces. With a visual inspection, the professional roofer is checking every component of the roof, including the structural support and the roofing material itself.
The structural inspection is looking for sagging ceiling, cracked or rotted trusses, missing or damaged shingles or tiles, and exterior walls that may be leaning. While on the roof, the inspector will also examine your fascia, soffit, and gutters. Any equipment that extends out of the roof, such as skylights, chimneys, and vents, are also checked. All the grout and seals around these areas are subject to leaks and are inspected for damage or decay.
Roof Material Inspection
Roofing shingles or tiles are also examined for damage. This may be broken shingles/tiles, missing shingles/tiles, or decay. The shingles or tiles are checked for rust stains, moss growth, and water damage. The inspection should also include the flashing underneath as it may be subject to leaks and cracks.
Why You Should Consider a Professional Roof Inspection
Roofing materials come with a variety of warranties depending on the grade of shingle or type of tile chosen. You may have purchased your home recently and the date of installation or the specifics of the roofing materials used are unavailable. Getting a professional on your roof to make an assessment is a wise choice and can give you piece of mind or at least a heads up as to when a replacement may be needed.
In addition, a roof inspection will be accompanied by a report of all the inspectors finding as well as an estimate to repair any problems discovered. Having all the information about the health of your roof can help you plan financially for the eventual replacement of the roof if your roofing company finds that the roof is failing in too many places.
If you are looking for a quality roofing company with a trusted reputation in the greater Sacramento area, consider Harlan Quality Roofing. For over 15 years, Harlan Roofing has been providing superior service, products, and workmanship. Call us today to get scheduled for your roof inspection.
Harlan Quality Roofing
For Quality and Service… You’re in the Right Neighborhood!
916.292.9548
Aug 25, 2021 | Roof Replacement
Your roof is the primary protection for you and the contents of your home. That said, it pays to be proactive when it comes to roofing replacement decisions. A water spot on your ceiling or a leak are noticeable signs, but there are a few other signs that are not so obvious but should not be overlooked.
Missing, Damaged, or Curled Shingles
If you are missing shingles, or have damaged shingles, your roof may have sustained some storm damage, or it simply may be deteriorating and at the end of its useful life. This deterioration can let in water and should not be ignored.
Curled shingles have up-turned edges, making the shingle have a concave shape. Curled shingles can be a sign of indicate poor attic ventilation, improper installation, old age, or multiple layered roofs where the new layer is over an old one that is further decaying, causing the shingle to be less secure. Regardless of the cause, it is a good idea to have it professionally evaluated and corrected.
Shingle Fragments in Your Gutter
Finding the remains of your shingles in your gutter is a sign that they are decomposing. Whether it is fragments of shingle or just the granules, it is worth investigating further, especially if you roof is over 10 years old. If your roof is newer, it is possible that this is just some excess material. Heavy wind and severe storms can also loosen some of these granules. However, as your roof ages, there is some natural decomposition in the materials and an excess of these granules in your gutter could be a warning sign.
Roof Cracks
Wind damage is the most common culprit when it comes to cracked shingles. A few random cracks can generally be addressed as roof repairs. However, if you notice cracks over much of your roof, this could be an indication that a replacement is soon to be required.
Damaged Flashing
The flashing is a particularly important part of your roof. It works with your underlayment to keep water from getting underneath the shingles and into your home. If you notice missing or damaged flashing around your chimney, vents, or skylights, this may be allowing water to seep into your attic and accumulate over time. Perhaps there are no visible water stains today but ignoring this condition will surely lead to more substantial damage.
Roof Age
Sadly, your roof will not last forever. Your roof takes the worst beating of any part of your home during storms and in the heat of the summer. While an older roof may not have any visual signs of deterioration, it is a good practice to have an experienced roofer give it a checkup as it ages.
Depending on the quality of roofing materials used and its exposure to the elements, your roof may last for many years. When you consider the damage and cost of waiting too long, you will agree that a roof inspection is a great idea. Not only does it provide peace of mind for today, but it allows planning for the future.
Contact a roofer that has a reputation for quality workmanship and honest appraisals. If you are in the greater Sacramento area, contact Harlan Quality Roofing. Join our community of happy customers!
Harlan Quality Roofing
For Quality and Service… You’re in the Right Neighborhood!
916.292.9548