Similar to a vehicle, a home requires regular maintenance and repairs throughout the year to keep it in tip-top shape. Cleaning ventilation and air conditioning filters, removing lint from dryer exhausts, and testing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are just a few examples of maintenance on a home owners to do list. One of the most important and expensive areas that require repair and maintenance include the roof and gutters. Unfortunately, once installation is complete, these areas are commonly overlooked by homeowners, leading to expensive repairs in the long run.

roof-inspections

Often these areas are simply overlooked or homeowners are unaware or feel unsafe to perform the necessary maintenance. Seeking assistance and advice from a professional and trusted roofing contractor in Sunnyvale, is the first step homeowners should take to maintain the integrity of their roof and gutters. During a routine inspection, homeowners can expect professional roofing contractors to examine the following areas:

Penetrations

These are the most common sources for a leaky roof as they prevent water from naturally flowing off a roof. Areas that will be inspected include chimneys, plumbing vents, skylights, and cable or satellite flash.
Drip Edge

It is important for drip edge to be functioning properly as it keeps water away from the fascia and ensures water is moved off the roof. Fascia is the front board along the line of the roof which can be easily damaged by moisture.

Step Flashing

Flashing is the material used around pipes and vents. Areas where step flashing is installed commonly require maintenance and are a common leak source. The following will be inspected for damage: roof-to-wall transitions and dormers.
Attic

At times the attic can be the source of a leak due to problems with plumbing, air conditioning, improper ventilation, condensation, vent fans, and bug or animal infestations in the attic. A professional roofing contractor will inspect the integrity of these potential leak sources.

Gutter

Gutter maintenance should be done by a professional. They are very important in maintaining the integrity of a home. Gutters must be installed and sloped properly to allow the water to drain, fastened tightly, and free of any debris. If gutters are not properly functioning, mold and mildew can form under the roof.

Shingles

The inspection can reveal if any of the shingles are curling, missing, or discolored. This can leave the wood underlying the shingles susceptible to holes, rotting, or other damage.

Soffit

Insects and small animals are attracted to this area, which is the wood beneath the over-hang of the roof. This area will be inspected for cracks, rotting, and holes.

Roof inspections should be performed by a professional roofing contractor at least twice a year, preferably in the spring and the fall. Regular inspection can allow for timely maintenance and repairs and will prevent the need for emergency roof repair in Sunnyvale.

Sources:

5 Maintenance Tips to Help Prevent Roof Leaks, blog.gaf.com

Home Maintenance Schedule and Checklist, www.lowes.com

5 Most Common Roofing Problems, www.angieslist.com