3 Benefits Of Conducting A Roof Inspection Before Commencing Repairs

Posted on: 5 April 2021

Are you planning a roofing repair project? Repairs address various roof problems such as missing shingles, leaks, loose nails, damaged or rusted flashing, and damaged gutters. However, before carrying out roof repairs, it's vital to schedule a professional inspection. A roof inspection is an in-depth assessment of the structure. It can yield the following benefits when carried out before repairs.

Unearth Hidden Problems

One mistake most people make when repairing a roof is fixing the visible problem only. Just because you have some missing shingles doesn't there aren't other issues. As a result, homeowners may get caught up in a loop of repairing one problem after another. A roof inspection can unearth hidden problems that would have gone unnoticed for months.

For example, missing roof shingles could expose your roof to moisture damage. Moisture infiltrates the structure and gets trapped in the underside, causing mold problems. Similarly, leaking gutters could cause damage to the wooden siding. During an inspection, the roofer will look for hidden issues such as moisture issues, rot, mold, corrosion, and loose components. Fixing these problems can increase the integrity and lifespan of your roof.

Assess Subsurface Integrity

There's more to your roof than the visible surface. Underneath the shingles, tiles, or metal sheets are other components crucial to the structure's functioning. They include underlayment, framing, insulation, and ventilation. Surface problems can affect the subsurface as well. For example, a roof leak can lower the efficiency of certain types of attic insulation. The moisture can also infiltrate the underlayment and cause it to crack.

During an inspection, your contractor will assess the integrity of the roof's subsurface. They will look into the following issues:

  • Condition of insulation and underlayment
  • Presence of adequate roof insulation
  • Availability of enough roof ventilation
  • Condition of the frame, especially if you have no underlayment

By unearthing problems with the roof's subsurface, you can properly repair your roof, improve its energy efficiency, and avoid future repairs.

Define the Scope of the Project

When certain parts of your roof are failing, you can choose to repair or replace the structure. How do you know which route to take? A roof inspection can determine the structural integrity of the roof. What's the extent of the damage? Should you do a partial replacement instead of repairing the structure? Should you replace the shingles and preserve the framing and underlayment?

After an inspection, your roofer can advise you on the best restoration procedure for the structure. If it's extensively damaged, a replacement may be ideal. Doing this can save you money that you would end up spending on multiple repairs in the future.

A roof inspection can unearth hidden problems that would have gone unnoticed during repairs. Contact a residential roofing contractor for inspection and repair services.

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