Roofing Inspection Checklist: Is your roof weather ready?

Would you like a good roofing inspection checklist that goes through a lot of the things the pros look for when they come out to inspect your roof?

A good roofing inspection will outline exactly what you need to repair or replace to make sure roof is ready for the next season of wear and tear from the weather. With your own roofing inspection checklist, however, you can start that process yourself to see what areas might need to be looked at my professionals and what areas you can take care of yourself. Having this checklist handy as the weather turns warmer will instruct you on what to look for and what you can expect professionals to recommend in their own roofing inspection.

Check for these items when going over your roof yourself. Some can be easy weekend projects, but for those that are not, call out a professional to make sure the job is done right.

On the checklist: Cracked caulk and rust spots.

Heavy rains can cause caulk to crack and rust to develop on metal flashings, gutters and any other metal areas of your roof. And rusty or corroded metal flashing can erode quickly, leaving you vulnerable to interior leaks. Next time you are up on your ladder, look at all metal materials as well as caulk lines. If you notice cracked caulk or rusty spots, call us and we can help you repair or replace these areas

CHECK FOR: Buckling, curling or blistering shingles.

Take a good look at all of your shingles. If your shingles are curling backwards away from your roof, they have been lifted up repeatedly during stormy weather. Buckling shingles will dip down and also rise up like a wave over several shingles in an area. For blistering shingles, you’ll see bubbles that have appeared on the surface of the shingle. All three types of shingles need to be replaced.

CHECK FOR: Missing or broken shingles.

This one is easier to spot. Missing shingles will stand out readily from the landscape of your roof, and broken shingles will also be apparent. Both need to be replaced as soon as possible.

CHECK FOR: Cracked or worn down rubber boots around vent pipes.

The rubber boots around your vent pipes should last about 10 years. So, if your roof is about that old, check to see if it is cracking due to age and being subjected to the outdoor elements. If so, the rubber boots need to be replaced. If cracked, rubber boots can let in rainwater into your attic or home.

Read more about roof ventilation and summer attic heat.

CHECK FOR: Missing or damaged chimney caps.

Take a look at the top of your chimney. Is your chimney cap missing or damaged? A missing or damaged chimney cap does not protect your home from water entering your home. This can cause cracks in the chimney, freeze issues with extremely cold weather, brick water absorption and more. Replace – or have the chimney cap replaced – as soon as you can.

CHECK FOR: Moss or lichen decay.

Moss and lichen is more common in wetter climates. However, moss and lichen damage can happen to any home anywhere. If we’ve had a particularly wet season, or your roof doesn’t drain properly, moss and lichen can thrive in this area too. Water and mold damage can ruin a large area quickly, so if you spot moss or lichen, work to remove it immediately.

CHECK FOR: Loose, exposed or improperly seated nails.

Loose, exposed or improperly seated nails can occur for numerous reasons, but humidity and daily changes in temperature top the list. Replacing missing or improperly seated nails can be done yourself, but it is also a little tricky. Call us and we will properly nail in new nails as well as spread asphalt cement over the new nail to protect your roof further.

CHECK FOR: Gutters and downspouts damage.

While you clean out your gutters, check for dents or other damage. Also, check that debris caught in your gutters hasn’t caused water to back up and rot out parts of your roof or created mold in your attic.

CHECK FOR: Damage to fascia boards.

Sun exposure, dry rot and deterioration over time can cause your fascia boards to need to be repaired or replaced. Damaged fascia boards can lead to higher energy bills and may allow water leaks and mold into your home.

Now is the perfect time to get out your ladder and (safely) use this checklist to see how your roof is doing after a long winter. Review this checklist, and if you see repairs that need to be done, call us – 918-258-2585. We’ll come out and complete a full, and free, inspection, and we’ll work together to solve any issues you may be having.