People can easily overlook preventive maintenance, especially when homeowners enjoy the comforts of their home too much. It can be tiring to get on top of the roof and check for damages but not doing so can lead to a world of regret when the storms come in.

Knowing how to inspect roofs is necessary to ensure that they are still doing their jobs of keeping the elements from the interior of the home. Roofs accumulate damage over time from the very rain and sunlight they protect us from, and lack of maintenance will allow the wear and tear to spread. One must know what to look for when inspecting a roof.

The shingles are essential since they prevent water from pooling on and in the roof which would otherwise get in through the walls. Make sure that none of the roof shingles are either deteriorating or missing.

Inspect also the eaves, overhangs, the fascia, and the gutters for water damage since they could lead to leaks and disrupt the flow of rainwater from the roof to the ground. Since the entire roof can’t be covered in shingles when there are skylights, dormers, chimneys, and other roof interruptions, including them in an inspection is essential.

There are various types of roofing which manifest damages in different ways. Some examples of roofing include asphalt, metal, and wooden roofing that require different methods of inspection.

Asphalt roofing receives damage from the heat of the sun and other elements which result in brittle shingles. Granules from the roofing accumulate at both the gutters and at the end of downspouts which block the water flow. Inspect the roof for damaged and missing shingles since they require replacement.

Metal roofing tends to last to around 50 years and is commonly made from steel, copper, aluminum, or galvanized iron. Even though it has a longer lifespan than other roofing, damages can still manifest like perforations, pits, rust, and corrosion, which can cause problems when not identified.

Wooden roofing is one type of roofing that shouldn’t be walked on during an inspection. Wooden shingles receive damage from the weather which rots, warps, and breaks them. Roof replacement is required when a third of the entire roof is damaged.

For more information regarding roof inspection, visit this infographic by All County Exteriors.