The roof plays an important role in your home. It provides safety to you, your family and your valuables while keeping all of the elements out from your home. It protects your entire household from harsh weather conditions and warrant comfort. This is one of the reasons why whenever you’re buying a new home or renovating an old one, a residential roof inspection checklist should be in place. This can help you determine what details to look for in a roof. After all, you want a roof which meets all of your expectations, right? Aside from using the information from klausroofingcolorado.com, this article can also help you come up with a residential roof inspection checklist for your use.

Your roof is comprised of a lot of things. For a first-time homeowner, paying attention to all of these details can be too overwhelming and time-consuming. If you’re not well-guided, you’ll likely end up with a roof which doesn’t give value to your money, ruins the overall theme of your home, puts your family and valuables in danger, or all of the above. Steer away from this direction by including the following in your roof inspection checklist:

1. You should always cover the basics.

Fortunately, you don’t need to take years of training before you can assess the state of your roof. There are many visible signs which can tell you if your roof is in working condition or needs repairs or replacements. If you’re scared of heights, grab a pair of binoculars and inspect your roof from the ground. This option will allow you to see any missing shingles on the roof or any metal flashing in your chimney.

But if height is not an issue to you, go ahead and climb your roof using a sturdy piece of ladder. This option will provide you with a better view of your roof since you’re already up close and personal. Be wary of the following whenever you’re checking your roof:

• Damaged or missing chimney caps;
• Granules of shingles in the gutters;
• Growth of moss and algae; and
• Missing, curling or blistering shingles.

2. Become your own handyman.

Once you see any of the signs listed above, don’t wait for another sign to pop up. Usually, when the second sign is already present, your roofing problem has gotten worse, and you might need to pay for expensive repair and replacement costs. One way of saving yourself from this kind of situation is by being your own handyman. While hiring roofing contractors might be the most obvious choice, minor roofing problems can be fixed on your own.

For starters, any missing or damaged shingles can be replaced right away. You can use the extra shingles you had from your latest renovation project or opt to buy new ones from your local home depot store. Fixing minor roof problems doesn’t only cost less, but you’ll also save a lot of time, too. You don’t have to check and wait for the roofing contractor’s availability just to get the job done.

3. Be careful in choosing a roofing contractor to hire.

Knowing how to fix your roof on your own is always a good thing. However, there will be instances when your skills are no longer enough – that you already have to hire professionals to do the job for you. For bigger roofing problems such as a sagging roof or roof replacement, have the professionals take the wheel. Attempting to repair these kinds of problems can only lead to more significant issues in the long run.

However, when hiring roofing contractors, always consider at least three options. Never hire the first one you see around the neighborhood or the one offering the cheapest or most expensive products and services. Solely looking into these factors will not guarantee any positive results. Instead, scout for many roofing contractors, reach out to them to inquire about their products and services and hire one who fits your budget without compromising quality service. As a paying customer, you should always get your money’s worth.

4. Clear your roof of any moss and algae.

Seeing plants in your lawn can make your property stand out, but it’s never the same thing once moss and algae are starting to take over your roof. Seeing these on your roof actually means bad news because moss and algae need water to grow. And if they’re able to do this on your roof, it can be a telltale sign that moisture is already present in your roof and its materials are no longer durable. Continuing to use this kind of roof can cause injuries and bigger roofing problems in the future.

Depending on when you’re planning to clean your roof, you can opt to use a broom in the spring. Pour a moss killer along the ridges of your roof and any areas with green patches. Leave the solution for at least three hours, sweep the roof and gutters and finish off by applying the granules. If your schedule allows, you should regularly clean your roof so moss and algae will not build up.

5. Find early signs of a roof leak.

Giving your roof an annual overall checkup should be a necessity. This is one way of assessing the condition of your home before bigger problems start to become visible. But since leaks are one of the most common roofing problems any homeowner can experience, it’s important that you know how to detect its earliest signs. Fixing leaking roof as early as possible can save you a lot of time and money.

If you suspect your roof is leaking, look for the following signs:

• Certain areas of your ceiling look darker than others;
• Paint in the overhangs of your roof starts to peel;
• There are damp spots near your fireplace;
• Water stains are visible on the pipes venting the furnace or water heater.

If you’re having a hard time determining any of these signs, call professionals for their help. Most often than not, roofing contractors will use specialized techniques in checking your roof. With their tools and experience, they can surely provide a reliable assessment.

6. Determine when and how you’re going to replace your roof.

Everyone likes to save – that’s why most homeowners would only replace their roof if and if their roof is no longer usable. When the leaks are no longer repairable, or the roof doesn’t serve its purpose anymore, that’s the only time when they will call for a replacement. This kind of practice has its own set of pros and cons. Its biggest cons would probably be the delay when you’re not able to find a roofing contractor the moment you need one. Since you’re already desperate for their help (how else can you live in a home without a roof, right?), you likely hire someone who is either overpriced or provides low-quality products and services.

As a general rule, you should have a new roof once the old one already turned 25 years old. Regardless if your roof is still functional even with its lifespan, it’s best if you replace this before any problem occurs. This is the reason why you should always secure copies of your home renovation documents. Doing this can help you avoid experiencing any stressful situations concerning your roof.

7. Watch out for those trees.

As mentioned, having any plants within or new your property is always a good thing. Maintaining greeneries is like hitting two birds with one stone – you’re taking care of the environment while improving how your property looks. Every homeowner would love to experience these! However, when the branches of these trees start to make contact with your roof, be warned. Branches which are too big can cause damage to your home and injuries to you and your family. In worse cases, this can even become the reason why electrocution can happen.

Fortunately, there are several solutions to this problem. The oldest trick in the book would probably be about trimming all of your trees regularly. You can do this on your own or with the help of professionals. If you’re eyeing to take the latter option, just make sure that you also scout for options and inquire about their costs and services beforehand. If you don’t have the time and resources to maintain your trees, opt to plant ones which don’t grow too high. There are many kinds of trees or plants to choose so make sure you pick ones which fit your style and schedule.

Slow And Steady Wins The Race

Since a roof will require you to pay a large amount of money, you should exert time and effort to come up with a sound decision. You shouldn’t think hastily as this can only do more than good. Remember that your roof shouldn’t only look good, it should also function well. It should keep everyone inside your home safe, not inflict danger. Use this article to be your guide so you can finally accomplish this goal in your new roof!