During the winter, your roof goes through a lot. Snow, ice, wind, and freezing temperature all-cause easily fixable problems that eventually result in serious damage and costly repairs. Make checking your roof the first item on your to-do list after the snow has melted and winter is over. This roof inspection is also a great idea, no matter what season we’re in! Here is Green Eco Solutions 12-Point Roof Checklist.

Ground-Level Outside Inspection:

Conduct a 360-degree inspection of your roof from the ground. Take a 30-second walk across the street and search for anything apparent. Keep a lookout for the following:

• Dark spots – Often mistaken for dirt, these stains are a symptom of mold, mildew, or algae growth.
• Disrupted shingles – It is fairly common for a few shingles to lift during a roof’s life. To avoid a roof leak, they must be fastened back down or replaced right away.
• Damage around chimneys or vents – Your roof’s flashing and sealant around chimneys and vents are popular sites for leaks. A roof specialist can fix these for a modest price, saving you money on a future leak.
• Make sure gutters and downspouts in good working order – Gutters can pull away from the home over time. This simple reinstall should be done properly to ensure water is moved away from your home’s foundation.

Choose a direction and walk 10 yards in that direction, then scan for 30 seconds and repeat. Because lighting, reflections, and shadows can disguise damage from any viewpoint, scanning progressively from several vantage points is critical.

Roof-Level Inspection:

You should have your roof inspected by a professional. Make sure you pick someone who can handle minor repairs rather than just trying to sell you a new roof. A skilled roofing contractor will look for and assess the following items:

• Shingles that are loose, cracked, damaged, or bulging are common symptoms that need to be replaced.
• Plumbing stack flashings are sealed, and rubber fittings aren’t damaged – These should be sealed immediately by a professional roofer since they can lead to costly roof leaks later.
• Leaks around the chimney, roof valleys, attic vents, or fans – These are also common spots for a roof to leak, but they shouldn’t necessitate a complete roof replacement.
• Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear – If your gutters are blocked, clean them out and run water through them to see if there are any leaks.

Attic Examination:

After examining the exterior of your home, it’s time to investigate the interior. Enter your attic space if your home has attic access and look for:

• Roof sheeting stains or ruptures – If your attic’s plywood decking is discolored, it’s a sign that the shingles and underlayment have leaked.
• Rust or discoloration around the nails – Another indicator that water has gotten in.
• Animal activity in the form of scratching or shredding, droppings, nesting materials, and chewed surfaces – Contact an exterminator straight away if you notice signs of animal activity in your attic.
• Any signs of water escaping or condensation – Leaks must be repaired, but you should also check to see if your insulation is damp. Your insulation is no longer effective and will need to be changed if it is moist.

Mold can grow in your attic due to water leaks and moisture. If you see mold, don’t touch it and contact a specialist as soon as possible. Mold can be exceedingly dangerous in some cases.

With each passing winter, your roof’s chances of being damaged rise. A regular examination can help you avoid expensive expert work in the future. However, dealing with roofing firms and getting bids when all you need are a few minor repairs can be aggravating. You’ll get a report on your roof’s health, regular maintenance will be conducted, and you won’t have to deal with a pushy salesperson. Schedule an appointment with one of our roofing specialists when it’s time for your roof to be evaluated, or if you detect any of the issues listed above.