Roofcheck Your Home
Follow
this roof inspection checklist
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Don't wait until your roof is in a dire need of repair before you check it
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all you need is a pair of binoculars to start with.
(Image source:
encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com) |
With a never ending to-do list of chores, it’s easy to take your roof for granted.
We assume that is it there doing it’s job, and that is enough. After all, you have plenty enough going on without
having to worry about something none of really see most of the time. The trouble is neglecting your roof can get
expensive, in a big way. By the time you spot the signs inside, water damage and rot may well have been wreaking
havoc, and you had no idea about it.
Check your roof with
binoculars
Make a date with your roof and give it a “roofcheck” the next fine day you can.
You might be the type you does not have a head for heights. If that is the case a close inspection with a pair
of binoculars may do just
as well. Otherwise you’ll need to get the ladders out, but don’t worry, you are not going to walk about the
roof. That is a job that is a best avoided and left to the professionals.
Inspect gutters using ladder
From the well secured ladder, you’ll get a bird's
eyes view of the guttering. This is a great opportunity to clean out any debris that has accumulated there over
the year. A pair of rubber gloves is a handy tip. Pull out and clear what you can. Installing gutter covers will
be a brilliant way to stop leaves from accumulating and laying a mulch inside the gutter. Check any joins,
especially on the corners and ensure that any downpipes are running cleanly. A hose could help you establish
this. Any defective guttering sections, which are warped or cracked will need to be replaced.
Inspect your roof tiles or
shingles
With the guttering taken care of, turn your attention to the roof itself. Your
roof is likely to be covered with tiles, slates or shingles. Of course there are other roof types and you’ll need
to take appropriate advice. But you should be on the lookout for cracked or broken tiles or slates. If you are
handy, you’ll be able to replace the odd slate or tile relatively easily. Some repairs may be as simple as
hammering gently down on any nails that have been pushed up. A professional company can be a great
asset. ELC Roofing could give
you great advice on what needs a more experienced hand.
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Tall roofs are not for amateurs and will require professional roofing
company
to inspect them and do any necessary repairs. (Image by:
Freeimages.com) |
Check for signs of wear and
tear
In an ideal world roofs would have nothing sprouting through them, such as
chimneys or vents. Neither would they have windows. It is the associated flashing that can cause the problems.
Water is very adept at finding a way through cracks or splits in any caulking. Check for any signs of wear and tear
and make good appropriately. Cast a close eye at the exposed brickwork or rendering on the chimney. These are often
places prone weather attack.
Does your roof have a
warranty?
Flat roofs come with their own warranty issues. A rule of thumb would dictate that
these types of roofs need to be treated or replaced every twenty years or so. Older style asphalt roofs are prone
to leaks and problem here are best left to the professionals. Garage roofs
and carports are important too. Ensure your tools and vehicles are dry and protected.
It may be that you need to have very little repair or replace. But it is way
better to make this check once a year to ensure that much bigger problems are prevented from taking
hold.
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