Your roof does more than protect your home from the elements. It also keeps out creepy critters and protects the structure of your house.

A regularly inspected and maintained roof can extend its lifespan. It can also help you catch small problems before they become major issues. Visit https://redstickroofing.com/ to learn more.

Examine the flashing around skylights, chimneys and penetrations for cracks and deterioration. Leaks often originate in these areas.

While DIY attic inspections can be helpful, it’s best to leave more complex problems, like a roof leak or a serious structural issue, to professionals. A professional will complete a thorough attic inspection that will help you address the root cause of the problem and avoid expensive repairs down the road.

A good attic inspection will include examining all areas of the attic and the roof structure. The inspector will also check for insulation, ventilation, and pests. The inspector will also make sure that the soffit and ridge vents are clear of debris and properly functioning to maintain airflow and prevent moisture buildup in the attic and roof.

Moisture issues can result in leaks, mold, and wood rot. In addition, a leaky attic can result in high energy bills and poor indoor air quality. In order to detect these issues, you can look for water stains on the ceiling, mold in attic insulation, and a musty odor in the attic or elsewhere. You can also check for sagging attic rafters or gaps between the trusses and attic floor.

An attic inspection should also be conducted after a rain storm to inspect for active leaks. Leaks typically occur around roof penetrations like plumbing vents, bathroom and kitchen exhausts, attic ventilation areas, and air handler or kitchen hood vents. Leaks may also occur at the fascia boards, where they can leak through the board and into the interior of the home.

A proper attic inspection will involve looking for signs of adequate insulation and adequate ventilation, including measuring the depth of the insulation and checking sagging or uneven attic joists. In addition, the inspector will look for any leaking or damaged drywall, and will test for a draft by running a hand along the attic floor and walls. You can also use a thermal camera to spot temperature differences in the attic.

Finally, a good attic inspection will include looking for pests and rodent activity. You can look for animal droppings, nests, and a musty smell. An attic is the perfect place for squirrels, raccoons, and bats to live, and they can cause extensive damage with their gnawing and droppings. These droppings can also contain harmful chemicals and toxins.

Clean Your Gutters

Gutters protect your roof and the foundation of your house by directing water away from both. However, if they are clogged with leaves and other debris, they won’t be able to do their job. It’s important to clean your gutters regularly (at least twice a year) in order to avoid water damage. A pressure washer is a great tool to use for cleaning your gutters, as it can easily blast away dirt and debris. You can also use a wire brush to remove larger branches or other debris that may be stuck in your gutters. Once the gutters are free from debris, you can check for any leaks or other damage. If there is any damage, you can caulk or screw the loose area, re-seal the gutter seams and patch any holes or dents.

The best time to clean your gutters is during the spring and fall, when most of the debris has fallen from the trees. You can also invest in gutter guards, which can help keep smaller debris out of the gutters. However, if you don’t have gutter guards, it’s still a good idea to clean your gutters on a regular basis.

Aside from preventing water damage, a clean gutter can improve your home’s curb appeal. It can also reduce the risk of pests and rodents making their home in your eavestroughs. A clogged gutter can be an attractive nesting place for mice, rats and other rodents, which can then cause damage to the fascia and soffits of your home.

If you’re considering doing your own gutter cleaning, make sure you have a sturdy ladder and follow all safety precautions. You can also hire a professional to complete the task for you. Make sure to get multiple price quotes and choose a company with the right insurance to cover potential injuries. Ladder falls are the leading cause of home injury, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to prevent them.

Another reason to hire a professional is that they can do more than just clean your gutters. They can also clean your roof, windows, siding and other exterior features.

Inspect Your Shingles

The roof itself is one of the most important components to keep in good working order. If there are cracks in the surface, missing shingles, or sagging areas, moisture can penetrate the roofing material and cause water damage to the attic, insulation, and drywall. Water leaks from these areas can cost thousands of dollars in repair bills, especially if the problem is allowed to worsen over time.

A professional can perform a thorough inspection of your roof to identify issues that you might not be able to see. They can check for shingle granules that have been knocked loose, which is a sign that the shingles are deteriorating. They can also look for popped nails that need to be hammered back into place. They can also inspect the flashing around skylights, chimneys, and vent pipes to make sure they are free of rust, corrosion, and gaps. Inspectors can even use a drone to examine hard-to-reach areas of the roof.

If you aren’t a seasoned climber, you might prefer to have an inspection of your roof from the ground using binoculars or a ladder. This way, you can avoid any damage or injury to the roof, as well as any risk to yourself.

From the ground, you can look for shingle granules scattered around the house and in the gutters, which is a sign that the shingle is deteriorating. You can also look for dents in the shingles from hail or wind. It takes a lot of force to punch through the surface materials of shingles, and these little punctures can lead to roof leaks.

It’s also worth checking your soffit and fascia to make sure they are in good condition. These pieces of wood help seal the roof from water and prevent leaking into your home. If they are rotting or warped, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible. Also look for any moss or plant growth, as this could indicate that your roof is getting wet and needs to be repaired. If you notice any of these problems, book a roof inspection with a qualified local roofing contractor as soon as possible.

Inspect Your Flashings

Flashing is a strip of metal that connects two elements of your roof, eliminating a seam that could cause leakage or rot. It’s installed at the joints and transitions of your roof, including chimneys, vents, skylights, and valleys. It’s also used to protect masonry work. Flashing should be inspected regularly for damage. It’s especially important to inspect flashing in high-risk areas like roof joints and chimneys. Damaged flashing can allow water to infiltrate the roof system and cause leaks and rot.

One of the most common flashing maintenance jobs involves replacing caulking around the edges. If the caulking is worn or cracked, it should be removed and replaced with new caulk. It’s also important to check that the flashing itself is still secure in place. It’s not uncommon for flashing to become loose or even pulled away from the house over time. This is usually due to the screws that were used to anchor it into place becoming loose or pulling out over time, or from the metal wearing away from the holes where the screw heads are.

Look for signs of flashing corrosion, such as rust stains or pitted spots. If you see any of these symptoms, the flashing should be replaced. Most flashing is made of aluminum, which is not as durable as steel and can corrode over time. If you notice that the flashing is corroded, it should be replaced immediately to avoid further moisture penetration into the building.

Another important thing to look for during the inspection is hot or wet spots on the surface of the roof. If you’re walking on the roof and it feels spongy, this is a sign that the underlying decking is weakening from excessive moisture. A clogged gutter or downspout is also a common problem that should be checked and cleaned as needed.

Keeping up with routine maintenance is the best way to avoid major roofing problems, but it’s always a good idea to have a professional roof inspection once a year. Roofing experts have the experience and knowledge to identify subtle issues that may not be visible during a visual inspection. They can also offer advice on how to address any problems that they find.