Stormy weather can create all sorts of problems for roofers in Salem. Inspect your roof to see if you need professional assistance.
It’s that time of year again in Oregon when we see a lot of inclement weather. Whether it’s rain, ice, or snow: Oregon is infamous for its precipitation. It is important to manually inspect your roof at least two times per year, making sure to note and repair any damage that might have occurred since the last inspection. The problem is, most homeowners get caught up in their day-to-day routines and forget about their roof, taking their protection from the elements for granted. We understand, since it isn’t something that you have to deal with frequently, it can be easy to forget. With that said, it can be a helpful reminder to pencil (or type) in reminders on your calendar every six-months in order to keep up to date with your inspections. Simple repairs that go unattended for longer amounts of time can end up causing much greater (and costlier) damage, so it is important to take care of issues as they arise. In addition to bi-annual inspections, it is important to check the general condition of your roof after major storms have happened in your area.
Now that you understand the importance of visually inspecting your roof, let’s talk about how to go about inspecting your roof.
Please note that you should inspect the roof with a partner as a safety precaution.
- Check Inside Your Home. Begin by checking your ceilings in each room, including the attic. You’re looking for signs of a leak. In your attic, you should also consider looking at the floor for spots with any potential water damage, or for areas that light is shining through (this indicates that there is a hole in the roof, and that your roof is not watertight). If any part of your roof seems to be concaved, this could be indicative of a larger problem like dry rot or other water damage.
- Visually Inspect Your Roof. This will involve you climbing up a ladder to get on your roof. Make sure to tie your ladder and have a partner with you in order to have an additional layer of safety. Once you’re on your roof, walk around and look for pooled water. If there is any water pooling on a pitched roof, you could have a problem. Sitting water on a pitched roof can cause damage, or can be a sign that one of your roof’s water disposal systems aren’t properly functioning. Take a look in your valleys and gutters for any debris that could be obstructing water flow. If there is debris, now would be a good time to clean your valleys or gutters out to help prevent further roof damage. You checked the inside for any concaved shaping, but be sure to check the exterior of the roof as well. Your roof should also feel firm when you step on it. If it is not, then immediately climb back down to the ground and call a roofing professional. If you’re looking for GAF-Certified Salem roofers, give us a call and we’ll give you an estimate. We serve many other areas in Oregon as well, so give us a call if you’re in Wilsonville, Canby, Albany, Dallas, Silverton, Detroit, or other surrounding areas as well!
- Look at Your Roofing Material (Shingles, Tiles, or Cedar Shakes). Get a closer look at the roofing material on your house, whether it’s shingles, tiles, shakes, or something else; it should give you a good idea of the general condition of your roof.Shingles: For shingles, if there are any signs of darkening, tearing, balding, or curling, there could be damage or it could be time for a new roof in general.
Tiles: For tiles, if there are cracked or broken tiles, you could need to replace the roof or just individual tiles, depending on the extent of the damage. Do not walk on the tiles when inspecting, as this can break them.
Cedar Shakes: For cedar shakes, if there are split shakes, if there is an overwhelming amount of moss, or if there is termite damage, it could be time to replace the roof.
Don’t procrastinate essential roof repairs. The roof over your head is what protects your family and all of your possessions safe from the elements, and it is much better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your family’s well-being. Being proactive about repairs can save you thousands of dollars. If you have any other questions about your roofing inspection, give us a call today at (503) 585-2338 and ask one of our Oregon roofing experts today. Whether you need roof repair or a new roof, we can help. We know that owning a home is expensive. In order to help with that, Slate & Slate Roofing offers free roof estimates to all customers.
