Скачать или смотреть When Should I Replace My Roof? Roof Inspection DIY

Have you been told your roof might need replacing? Are you concerned you may need a new roof? This DIY guide will show you how to do a roof inspection yourself.

For all your home inspection needs in Colorado, call or text me at 303-809-8894, or email me at [email protected].

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Hi, I’m John Schultz, owner of JDS Home Inspection Services in Denver, Colorado. It’s time to talk about the roof. Roofs come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, but they all serve one function, to keep moisture out of the house and direct that moisture to the ground. Roof surfaces should be checked twice a year, in the spring and autumn, as well as after any major storms, especially hail storms. You can do this yourself as long as you know what to look for and how to do it safely. First, it’s important to know the material of your roof. Many materials cannot be walked on safely. You risk damaging your roof or slipping and falling, so know the material before you climb up there. Concrete, slate, and terra cotta tile should not be climbed on as you risk cracking the tiles. Metal roofs are easy to slip on, plus they get very hot in the sun. Wood shakes can split or dislodge under weight. If your roof is too steep, you risk losing your footing. In any of these situations, call a professional. They have specialized equipment to make roof inspection safe. It goes without saying, be aware of the weather. Roof shingles become brittle and crack easily in colder temperatures. Over eighty-five degrees the asphalt begins to melt, making it pliable and easy to damage. Obviously, don’t climb up there if it’s wet, icy, windy, or there is any risk of lightning. Lightning can strike up to twenty-five miles away; so don’t risk being the tallest thing out there. Check your roof on a nice, temperate day. It’s a good idea to start your roof inspection inside. Check your interior ceilings for any signs of moisture penetration such as water stains, bubbling paint, mold, or drips. These will show you the areas you need to pay extra attention to. Be careful on your roof. Avoid stepping on the ridges, as these are the weakest parts of the roof. If the roof feels spongy to walk on, this is an indication the sheathing may be damaged or rotted underneath. Walk the roof slowly in a grid pattern looking over all shingles. Take the opportunity to remove any debris. You’ll probably notice the south and west elevations look older than the rest of the roof. This is because they’re exposed to the sun more and age faster. Keep an eye out for any damaged or missing shingles. These can usually be replaced fairly easily. If you notice damage on more than twenty shingles, it’s time to bring in a professional roofer. Check all roof penetrations including vents, pipes, chimneys, and skylights. Be sure the vents are flush with the shingle surface. Make sure the flashing around them isn’t failing or in need of sealant. Damage to these areas can allow moisture to enter the home. You may see signs of hail damage or denting on the vents. This is usually cosmetic and doesn’t impede their function. Woodpeckers occasionally hammer on the vents of older homes since the metal has a sweet taste to them. If you have a service mast, be careful NOT to touch it. This is where electricity enters the home, so there’s a lot of power running through it. Look, don’t touch; just examine around the base to be sure it’s properly sealed and not letting in moisture. Call the power company if you suspect there is an issue with your service mast. Moss and algae growth can be a problem in warmer climates. This can be treated with a spray-on treatment that contains copper or zinc. Have a qualified arborist cut back any tree limbs overhanging the roof or running through service lines and remove any dead trees from the property. These can all be very dangerous in a windstorm. Don’t forget your gutters. These should be kept clean and free flowing all year long. Keep an eye out for any pooling or rust holes. While you’re at it, check for any damage to your flashing, the metal strip where the shingles meet the eaves. These keep moisture from entering the roof structure and causing wood rot or water damage. Look for any damage or loose pieces that could use shoring up. Lastly I just want to say, know your limits. Don’t put yourself at risk of falling. Call a professional if there’s any doubt. Thanks for listening and be sure to check out our other videos for helpful tips on other home-related subjects.