Austin Roofing-What do I look for when I inspect my roof?

Most professional Austin roofing contractors will tell you there are two questions every homeowner needs to ask.

What do you look for and when should you inspect your roof?

Let’s answer the second one first.

You should inspect your roof twice a year, once in the fall and again in the spring.  Always check the safety rules for using your ladder before using it to inspect your roof.

Now that you know when you should inspect your roof, what should you look for?

Check the gutters and clean them out. Gutters cleared of debris will better protect your home from water damage.

While you are there, if you have asphalt or composite shingles, which many people here in the Austin area do, look for any shingle granules in the gutter.  These are shiny particles used to deflect UV rays and add weight to the shingle. If there are too many washing off the shingles into the gutter, you may need to replace the shingles.

Next, check to see if any shingles are buckling up or torn. If you have a tiled roof, look for chips and cracks.  Make note of how many and where on the roof they are located.

Check around any openings that protrude through the roof such as around the chimney flashing, pipes, and vents.  Check around any solar panels, skylights or TV satellite dishes or antennas.  These are places where leaking water can seep in and warp the under deck.

Also, look for any signs of mildew or moss. That may mean the roof is absorbing water instead of running it off.

Of course, you want to check your interior walls for signs of water damage or leaks.  But don’t assume the culprits are the shingles right above the ceiling. Water can run down, seep into areas between the roof joists; soak through the insulation and onto the ceiling.

A professional Austin roofing contractor can  help you determine where the leaks originate.

It is also a good time to check for small holes where rodents can enter the attic, or for any signs of gnawing. Squirrels, chipmunks, rats, even raccoons can get into your attic, become trapped and die. They can cause thousands of dollars in damages. Many times they become stuck in tight places which make removing the carcass very difficult. The result can be quite unpleasant.

Although many people choose to inspect their own roofs, it is highly recommend you solicit a professional Austin roofing contractor to inspect the roof with you and they can point out things their trained eyes may notice that yours would not.