Replacing or changing a roof can be expensive, so it’s smarter to take preventive steps to ensure it stays in top condition. It is recommended to have your roof inspected twice a year by professional roofers.
However, for increased roof longevity, regular roofing maintenance is paramount. Frequent roof inspection costs could be higher, but this roofing maintenance checklist below will help you conduct your inspections on your own and save you money. Additionally, considering roof insulation can be a smart step toward enhancing your roof’s longevity and energy efficiency.
Roof Inspections Checklist
It would be best to consider roof inspections before and after severe weather conditions. Extreme weather conditions, such as cold temperatures and high heat. Thus, conducting a roof inspection allows you to identify necessary preparations to protect your roof from the adverse effects of extreme weather.
Activities you can add to your roofing maintenance checklist:
Locate Interior Signs
Before heading to the roof, check the interior first to find the signs of water damage, such as mildew, drips and leaks, water stains, peeling paint, and mold on the roof. Even if you find one or more signs, they might not be visible on the roof above the damage you’ve spotted inside. That’s because roof leaks might move sideways through a building.
Annual roof inspections are necessary if your roof carries heavy equipment or there’s a high snow load. Check the trusses and beams to address signs of structural stress like cracking, rot, or rust.
Ensure That the Roof Is Clean
Drains can become clogged with dirt and debris, accelerating the rot and decay of roofing materials. That’s why when you’re on the rooftop, look for the accumulated dirt, debris, and tree leaves; make sure they’re removed and the roof is cleaned.
Inspect the Roof Surface
Note signs of damage and weathering on the roof, such as blistering, cracking, tears, holes, abrasions, or deep scratches. This could be concerning if your roof has low spots that can collect water.
Check whether a roof with a gravel layer is uniform and free of bare spots. On a metal roof, look for corrosion and loose or damaged panels. Check for loose, missing, or broken pieces if you have a tile and shingle-made roof. Also, check for any fungus or moss buildup on the roof.
Check Expansion Joints
During your inspection, look closely at the expansion joints if you have any. Check for cuts, gaps, and tears.
Check Flashings & Drains
Many homeowners use flashing to install skylights on the rooftop. When your roof has flashing, be extra careful with those areas. If they are not properly connected to the roof or leave gaps, it’s a sign that your roof membrane might have leaks or be severely damaged. Also, check for mold on roof flashing areas. If the flashings and seals appear deteriorated or damaged, they also need repairing immediately.
Inspect Exterior Structure
Add exterior structural elements such as chimneys, vents, pipes, skylights, and others to your checklist. Make sure their surfaces are clean. Check for signs of aging and structural damage, such as peeling paint, rust, rot, moss, bent or damaged elements, missing parts, and sagging or misaligned pipes.
Inspect Pipe and Equipment Support
The pipes and equipment should also be on your checklist. Check if the supports are digging into the roof membrane, and look for any sagging pipes, cracks in the base of the supports, or deflected hangers. These alarming signs mean your pipes need repairing or a replacement immediately.
Check Stairs and Railings
Ensure the stairs, crossovers, platforms, and railings are safe and in good condition. Check for any loose parts, signs of worn-out surface, or missing or damaged parts. Overlooking these issues can pose a significant threat to the safety of roofing maintenance professionals in the future.
Fix the Safety Signage
Place the safety signs in noticeable spots where they are easily visible. If they’re dirty, clean them, and replace them if they’re damaged or unusable. If your roof carries electrical, harmful chemicals, or scorching equipment or pipes, proper signage is crucial for everyone’s safety.
List Old Repairs
Include all previous repairs in the checklist so your roofer can review them. They should check if the repairs were made correctly and whether they need any further corrections.
Call Jack C Wilson for Roof Repairing
Often, removing debris and fixing holes isn’t enough to keep your roof in top shape. Call for roofing experts like Jack C Wilson when an advanced repair is needed within a low roof inspection cost. Contact us at Jack C Wilson to get your free inspection.
