How to Conduct a Thorough Roof Survey
Because you’ve invested a lot in your home, it’s only smart to conduct a thorough roof survey on a regular basis. Your roofing is your property’s first line of defense from the elements. When things go wrong, you need to catch them as soon as possible so that you can minimize costly damages. While it’s wise to inspect your roof on an annual basis, you may want to survey the roofing after a major wind storm or hurricane. If you don’t feel comfortable climbing around on your roof or setting up a ladder, you can survey your home’s roofing with a drone.
A comprehensive roof survey can be completed with a minimal amount of tools. If you don’t have a drone with a camera, you’ll need a ladder to reach the roof. Ideally, your ladder should extend at least three feet past the eaves, and you should fasten the ladder to the gutter so that the ladder doesn’t slip and slide while you’re climbing onto the roof. You may also want to carry a camera with you to document any problem areas.
Whether you’re physically on your roof or looking at it through your drone’s camera, there are several things to check during your roof inspection. If your home is like most residential properties, you probably have asphalt shingles. These are a cost-effective roofing material that is engineered to provide decades of protection. Because the shingles are fastened with roofing nails, shingles can and will blow off during high winds. During your inspection, you’ll want to make sure that all of the shingles are still in place. Additionally, it’s a good idea to inspect the shingles for nails that are coming loose. Some fasteners may work out of the plywood sheathing, so keep an eye out for small bumps or bubbles in the roofing surface. You may even notice rusted nail heads poking through the shingles. If you do see these nails, you’ll want to fix them as soon as possible.
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can wreak havoc on your Florida roofing, so inspecting the shingles regularly is the proactive way to identify and repair any problems. With asphalt shingles, there’s a layer of granules that protect the underlying mat of fiberglass and asphalt. If you notice the granules are falling off, it may be time to replace your roof. Depending on the extent of damage, you may be able to replace some of the shingles.
Your home has flashing where your roof intersects walls and chimneys. Flashing is usually made from aluminum so that it won’t rust. This flashing is interlaced with asphalt shingles and extends from the roof deck up the wall. There are also flashing fixtures around plumbing vents. You may notice exposed fasteners on the flashing, and during your roof survey, you’ll want to make sure that these exposed fasteners are sealed with silicone caulk to prevent rust and water penetration. Flashing can be one source of leaks, so if you notice water stains inside your home, you may want to consider a thorough roof inspection.
Heat buildup is another issue that can impact the quality and longevity of your Florida roofing. During any roof inspection, you’ll want to check whether the home or commercial property has adequate ventilation. Ideally, you should have a vent along the ridge of the structure. If there isn’t a single ridge vent, there should be ventilators installed near the property’s peak. These vents let your home breathe and allow hot air to escape from the attic. For proper performance in today’s tightly built homes, ventilation is essential.
Once you’ve conducted your roof inspection, whether on your roof or looking at footage from your drone, you’ll need to know what you’re looking at. If you have asphalt shingles on your structure, you can expect them to last for at least 20 years. Most manufacturers back their products with a roof warranty, so if you do notice problems, you may be able to get a refund. Regardless, if you do have shingles on your property, you should be mindful that after 20 or 30 years, you’ll need to inspect your roof more often.
The weather conditions in Florida are unique. Your property is constantly bombarded with heavy rains, hurricanes, and high winds. Whether you conduct an inspection on your own or trust the process with a reliable contractor, you should inspect your roofing on an annual basis. After a storm or hurricane with high winds, an inspection can determine whether your residential or commercial property has sustained damages. When you’re ready to leave your property in the care of a professional contractor who knows exactly what to look for, you can count on us to conduct your next inspection. Contact us to find a convenient time to schedule your roof survey.