Roof Inspection Checklist for Spring

March 27, 2019 | General
Roof Inspection Checklist for Spring

Springtime brings us longer days and warmer temperatures, but what it also brings is rain and showers. More frequent spells of rain mean we should all be taking extra care of our roofs.

Spring is a good time for a roof inspection not only because of the rain but also because if your roof has suffered any damage throughout the winter, it is a good time for a thorough inspection.  If you’ll be carrying out a roof inspection this spring, the experts at Avenir Roofing have put together a roof inspection checklist to keep you on the right track.

Learn Everything About the Type of Roof

If you’re going to carry out a thorough roof inspection, it is essential that you know everything you possibly can about the type of roof you’re working with. What are the common problems? What are the weaknesses of this particular roof?

Knowing this information ahead of time will help you to know what you’re looking for to perform an informed inspection.

Structural Damage

One of the first things you should check when inspecting a roof is its structure. Are there any curled or broken shingles? Are there any missing tiles? Can you see any tears in the roofing material? Checking the structural element of your roof is usually visible and finding it is essential because damage like this needs addressing straight away.

If you have a flat roof, you can avoid structural damage in the future by choosing EPDM rubber membrane. EPDM roofing is extremely durable, with a high tear resistance, meaning structural damage is unlikely.

Check For Leaks

While inspecting your roof, another thing on your checklist should be to look for leaks. You can do this by inspecting the attic first to see if there are any visible signs of leakage in the ceiling. The wet weather in the spring months will make leaks more likely to occur, and they can do a lot of damage if they are ignored. If there are no visible signs of leaks in the attic, you may be able to spot issues on the outside. So, it is vital that you identify any leaks from the inside and the outside of your roof.

Pools of water are likely to occur from heavy spring showers if you have a flat roof, so it is important that you check for any places where the water might escape into the property.

Fungus, Moss & Algae

A buildup of plants such as fungus, moss and algae are usually quite easy to spot. Not only do they look unsightly, but these pesky plants are also bad for your roof because of the damp which can lead to holes and roof leaks. If you find any excessive buildup, it should be removed as soon as possible.

If you have a moss problem with your roof, you may want to consider EPDM as an alternative flat roof material. EPDM membrane is growth resistant, meaning that moss, algae and fungus are unable to thrive on its surface.

Gutters

Clogged gutters stop rainwater from being drained away from your property, which can lead to damaged rooflines and leaks. If the winter has caused a buildup of leaves, branches and debris, you may find that the gutters on your roof are blocked. During your roof inspection, you will need to clear gutters of any debris to prevent issues from arising.

Age

It is also quite common practice to check the age of the particular roof so that you have an idea of its life expectancy and what state the roof should be in at that point. Some roofs last around 10 years, whereas others can last for multiple decades.  For example, EPDM roofing has an extremely long life expectancy and can last as long as 50 years.

Rising Energy Bills

There are numerous reasons why a rise in energy bills may occur. But, not to be forgotten is how much your roof affects your insulation. If the property of the roof you’re inspecting has experienced a rise in their energy bills, this could be an indicator that the roof isn’t performing as well and may need replacing.

For more roof maintenance tips and advice, see the rest of our blog.


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