7 Steps to Performing a Roof Inspection before Hanging Holiday Lights

roof inspection

Steps For a Quick Roof Inspection

Getting a roof inspection from a professional is an important part of your maintenance program and is convenient to do before or during your holiday light installation. Checking out your roof while you’re already up there can help you find problems before they cause larger issues.

Read on for a list of tips for a quick self-inspection before you call the experts at Western Construction & Roofing.

Visually Observe while Performing a Roof Inspection

Using the right tools and the right people, you can perform your own roof inspection and reap the rewards. The trick is to schedule a roof checkup at least once a year to ensure your roof is in tip top shape for years to come.

A roof inspection during a holiday light installation is the ideal way to identify and correct a problem before it’s too late. No one wants to have to repair or replace a roof during the holiday season, but if there is an issue and you wait, it could cost you even more in the long run.

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Moisture Detection

If you are walking across your roof to plant Rudolf on the chimney and you feel a soft spot, there’s a potential for moisture damage in that area. If the soft spot coincides with discoloration on the roofing boards in the attic, you need to give Western Construction & Roofing a call as soon as possible to handle the repair quickly.

Detecting moisture during a roof inspection is critical because it can be the source of water damage or leaks. A leak can cause mold, mildew and decay Moisture meters are non-destructive and can detect moisture levels within building materials. Using this information, the meter calculates moisture content.

Leaks and Age of the Roof

Keeping your roof in top shape is a year-round task that is best undertaken by a qualified professional like Western Construction & Roofing. Not only will it save you a ton of headaches, but it will also keep you and your family safe from the elements. The average roof lasts around 20 years, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until the end of your tether to have it repaired.

Performing a DIY roof inspection is a great way to identify potential issues before they become more serious. If you notice any changes to your roof, such as missing tiles, broken flashing or curled or cracked shingles, you should contact a certified roofing company immediately.

Check for Clogged Gutters

While you are performing your roof inspection, you will want to look for obvious issues, such as a clogged gutter. This could cause water to leak into your home and can lead to water damage in the interior walls. Additionally, a clogged gutter can prevent water from escaping through the downspout. When the gutter is clogged, water can seep into the sheathing below the shingles, which could lead to mold and other problems. Aside from water damage, a clogged gutter can also result in a pooling of water. Pooling water is no bueno for you holiday lighting or your home, so you want to handle this issue quickly.

It is important to make sure that the gutters are properly installed and sealed during a roof inspection. If they are not, water can leak into your attic and fascia. You should also make sure that the downspouts are properly connected to your roof. Depending on the age of your roof, you may need to replace the gutters. Let Western Construction & Roofing determine is there is a larger issue at hand if you discover issues during you quick holiday DIY inspection.

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Check for Staining and Discoloration

You will also want to check for stains or discoloration on your roof. These can be caused by algae or moss. If you find these, you can use a cleaning solution to remove them. Alternatively, you can contact a roofing company to have them remove the stains. Be careful of these areas of discoloration while you are hanging your lighting – the patches can be slippery!

Check for Moss

Moss is especially dangerous because it slowly eats away at the surface of your roof. Moss is not only dangerous, but it can also cause damage to your home. If you find moss on your roof, you should remove it immediately. This can prevent damage to the structure of your roof and can help you save money on energy costs. You can also contact a tree professional to help you remove the moss.

Moss can also cause a leaking roof. Moss can grow in practically any place. It can also eat away at the wood underneath the roof, resulting in decay. You should also check for mold or lichen. If you notice any of these, you may need to re-caulk your roof. During a DIY roof inspection, you should also be careful to avoid climbing on your roof. You should also be cautious if you are working in bad weather. This can lead to slipping and falling.

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Evaluate Your Shingles

You should also check your shingles for sand-like granules. These granules may be a sign that your shingles are deteriorating and losing their waterproofing properties. If your shingles are damaged, they will need to be replaced. Also, if you find stains on your roof, you can remove them using a cleaning solution.

You Can Call on Western Construction and Roofing for All Your Inspection, Repair and Replacement Needs! For quality roofing service that you can trust in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, contact Western Construction & Roofing at (208) 889-3761.