Spring and summer showers are expected to come to Palo Alto soon, and in anticipation of that, you may want to give your roof a good inspection while the weather is still clear. Palo Alto roofing experts advise that routine roofing inspections be done once or twice a year, yet it will always depend on the weather, particularly if your home has been subjected to extreme weather conditions.

Your roof can only do its job of protecting your family from the outside elements if you take good care of it. Foregoing the annual or bi-annual inspection of your roof can cost you more than you expect. For safety purposes, it is best to have roofing professionals conduct a thorough inspection, but homeowners who wish to do a routine check on their own must exercise caution in doing so. Here are some tips on how to go about this.

Ladder Safety

There are two ways on how you can do a routine roof inspection: either you do it from afar using a pair of binoculars, or you climb up on the roof for a closer look. When inspecting the roof up close, the National Roofing Contractors Association recommends that you practice the most basic of ladder safety by ensuring that the ladder you’re using is placed on solid ground, and that the rungs and rails are not damaged. Moreover, you should be able to secure the ladder at the top and always use both hands for support to avoid slipping.

What to Check

After ensuring the safety of the ladder and once you’re already up the roof, one of the first things you should check is the flashing, or the metal pieces that cover the intersections between the roof and any roof-mounted structure (e.g. dormers, vent pipes, and skylights). A damaged flashing can cause melted snow or rain to enter your home and cause damage to your home’s interior. If your roof is made of asphalt, check for any signs of aging, which are usually in the form of granules and bare spots. On the other hand, if your roof is made of wooden shingles, you should check for signs of dry rot.

Metal roofs, meanwhile, are designed to last for at least 50 years if properly maintained and painted. In inspecting them, you should look for signs of rust and corrosion, or loose and open seams that can cause leaks.

Afraid of heights or a binocular inspection isn’t enough? These instances warrant the help of a professional from a Palo Alto roofing company, like Shelton Roofing, who can give you expert advice on your roof’s current condition.

 

(Source: Inspecting Your Roof, Do It Yourself)