DIY Roof Inspection Tips
Your house is likely your biggest investment–so it makes sense to protect it by properly maintaining its roof. Good maintenance starts with regular inspections. Before you climb onto that roof, grab these DIY roof inspection tips.
These roofing tips are for guidance only–and your personal safety is more important than a roof. If you choose to do a DIY roof inspection, always use proper safety precautions, such as working with a sturdy ladder and wearing shoes with good traction. And never climb onto a roof in bad weather, including rainy or windy conditions.
If you ever have any doubts about doing an inspection yourself or you don’t own the right safety equipment, always contact a high-quality roofing contractor to conduct the inspection.
Check out the shingles.
Shingles that aren’t structurally sound are more likely to let in rain water or get stripped away in a storm. Carefully inspect the roof to make sure the shingles aren’t curled, warped, cracked, or otherwise damaged. If damage is confined to a relatively small area, it may be possible to do a DIY repair or have a roofing contractor repair it for you. However, when damage covers a wider area, full roof replacement is often the most cost-efficient option in the long run.
Inspect flashing.
Flashing refers to the metal strips, usually made from galvanized steel or aluminum, that border areas like chimneys, vents, and ridges. Damage to flashing is fairly common, and it can stem from a number of causes, including storms and critters. The problem is that damage in these vulnerable spots can allow rain to seep into your home, including into places like attics or crawl spaces, where water can do significant amounts of costly damage before you even notice it.
Look for overhanging trees.
While trees can provide valuable shade and help lower energy costs, it’s important to maintain them properly to reduce the risk they’ll damage your home or property. As you do a DIY roof inspection, always look for sick, dying, or dead branches or trees with the potential to fall onto the roof. If you notice the potential for damage, talk with a tree trimming or removal professional for advice.
Clean it up.
A DIY roof inspection is also a good time to clear out the debris that accumulates over time, lessening the roof’s visual appeal or reducing its durability and integrity. Clear the roof of debris, like sticks, as well as loose granules that may have come off shingles. (If you notice a lot of balding shingles and loose granules, it’s probably time to call a roofing contractor about repair or replacement.)
If the shingles are discolored by algae or moss, spruce them up with DIY cleaning solutions. Learn more in How to Clean Roof Shingles and Vinyl Siding.
Call a roofing pro when you need one.
dBest Contracting, a Lancaster, PA-based roofing company, helps homeowners protect their property and increase their curb appeal with new roofing. Whether you need to replace a roof after hail damage or you want to update your home’s look, we have the expertise and equipment to get the job done right–and with minimum disruption to your property.
Schedule a no-cost, hassle-free roofing inspection for your home in Lancaster, West Chester, Downingtown, Reading, Cherry Hill, and the surrounding areas.
