Even after you hire a professional roofing inspector to assess your home, know there is damage that needs to be cleared and repaired, or prepare snacks for the crew who will be coming to your home next week, there are still things you need to take care of when your roof has been damaged. While the heavy-duty evaluations, inspections, and plans of correction should be left to the professionals, there are things you can and should do in order to make the process run as smoothly as possible. 

Roof Inspection Tips

Before you get your ladder ready and climb up to your roof, there are definitely a few things you must take into consideration. For example, it is important to understand that while we are talking specifically about roof damage, you can tell a lot from the damage you find around your property and home, especially after a storm. So while indeed, your roofing inspector will be the one to do the actual, professional investigation, you will be able to deduce, at least to a degree, just how bad the damage is simply by keeping your eyes open. 

Take a look at this list of easy-to-follow ideas. We encourage you to add to this list as necessary, as all of these tips will surely improve your inspection readiness. 

What to Look For:

  • Dents, cracks, and rips in shingles, roof sealant, and the roof's perimeter

  • Debris on the ground around your home

  • Cracked windows and screens in dormer and attic windows

  • Torn flashing 

  • Blistered and broken shingles

  • Tree branches broken in and around your home

  • Metal Sheeting hanging off the side of the house

  • Cuts and dents in outdoor air conditioning units

  • Ripped siding

  • Unhinged gutters

  • Clogged roof overhangs

  • Texture damage to shingles

What to Know About Inspecting Your Roof 

There are critical matters with which your inspector will have to contend, whether you choose a professional or go the DIY route. 

  • Take note of crumbling brick, thinning mortar, and dislodged flash. Chimneys are attached to roofs with mortar, joints, flash and other materials that are easily damaged.

  • Look for trees that hang over your roof or appear closer to your roof than they once were. Falling branches, with enough force, can cut straight through your top floor. 

  • Remove any antennas, satellite dishes, or holiday ornaments that are no longer in use and disconnected. Contact the electric or cable companies to do so however, as these items can be dangerous and clog drains. 

  • Check solar panels and skylights for cracks that not only expose sharp edges, but allow water, snow, and other unpleasant materials into your home. 

  • Inspect your attic for humidity, water buildup, foul odors, and water damage. The presence of any of these issues is a good indicator of a damaged roof. 

  • Look closely at your ceiling paint and installed fixtures. If there is any buckling or bubbling in the paint, it may indicate the presence of an electrical problem that has likely originated from a damaged roof. 

What to do After You Have Inspected Your Rooftop

Damage to rooftops can be quite the hassle, as they require a good deal of patience, time, and often, cash. Remember that you are not alone when it comes to roof inspections at any time. You can get more information here about Jackson Contracting and how we can help with all of your roof needs.