Helpful DIY tips for inspecting your roof and determining if you need to hire a professional

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home that should always be inspected and maintained. As a homeowner, you want to do a routine inspection of the whole house to make sure that all is well. This is especially so for people who have a plan of selling their homes. So, must you always consult a professional to do the roof inspection for you? Is it possible for a homeowner to do a roof inspection on their own? Well, these are common questions people ask. You can consult a roofing contractor to do a roof inspection for you and do any subsequent repairs that might be necessary. It is also possible to do this on your own as a matter of DIY routines.

Here are tips that can help you inspect your roof and determine if you need to hire a roofing contractor:

1.   Look for piles of leaves, moss, and algae

When you inspect your roof, you are trying to find any weaknesses that could require you to replace it. Using binoculars, you can check your roof and ensure you are aware of the condition of your roof. If there is any debris or piles of leaves on the roof, this could be a sign it could be spoiling. Moss is another sign that your roof requires repairs. Since moss soaks rainwater and acts as a sponge, this can make the wooden roof decay. One of the best ways to control moss is by applying moss killer on the moss. 

2.   Check for curled or buckled shingles

You need to be sure your roof shingles are not curled or buckled. This state of affairs can mean that one has to have a whole roof replaced. You see, when the roof shingles are curled, the roof will leak when it rains. It may also be a cause of poor ventilation. Once you have done the right inspection of the roof, you can decide to repair part of the roof or call a roof specialist to replace the roof. You may also need to check whether the color of the roof has changed as a result of aging and wearing out of paint.

3.   Are there missing, damaged, or old shingles?

This is yet another sign that your roof needs repairs or replacement. This simple DIY diagnosis can be done at any time of the year. If there are missing shingles, they can let water into the roof and get it damaged. You can climb into the roof through a ladder. If there is dry rot on the roof shingles, these may need to be replaced. Can you find cracked, corroded, rusty, broken, or worn-out shingles? If so, this means your roof may need a further inspection or replacement.

4.   Do an up-close inspection of the roof

Your roof encompasses the inner and the outer parts. Use a ladder to climb up the roof and look at its composition. Are there any damages to the flashings? The flashings are the materials that redirect the water off the roof. Check the condition of the dormers, vent pipes, and chimney. Ensure that all these parts are intact. If the flashings are not in the best condition, you can have them replaced.

5.   Investigate the attic

If you noticed leakages or damages while inspecting the roof in the previous steps, get a close look at the issue by getting into the attic so that you can make an accurate diagnosis. Inspect the area around the attic. Check the rafters and be sure they are stable and sound. Look out for signs of mold, rot, and moisture. If there are visible signs of water damage, then have the roof repaired appropriately. For a more professional and thorough inspection, you can have experts conduct your roof inspection at least twice a year.

Final words

In conclusion, we need to state that the roof of your home is a vital part of the aesthetic nature of a home. You may want to take homeowner’s insurance to ensure that the roof and other parts of delicate parts of your house are catered for. For people who are not able to do a DIY roof inspection on their homes, they can invite qualified personnel to do this for them. Always ensure that necessary repairs on the roof are done at the right time. If you delay in doing such a roof repair, then it will eventually prove to be an expensive undertaking when done later.