Inspecting a roof can be dangerous. If you don’t have experience here, it might be smart to hire professional help. Climbing ladders and standing on a sloping surface can be particularly risky.
If you do choose to inspect your roof, make sure you understand the signs of disrepair that relate to the particular roofing material. If your roof is slate, the signs of damage will be different than those of metal roofs.
Here are a few spring roof maintenance tips for your residential roof:
- Examine any wear near the roof valleys. Water runs down these valleys and into the gutter, so they are prone to water damage.
- For asphalt shingles, look for cracks in the shingles. These will appear as black areas or lines.
- For shingle or shake roofs, look for curled pieces. They may turn upward or be broken, split or missing.
- For slate roofs, examine any black areas where the slate might be missing.
- Examine the area surrounding the vent pipes and chimney. Look for gaps, cracks or missing caulk.
- If you have binoculars, use them to examine the trim, flashing and area around the chimney for cracks, loose shingles and wear.
- Assess the eave overhangs for water stains.
- Inside the home, look underneath the roof for signs of discolored or stained ceilings
