With all the excitement of buying a new home, there are some things that you need to remember to do. Not the least of which is inspection. You should inspect everything in your new home, including the furnace/HVAC, the windows, doors, appliances, etc. One thing you shouldn’t overlook is inspecting the roof. Your roof is your main line of defense against damage by the elements. Not inspecting the roof now can cost you later, with repairs from water damage, unnoticed damage to the roof, and so on.
Your Roofer Walks You Through a Roof Inspection
There are several things your roofer will look for during an inspection, any one of which could indicate either damage or the need for a new roof.
Damaged or Missing Shingles
The first thing your roofer should look for is damaged or missing shingles. This is a good sign that the roof has seen better days. Any buckled or curled shingles are also a sign of an older roof. The missing or damaged shingles can let water leak in and damage the decking and leak into your attic or walls and cause damage to the sheet rock, framing, and cause mold to form.
Rust Spots On Flashing Or Cracked Caulking
Inspect the flashing around the chimney, in the roof valleys and anywhere else two angles meet. If the flashing has rust spots or is damaged in any way, it’ll let water seep in and cause damage to the house. Also, check the caulking where it’s been used. If it’s cracked, it needs to be removed and replaced. The cracks can let water seep in as well. These seeps can be less obvious and occur over time and lead to serious issues with the home’s structure and safety.
Lichen and Moss
Masses of lichen and moss are a sure sign of a deteriorating roof. These plants (yes, they’re plants) thrive on dampness and thrive on a roof that is decaying underneath.
Droops and Sags
If any part of the roof is sagging or drooping, that’s a sure sign that the decking underneath has been compromised and is decaying. Your roofer will be able to understand how much damage is there and what the best plan of action is.
Need a Roofer in Dunn Loring, VA?
If you live in the Dunn Loring, VA area and need a roofer to inspect your new home’s roof, contact Lyons Contracting. We can provide you with a free estimate to address your roof’s issues, and help you decide if you need repairs or a total replacement.
