One of the best bits of preventative maintenance that you can undertake as a homeowner is to periodically inspect your roof. Caught early, small roof repairs and maintenance issues can often be fixed with little time and money, but can also turn into big bills and headaches if left unaddressed.
Think Safety:
Often a visual inspection with the help of a pair of binoculars will be sufficient to give you a general idea of what state your roof is in. If you do need to get up on your roof then be sure to follow these safety tips:
· Never attempt to climb on to your roof during bad weather
· Always have a friend or family member help hold the ladder
· Plant the ladder firmly and make sure that the top extends a few feet above the roof
· Follow the ¾ rule – always have 3 of your 4 limbs in contact with the ladder or roof at all times
· Don’t try to carry up materials while climbing. Use some string or rope to pull up the items you need
What to Look For:
Take a good look at any flashing and caulking. They will wear over time. A strong wind can remove or dislodge flashing and provide an entry for moisture that may accumulate and cause damage to your home. Promptly repair or replace any damaged or missing flashing and caulking.
Loose or missing shingles – repair them immediately. Do a quick visual inspection of your shingles after any windstorm.
With regular or synthetic shingles, look for curling, cracks or buckling. These are signs that repairs or replacements may be necessary.
Asphalt shingles may develop bald spots or granular wear which can be detected by finding lots of granular particles in your eaves.
Check gutters and downspouts for accumulation of leaves and debris. Blocked or partially blocked gutters causing unwanted water accumulation.
If the Damage is Large:
If you do find significant damage to your roof that will require a major overhaul or replacement, calling an independent roofing consultant can save you considerable money and ensure that any work to your roof is done right. An independent roofing consultant does not repair roofs, for a flat fee, they will provide you with an unbiased assessment of your roof and the best plan for how to correct any roofing problems. Many roofing consultants will also oversee roof construction and repairs to make sure that your job is done right without dangerous shortcuts being taken by your roofing contractor.
From Sutton Website