Northern Michigan roof inspection
Northern Michigan home inspection business based in Petoskey, Michigan covers roof inspections and testing. Roof inspections can be performed in many ways. How do I know if I need a new roof?
How do I know if I need a new roof?
Big or small, houses need to have a roof that is a barrier to the elements. A professional roof inspection that is performed with a home will give you an idea of your current roof status. A simple mistake by a roofer can lead to a huge investment for a homeowner.
A typical roof will last anywhere from fifteen years all the way to fifty or more images. Putting the roof on correctly, and maintaining it, is going to extend your roof life to the max.
High winds, elements, poorly applied roofs, poor water drainage, lots of snow, ice dams, etc will ruin a roof and decrease its lifespan quickly.
Things homeowners can look out for in a roof
There are many things that homeowners can watch for on their roofs. First, make sure your roof is drying off fully during the day. If your roof holds water anywhere that is a dreaded situation. Mold will form and water will find its way under the roofing and ruin your roof decking. A good way to assure the roof dries out is to remove trees anywhere within 10 feet of the roof. The sun and the breeze are your friends when it comes to drying out the roof. If you have an attic entrance, peek your head up in the access once a year. Better yet, pay a high school kid to put on a face mask and climb up and take a look at the underside of your roof decking. Watch for colored spots, molds, whites, blacks, etc. This will tell you that there is dampness. Watch for roof coverings that have blown off or are failing. Sometimes a simple shingle failure can lead to an entire roof being destroyed. I would not suggest having a homeowner on the roof but it is a good idea to have someone walk the roof especially if there is not an attic access underneath. Overall, just being vigilant will help you save on future costs from a roof that fails early.
Sometimes thermal imaging can find issues that the human eye cannot see. If you suspect an issue I would recommend having thermal imaging look at the real issue after a big rainfall.
In summary, being observant and aware of the potential of major water issues and fees associated with your roof is paramount. If you suspect that there is an issue call a professional to get a roof assessment done. Home inspections work well to find issues associated with roofs too. Neither technique is a hundred percent accurate. There will always be areas that cannot be accessed.
