HOMEOWNER CHECKLIST FOR POST-WINTER ROOF INSPECTION

Spring has finally come to Bucks County, and with it thoughts of making sure our homes have survived a winter that introduced us to unpleasant weather terms like “polar vortex.” Now that the weather is starting to warm, it’s time to inspect our roofs for winter damage.

Spring has finally come to Bucks County, and with it thoughts of making sure our homes have survived a winter that introduced us to unpleasant weather terms like “polar vortex.” Now that the weather is starting to warm, it’s time to inspect our roofs for winter damage.

While certain obvious issues like missing shingles or damage that has caused a visible leak can be spotted by homeowners even without climbing onto the roof, many are harder to detect, and potentially dangerous for individuals without the proper safety equipment and training.

Bringing in a professional roofer will not only safeguard your roof but ensure your safety as well. The following checklist will help you talk with your roofer about inspecting your home after winter:

  1. Is there any structural damage to my roof? This question ensures that your roof is structurally sound. A professional roofer will inspect elements like your chimney, vents, gutters, fascia, soffits, flashings, and roof planes, looking for issues like sagging, clogging or obstruction, cracks, and crumbling. Establishing your roof’s structural integrity is the first step to making sure it’s sound and is keeping you and your home safe.
  2. Are the materials on my roof in need of repair? This is where a professional roofer will inspect shingles and seals. Of course, any missing shingles will need to be addressed, but beyond that your roofer will look for less obvious signs of damage like fine cracks, slight buckling, the wearing down of seals, or the aggregate from shingles collecting in gutters.
  1. Does the interior of my home show signs of a leak? While a major water stain on a ceiling or interior wall is easy to spot, a professional roofer will look for evidence of leaks in attics and in hard to access spaces like behind ceiling beams. A good inspection will look not just for stains but for evidence of rot or mold.
  1. Is there anything I can do now to bolster my roof’s integrity and prolong its life? Even if there are no major repairs that need to be done, a professional roofer can spot red flags indicating potential future issues. Ask your roofer to tell you if there’s something you can do now to help you avoid a more costly repair later, or put a few more years between you and a total roof replacement.

Having your roof regularly inspected by a professional, especially after a season where harsh weather can take a toll, is the best way to ensure your home’s value and safety, and to catch potential problems before they become more serious.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest