A roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Routine maintenance helps prevent leaks and other damage.
Inspect for shingles that are loose, lifting, curling or peeling. Also look for moss or algae growth. Make sure there are no debris pile ups that could cause obstructions in drain flow and ponding water. For professional help, contact North Port FL Roofing.
1. Inspect the Gutters
Gutters serve a crucial function: they help to safely redirect water runoff away from the roof and home structure. Gutters that are clogged or not performing their functions can lead to costly moisture damage to the roof, fascia, siding, foundation and yard of the home. This is why gutter inspections and maintenance are so important.
Residential roofing experts recommend cleaning out your gutters twice a year (in spring and fall) as part of a thorough roof maintenance checklist. Use a hose to flush out the debris in the gutter and watch for water exiting the downspouts freely. If it doesn’t, take the time to unclog the downspout. If you’re comfortable using a ladder, enlist a spotter and follow all common-sense safety measures when working up high.
When inspecting your gutters, pay close attention to the flashing, which is a layer of metal or plastic that seals around vents and chimneys as well as joints in the roof. Look for cracks, gaps, rust or wear which can indicate the flashing is no longer watertight and needs to be replaced. Also, look for water stains in the attic or along walls adjacent to roof structures, which can indicate a leak.
Lastly, check the gutters for proper attachment to the roof. Loose gutters can pull away from the roof during heavy storms and create additional damage to the roofing system and other areas of the home. This is particularly true of older gutters that are built into the roof structure (cornice or hidden gutters) or hung gutters (Yankee gutters). Inspect the gutters and downspouts for loose spikes or hangers and resecure them if necessary. In addition, reposition the hangers or spikes to increase the slope of the gutters toward the downspouts.
2. Inspect the Soffits
The roof eaves, including the soffit and fascia boards, are another important element of a healthy roof. They protect rafters and beams from water damage, as well as shield the attic and upper floors of a building from moisture build-up. A roofing professional will inspect soffit and fascia boards for damage and make sure they’re functioning properly.
The soffit is the board that covers the underside of a roof overhang, while fascia is a wood or metal sheet that runs along the edge of a wall and the top of a house’s gutters. An inspector will check for rot, cracks, warping and other types of damage. He will also examine the drip edges, which are strips of metal that direct water away from the fascia boards.
When a soffit or fascia is damaged, it can allow moisture to penetrate the structure, leading to mold, mildew and other interior problems. This can also cause leaks in the attic and upper floors of a home. A regular inspection of these areas can catch problems and stop them from becoming more serious, preventing costly repair work down the line.
In addition to checking for rot and other damage, an inspector will look at the soffit vents to make sure they are clear of debris and functioning properly. He will also check for rust or cracked flashing, which lines penetrations, such as skylights, chimneys, vent pipes and more. A faulty flashing can lead to leaks, so it’s important to replace or repair it as soon as possible. A roofing professional will also check the soffit, fascia and penetrations for signs of pest intrusion and to ensure that they’re properly sealed.
3. Inspect the Flashing
Often overlooked, flashing is critical to the integrity of your roof. It seals the areas where your roof meets other parts of your home, like chimneys, skylights and vents, as well as joints between sections of your roof. If you find a gap or area of deterioration in your flashing, it’s important to repair it promptly. Otherwise, you may experience water penetration, causing ceiling and wall damage.
Flashing is available in a variety of styles and materials, each designed for specific purposes. For example, step flashing is used to seal the gaps between the shingles and vertical walls. You will also find it at the bases of roof penetrations like chimneys and dormers. Another type of flashing is called apron flashing. This is L-shaped and installed under each shingle as it butts up against the vertical face of a wall.
You should check your flashing every time you perform a roof inspection. This includes after storms and major weather events. Look for signs of rust or missing flashing at the points of roof protrusions, like chimneys, skylights and ventilation. Also, check for flashing around the valleys of your roof where two slopes meet. These are high risk areas for leaks.
You should also inspect the attic and walls adjacent to the roof for signs of moisture, mold and discoloration. In addition, during rainy seasons, listen for the sound of dripping in the attic or walls, which can indicate poor flashing. Finally, if you find a problem with the flashing, make sure that it is repaired by an experienced roofing contractor. This is a small investment that will help protect your home from expensive problems down the road.
4. Inspect the Shingles
It’s important to inspect the shingles because these are the first things to show signs of damage and wear. A visual inspection is necessary, as well as a touch test to feel for subtle damage like cracks and chips. Damaged shingles should be replaced immediately to prevent water from entering the roof structure and leading to further problems. A shingle that has been cupped (the edges are higher than the center) or is curled can also allow water to seep underneath, causing additional damage to the underlayment and roof decking.
Dark spots or streaks on the shingles may indicate moss or algae growth. While this does not directly damage the shingles, it can trap moisture that can weaken and damage them over time.
Cracked shingles are often the result of extreme weather conditions and can lead to leaks and further damage if not addressed. Blistering shingles are another sign of deterioration and should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Check the flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, dormers and other structures on the roof for gaps or rust that could allow water in. It is also a good idea to inspect the flashing around these areas after heavy rains to ensure that it is sealing water out effectively.
A final important thing to note is that it is always a good idea to examine the interior of the building for signs of water damage, such as mold and mildew, drips and leaks, and peeling paint. This can be caused by moisture buildup under the shingles and is an indication that it is time for a professional assessment and replacement. This is particularly true in areas that are prone to heavy snows and hurricanes.
5. Inspect the Flashing
Flashing is sheet metal fabricated to a specific shape and designed to prevent water intrusion into the roof system. It is used in areas of the roof that are more likely to leak and carries moisture away from the intersections of walls and the roof, as well as around roof openings like chimneys and skylights.
Over time, flashing can corrode or dislodge. When this occurs, the roof covering may fail and moisture penetration into the building may occur. It is important to inspect the flashing regularly and to ensure it is properly secured and sealed.
Inspecting the flashing can be a difficult task, as it is often located in inaccessible places. It is essential to have a ladder large enough to reach these areas and be comfortable climbing on the roof. It is also a good idea to wear gloves and safety goggles.
A roof inspection is an opportunity to look for signs of damage, especially rust and corrosion in the area of the flashing that meets other roofing materials or roof protrusions. A common cause of leaks is faulty flashing, and it is important to repair any issues identified during the inspection.
When extensive damage or deterioration is observed, it is recommended to consult professional roofers for a thorough assessment and recommendations for comprehensive repairs. Regular roof maintenance can help to prevent leaks and other costly problems, such as structural and mold damage. A good roofer will be able to spot problems early, and provide timely repairs. This will save you money in the long run, and protect your home’s investment.