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Free Roof Inspection by Shelter Roofing – Roof Damage Inspections
Free Roof Inspection – Critical to Maintain longevity
A complimentary roof inspection are crucial for several reasons:
- Identifying Issues: Inspections help detect potential problems early on. Catching issues like leaks, damaged shingles, or structural weaknesses can prevent them from worsening and causing more extensive damage.
- Cost Savings: Early detection allows for timely repairs, which are generally less expensive than major renovations or replacements necessitated by unchecked damage.
- Safety: A compromised roof poses risks to the occupants. Regular inspections ensure the roof’s structural integrity, reducing the likelihood of accidents or collapses.
- Insurance Requirements: Some insurance policies mandate periodic roof inspections to maintain coverage. Ensuring compliance can be vital in case you need to file a claim.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your roof is in good condition offers peace of mind. You can confidently weather storms and extreme conditions without worrying about potential roof problems.
- Longevity: Regular inspections and maintenance can extend the lifespan of your roof. Timely repairs and upkeep can prevent minor issues from snowballing into major ones, preserving the roof’s integrity over time.
- Hail Damage
- Wind Damage
- Dry Rotted Pipe Boots
- Caulk Failure
- Flashing Failure
- Rusted out nails
Free Roof inspections also serve as a way for roofing companies to establish trust and build relationships with potential customers. It’s a chance for homeowners to understand the condition of their roofs without any upfront cost or commitment, which can lead to informed decisions about necessary repairs or replacements.
Free Roof Inspection Roof Hail Damage
During a hail damage inspection on a roof, there are several key things to look for:
- Impact Marks: Check for dents or indentations on the shingles. Hail damage often leaves circular or irregular marks on the surface. These marks might appear shiny due to exposed or displaced granules.
- Granule Loss: Hail can dislodge granules from shingles. Look for areas where the granules have been knocked off, leaving the underlying material exposed. This can weaken the shingle’s protection against weather elements.
- Cracks or Fractures: Inspect for cracks in the shingles. Hail impact can cause fractures or splits, compromising the integrity of the shingle.
- Soft Spots: Feel for soft spots on the shingles. Hail damage can weaken the shingle material, making it softer or more pliable in affected areas.
- Dents on Metal Surfaces: If the roof has metal components like flashing or vents, check for dents or dings. Metal surfaces are prone to denting upon hail impact.
- Leaks or Water Stains: Inside the house, inspect the ceilings and walls for water stains or signs of leaks. Even minor hail damage can create openings that allow water to seep into the home.
- Gutters and Downspouts: Examine gutters and downspouts for signs of granules or debris. After a hailstorm, these areas might collect materials dislodged by the hail.
- Chimneys and Skylights: Check around chimneys, skylights, and other roof penetrations for any signs of damage. These vulnerable points are prone to leaks if damaged by hail.
If you’re unsure about assessing hail damage yourself, it’s advisable to bring in a professional roofer or inspector. They have the experience and expertise to thoroughly evaluate the extent of hail damage and recommend appropriate repairs or replacements.
Free Roof Inspection Wind Damage
During a wind damage inspection on a roof, here are the key aspects to assess:
- Loose or Missing Shingles: Strong winds can lift or completely remove shingles. Check for any shingles that are partially lifted, completely missing, or scattered around the yard.
- Curling or Lifting Shingles: Examine the edges of the shingles for signs of curling or lifting. This could indicate wind damage, making them susceptible to further damage or detachment.
- Exposed Roofing Material: Look for areas where the underlying roofing material is exposed due to missing or damaged shingles. Exposure can lead to leaks and further damage.
- Damaged Flashing: Inspect the flashing around chimneys, vents, and edges of the roof. Strong winds can cause flashing to bend, lift, or tear away, leaving vulnerable areas for water intrusion.
- Gutter and Downspout Damage: High winds can sometimes impact gutters and downspouts. Check for sections that are bent, disconnected, or completely torn away.
- Sagging or Deformities: Look for any areas where the roof might be sagging or showing signs of structural deformation. This can indicate weakened or compromised roof supports due to wind stress.
- Interior Signs of Damage: Inside the house, inspect ceilings, walls, and attic spaces for water stains, dampness, or signs of leaks. Wind damage might create openings that allow water to enter the home.
- Trees and Debris: Assess the surroundings for fallen trees, branches, or debris on the roof. These items can cause damage upon impact and indicate the severity of the wind’s force.
