As we march into spring (no pun intended), taking the time to complete a thorough roof inspection should be at the top of ever homeowner’s seasonal to-do list. The cycle of thaw and freeze during the Chicagoland winters can be very harsh on asphalt shingle roofs. When the snow finally melts away, it can reveal roof damage that needs immediate attention.
Pro Homes Services suggests always contacting a professional for roofing inspections. However, homeowners can perform an initial visual roof inspection to spot any trouble areas that require professional attention. To that end, we’ve prepared this checklist of tips for roof inspection that you can do yourself to get your home Spring-ready!
1. Do a walk around your home.
Take a stroll around your home looking for deficiencies in the roof. You can use binoculars for a closer look. Don’t just look up; check the ground around your home. If you find shingles or roofing debris, it is likely there is damage above.
2. Inspect your shingles.
Check for shingles that are missing, curling, or worn. Look for any shingles with cracks, curled edges, or loose nails. Your shingles are the first line of defense against the elements and any damage could cause leaks or even worse.
3. Check for mold, algae, and moss.
Moisture can collect on your roof throughout the winter months. It is not uncommon to find mold or algae growing on shingle surfaces. While algae is strictly cosmetic, moss or mold can be signs of a serious problem below the roof surface.
4. Check your flashing.
These are the metal strips around your chimney and roof structures that prevent water from seeping into your home. Look for loose, cracked caulking or rust spots on the flashing. You can also check the interior of your home for water spots, which is a sure sign of damaged flashing.
5. Inspect chimney and/or skylight.
Look at the chimney and skylights for any cracks and ensure the area is sealed properly. If you’re unable to examine your chimney or skylight visually and feel you must climb the roof, leave it to the professionals.
6. Check and clean your eaves/gutters
Look at your gutters. Are they cluttered with debris? They are integral in keeping water away from the foundation of your home. Safely use a ladder, if possible, and clear the gutters. As you do this, look for any roofing granules or deposits that may have landed inside the gutters.
The benefit of roof inspections is you can inspect your total home’s exterior. As you check your roof, you can also assess the condition of your home’s siding, windows, and doors. These are all exterior features that Pro-Homes Services will gladly help inspect and if necessary, offer improvements. Spring is a good time for a total home inspection and the pros at Pro Homes Services would love to help you with a thorough roof inspection and anything else you may need to keep your home exterior looking springtime fresh. Call us today at (630)790-0800.
