How Do I Know When My Roof Needs Replaced?
Good Question…
It’s a question that inevitably comes to mind at some point. Homeowners and business owners alike need to have a solid and sturdy roof to keep their families and customers safe and sheltered throughout the seasons. So, when you do start asking yourself this question, there are some key areas, both inside and outside of your property, that you should examine. Follow our easy at-home inspection steps below to determine if you need a new roof!
Step 1: Start Outside
Grab your morning coffee and seize the early morning time to do a quick walkaround your property. Starting here can highlight big issues with your roof, but surprisingly, you won’t be looking up that much. We want you to scan the perimeter of your home or business for any shingles, roofing nails, or evidence of damage from above. This includes checking gutter downspouts and should take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of your property.
Step #2: If You Do Notice Signs of Damage
If you find shingles or nails on the ground outside, then it’s time to look up. Check directly under where you found the evidence of damage to see if you can spot what is happening from there. If not, step back and use your smartphone camera to get a closer look at your roof if possible. This may not be possible for two-three story homes, but give it your best shot.
Pro-tip: If you have a personal drone, use that to get a look at possible damage!
Step #3: The Roof Itself
A drone can make an at home inspection way safer, but you can also grab a ladder and go up on your roof yourself to inspect, if you are comfortable. If even the thought of stepping on a ladder causes hesitancy, we highly recommend staying off the roof–Give us a call instead for a look. If you do go up on your roof, keep an eye out for missing sections of shingles, lifted shingles, pools of water buildup, and debris buildup in your gutters. Be sure to take pictures or note down what you see up there.
Step #4: Take It Inside
If you’re scratching your head right now, that is totally valid. The inside of your home can be a great indicator of possible roofing issues above. Scout out the rooms closest to the roof in your home and the highest floor possible. Look at your ceilings for any signs of water discoloration or damage, check attic trusses for any moisture or signs of water contact, and also check for evidence of excessive dust or building material on the floor. All of these can be signs of trouble above and should be noted.
Step #5: Call Starway
If your at-home inspection revealed any of the issues we mentioned, it’s time to call our team to give you the support you need to restore your roof to 100%. Ignoring roof issues doesn’t save you money; it compounds the issue, allows more time for water to cause damage, and typically costs more to fix later. It’s better not to wait and risk roof failure or extensive damage to other parts of your home or business. Do it the StarWAY.
Before You Go…
You might just be chomping at the bit to get to inspecting but before you go, we thought this video of Jonathan walking you through one of our professional inspections will help you even more! Get a free estimate after your home inspection with our team today!