Home Roof Assessment
Next to the cost of the house itself, roof replacement is one of the largest maintenance expenses the typical homeowner faces. The ability to definitively decide when it is time for new roofing is often best left to the experts, but homeowners should get into the habit of regularly checking for specific wear on their existing structures. When they suspect problems, residents can call on Cherry Hill roofers professionals for expert assessments and itemized quotes.
According to advice tendered by the National Roofing Contractors Association, setting aside time twice per year to take a closer look at the roof is a smart move for homeowners. Often, associating such a routine with specific dates helps to jog the memory and ensure that the inspections occur according to schedule. For example, coordinating biannual roof assessments with the first day of autumn and spring or with the days that they install and remove storm windows is a workable method for many.
A thorough roofing assessment involves looking at key factors both inside and outside the structure. Starting inside the home, inspect areas directly beneath the roof for possible problems. A sagging rafter or decking section is one indication of wear. Water stains on the underside of the roof or floor beneath it indicate that leakage is occurring, another telltale sign of needed repairs. Dark spots suggest a roof leak that is currently active. Do a visual once-over to detect any spots where sunlight is showing through from outside. This reveals spots where roofing is wearing thin or has been torn away by wind or branches.
The roofing experts at Fortified Roofing of Cherry Hill NJ can assist you with any questions regarding a roof repair or a new roof.
If an interior inspection uncovers any roofing failures, homeowners should seek a professional’s opinion. Roofers in the Cherry Hill area offer initial assessments and advise homeowners on their roof repair options.
The next step in a biannual roof inspection is going outdoors and looking at the exposed surfaces at the top of the structure. Homeowners should carefully climb up to roof level for a bird’s eye view. Potential problems to look for include cracked shingles, shingles with curling edges, roofing that has become blistered, and shingles that are losing surface granules. If an inspection uncovers any of these conditions, homeowners should call upon professional guidance in assessing the need for spot repairs or reroofing.
Next, check the uppermost area of the house for algae or mossy growth that could adversely affect the performance of the roofing material. Removing these growths is an important maintenance task that homeowners can take to preserve the life of the shingles. Scout for signs of mold or rot as well, especially beneath loose shingles, which indicate excessive amounts of trapped moisture.
Pay particular attention to the areas surrounding chimneys, vents and pipes that penetrate the roof structure. These are frequently the sites of leakage if flashing is damaged or incorrectly installed. If shingles and flashing have peeled back or become dislodged around such objects, homeowners should have a professional inspection done to determine the damages and find solutions before further structural problems arise.The roofing experts at Fortified Roofing of Cherry Hill NJ can assist you with any questions regarding a roof repair or a new roof.
Term of the day, courtesy of Fortified Roofing, Cherry Hill NJ:
Flashing
Roof installers place these metal trim components around vents, chimneys, wall joints, dormers and roof valleys to prevent water leakage around these vulnerable areas of the roofing surface. Flashing is made from heavier gauge, galvanized metal.
Question and answer courtesy of Cherry Hill roofing contractor Fortified Roofing:
What does it mean when I see asphalt granules in the roof gutters?
Asphalt shingles have tiny pieces of mineral matter glued to their surfaces that help them repel water and prevent leakage. When these pieces begin to wash off in the rain, ending up in the gutters, this means that the glue is no longer holding and some or all of the shingles are wearing out. When a significant amount of granules begin collecting, it is time for the homeowner to seek the advice of a roofing professional.
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