Free Roof Inspection Flashing
Inspecting roof flashing is crucial because it helps prevent leaks and water damage. Here’s what to look for when assessing roof flashing failure:
- Visible Damage: Inspect the flashing for visible signs of damage, such as bends, cracks, rust, or missing sections. Damaged flashing can allow water to seep into the roof structure.
- Loose or Displaced Flashing: Check if the flashing is securely in place. Wind, weather, or improper installation can cause flashing to become loose or shift out of position, creating gaps for water infiltration.
- Sealant Integrity: Examine the sealant around the flashing. Over time, sealant can degrade or crack, compromising its ability to create a watertight seal between the flashing and the roof material.
- Corrosion or Rust: For metal flashing, look for signs of corrosion or rust. This weakens the flashing material, making it more prone to failure and water penetration.
- Flashing Around Penetrations: Pay close attention to flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and other roof penetrations. These areas are particularly vulnerable to leaks if the flashing is damaged or improperly installed.
- Flashing Joints: Check the joints where different sections of flashing meet. Any separation or gaps could allow water to infiltrate underneath the flashing.
- Interior Signs of Leakage: Inside the house, inspect ceilings and walls near areas with flashing for signs of water stains, mold, or dampness. These can indicate that the flashing is failing and allowing water to enter the interior of the home.
- A Professional Inspection: If you’re uncertain about the condition of your roof flashing, it’s advisable to seek a professional inspection. Roofing contractors can provide a thorough assessment using specialized tools and expertise to identify any issues with the flashing and recommend appropriate repairs or replacements.
Regular inspections and maintenance of roof flashing can help prevent potential leaks and structural damage, ensuring the long-term integrity of your roof.
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If you notice any signs of wind damage, it’s advisable to have a professional roofing contractor conduct a more thorough inspection. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the necessary repairs or replacements to ensure the roof’s integrity and protect your home from further damage. Schedule your free roof inspection at (434) 300-ROOF
How much does a roof inspection cost in US?
Roof inspections range from $75 to $600, averaging at $220, depending upon the type of inspection a roofing expert employs. Standard drones and drones with infrared cameras can provide the most comprehensive account of a roof’s condition.
How do you inspect a roof?
Check for Damaged, Missing, or Old Shingles
Asbestos, slate, or clay tile roofs can suffer from breakage, so look for cracked, chipped, broken, or altogether missing shingles. If you’re performing a metal roof inspection, check for signs of corrosion, rust, stress wrinkling, or other wear. Moss or Biologic Build up on Shingles are an indicator that it could make a future leak. Missing, broken, damaged or hail damaged shingles are another sign of potential leaks and the need for replacement. 5 Tips for a Roof Inspection –
How long does a roof last?
Asphalt Shingles are a cost effective roof replacement however a “50 Year Shingle” only refers to the Manufactures Warranty on the Shingle and that is against Manufacture Defects. It does NOT cover normal Wear & Tear (weather erosion). Your Average Shingle life is 20-25 years depending on elements and exposure.
Slate Roofs – practically a forever roof. You will need to Repair & Replace flashings over time.
Metal Roofs (Hidden Fastener) standing Seam – 120 Years with proper maintenance (you will need to paint / Coat the roof every 25-30 years depending on exposure)
Metal Roof EXPOSED FASTNER (Common to see now) these are roofs that will last 100 years however!!! You must inspect the roof every 5 years and make sure that the Screws have not wormed back out or the grommet lost its water tight seal.
Shake Roofs 50+ Years unless damages or flashing wears out.
How do I know if my roof is bad?
You look for signs like broken shingles, slippage, Multiple leaks start to occur. Shingles are puckering up due to nails backing out. Excessive algae or biologics. Major discoloration or “White Cotton” look which is an indicator that the granules and asphalt have been completely eroded and there is no more water tight seal to prevent intrusion.
What time of the year is best to replace a roof?
Typically an Asphalt Roof should be replaced between March & November of the year. You can replace Shingles in the winter but, its is highly recommended to only do it on warm – hot days. This allows the tar seal strips to activate and bond. Metal is good year round as well as slate, shake, or flat roof products.
What is a Free Roof Inspection – What is a Paid Roof Inspection?
Free roof inspections are a quick review of the roof to see if it has signs that it needs repair or replacement. This is done during a retail purchase process or during a insurance claim discovery. This is done at no cost to the client as it may lead to future business for the contractor. The contractor absorbs this cost.
Paid roof inspections are typical if a transaction is about to happen. Examples would be: 1. Real Estate Sale. 2. Insurance Renewal / Dropping inspection. 3. Roof Tune up – Inspection. Each of these require further details to be documented and reported. These items take time and as such should be compensated to the Contractor.