Roof inspection: Problem spots to check before seeking help

Doctors underscore the need for regular checkups to ensure that their patients remain in the pink of health. Same thing goes with house roofs: While they are engineered to withstand the thickest spread of snow and the toughest blow of the wind, they are also prone to gradual deterioration through the years.

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For optimal efficiency, experts recommend inspections to take place every six months, preferably before and after rainy and winter seasons. Some roofers conduct inspections with a video camera to let homeowners see firsthand the problems that need to be tackled.

Before employing the help of a reliable roof maintenance service, homeowners must at least have an elementary grasp of roofing problems that need to be tackled. Inspection can be done on the ground, or up on the roof itself, but with harness and other safety measures in place. Doing so will give roofers more time to spot problems in insulation, drainage, and overall structure.

Among the parts that need close scrutiny are flashings, gutters, and roof coverings like tiles and shingles:

1. Flashings. These are thin metal sheets that protect the curves and edges of the roof from water. Homeowners can check the roof for bent, damaged or missing flashing, which can cause leaks if left unattended.

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2. Gutters. To ensure proper drainage, gutters need to be clear of leaves and branches. Homeowners can check for holes, cracks, and other sources of leaks. Also watch out for grains of shingles. More grains means shingles must be replaced.

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3. Shingles and other roof coverings. Sun and wind can be too harsh on roof coverings. Homeowners need to check for missing, splintered or blistered shingles and shakes. A few missing spots can be patched and replaced with minimal effort, but professional help should be tapped in case of excessive graining and sagging.

Ranch House Roofing and Construction Inc. is a trusted name in providing repair and maintenance services to homes and commercial establishments based in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Get more practical roof care advice by subscribing to this blog.

Common roof problems that require professional help

Roofs are engineered to survive the unkindest weather condition. The most common roofing systems rely on overlaps to shed water and resist even the harshest blow of wind. Shingles and similar roof coverings are nailed to each other and to the roof deck to ensure sturdiness, while adhesives and coatings provide additional weatherproofing.

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However, natural and structural problems can make even the sturdiest roofing system prone to premature damage. Professional help must be sought when any of the following problems occur:  

Poor installation: Even the best quality roof and covering materials are not spared from costly repairs due to faulty installation. Problems like premature roof aging and breakdown will occur if installation crews skip necessary preparations like proper priming, and relaxing the galvanized sheets prior to installation.

It is therefore a must to check the workmanship of roof service contractors before employing them. Homeowners can never go wrong with reliable contractors like Ranch House Roofing and Construction Inc.  
Poor maintenance:  Roofs must be checked routinely, especially after hurricanes and snowstorms, when they get the harshest beating. Proper maintenance leads to spotting potential roof problems and correcting them early on, sparing owners from bigger headaches in the long run. Sediments and water piling up on the roof or in the gutter will eventually cause breakage if not cleaned and removed immediately. Cracking or cupping shingles could mean wearing off, and therefore a replacement should be in place. This guide from Popular Mechanics can help homeowners spot the warning signs.  
 

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Aging: Even a properly installed roof is not spared from damage caused by aging. As roofs age, so does its material. Shingles, shakes, and roof coverings can last decades, but wearing signs like cupping and curling could show up much earlier. When this happens, problems like water intrusion will occur, leading to leaks and other problems that call for an expensive upkeep, or even replacement when the damage has gone irreparable.  

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Residents and commercial establishments in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex could attest to the reliable installation, repair and reroofing services offered by Ranch House Roofing and Construction Inc. Visit its official website for more about cost-effective roofing.