The roof protects the contents of the home and also acts as a layer of defense for the beams, rafters, and walls below it. Performing roofing maintenance can prevent minor issues from escalating into significant damage during storms.

Inspecting the roof can reveal a variety of problems that are not apparent from the ground or to the untrained eye.

The flashing is an important part of the roof that keeps water from getting into the home. It is installed around areas that protrude from the roof, such as chimneys and vents. It is also located where the roof meets other sections of the house, including dormers and ridges. A leaking roof can have many problems, from ruined shingles to mold and rot. A good home inspector will inspect the flashing during a roof inspection and note any issues with it.

If a shingle is blown off the roof, it will likely hit the flashing and cause a leak. The flashing is made of a durable material, such as aluminum, and is designed to resist corrosion. However, it can still be damaged by hail or wind. If it is damaged, a professional can replace the flashing.

Another important thing to look for is rust, warping, or cracking of the flashing. If there is a gap in the flashing, moisture can get into the attic, which could lead to rot, mold, or even a blown shingle. In some cases, the flashing can be torn off during a storm, and it is best to replace it when this happens.

Flashing is attached to the shingles with either nails or screws, and these can sometimes wiggle loose. The nails or screws should be tightened regularly to prevent them from loosening. If you are unsure how to do this, it is best to hire a roofing professional.

The caulking that seals the flashing can also deteriorate, which is a problem. The caulking can be repaired with a little bit of silicone, which can be easily bought at any hardware store. The flashing should be caulked every 6 to 12 months, and a new layer of caulk should be applied when the old one is dry.

You should also check for moss and algae on the roof and the flashing. These can be removed with a high-powered pressure washer or by scraping with a metal blade. If the moss or algae has gotten under the flashing, you can use zinc or lead control strips to prevent it from growing back.

Inspect the caulk.

As part of a thorough roof inspection, the caulking needs to be examined. This is especially important around penetrations, such as vents and solar panels. If these seals are cracked, leaking, or showing signs of wear and tear, it’s time to consider re-caulking. It’s also important to inspect any flashing that is attached to pipes. These are another source of leaks and should be inspected for cracks, dry rot, or loose joints. This will help to prevent water intrusion into the building, and it can be easy to spot damage to the pipe flashing by looking at the surrounding caulking.

When it comes to re-caulking, using quality silicone caulking is a must. This will provide the best waterproofing for Vancouver’s wet climate, so it is well worth the extra cost.

Other areas to look for include any signs of moss or algae, which can be indicative of material breakdown. Also check for signs of deterioration to the roof surface, such as blistering or tears. This is particularly important for shingled roofs, but all roofing materials can be damaged by extreme weather.

Depending on the type of roof, it may be necessary to walk on the roof to get a better idea of its condition. This should be done carefully, but it is an important step in ensuring the integrity of the roof.

If the roof is not accessible, it can be helpful to walk across the street to gain a different perspective. This can be difficult to do if the roof is covered in debris, but it will help you spot problems that may not be visible from below. If you notice any damage, it’s important to address it right away so that small issues don’t become major ones.

While a regular roof inspection is critical, it’s even more important to have a system in place to ensure that any repairs are made as soon as possible. This will ensure that small problems don’t turn into expensive repair jobs down the line, and it will also save money on energy costs. This can be as simple as implementing an annual inspection schedule, or it could involve having professional waterproofing services perform the inspection.

Trim Trees

Trees add beauty and value to your Allentown, Bethlehem, or Easton, PA, home and also provide a number of benefits like shade, property value, and air quality. However, the trees around your house need regular care, including pruning. Tree trimming is an important aspect of a roofing maintenance program because it helps prevent damage to your roof and protects your property.

Whether your roof is made of shingles or a different material, it’s vital that you keep the branches and limbs trimmed away from the structure to reduce the risk of a branch falling onto it in a storm, damage to the gutter system, and blockage of sunlight. It’s also a good idea to trim any branches that are rubbing against your house, causing debris accumulation, or overhanging the roof.

There are several different types of tree trimming services, and the best time to do them can vary depending on the specific needs of your property and the type of tree. For example, removing dead or decaying wood can be done at any time and should always be performed before the weather turns cold, as the disease-carrying tissues will die quickly. Branches that rub together or are growing in a tight V shape should be pruned while the tree is still young to avoid structural problems as it grows older.

Crown cleaning involves removing any dead or dying wood from the top of the canopy and reducing the overall weight on selected limbs to improve light penetration, air circulation, and growth rate. This service can be done at any time of the year and should be combined with crown thinning.

Thinning a crown is similar to cleaning, except it removes live limbs on a broader scale, usually reducing the overall density of the canopy. This is usually the preferred pruning method for mature trees, as it can increase sunlight penetration and reduce stress from gravity, wind, ice, or snow.

When a branch is removed, you should use the three-cut pruning technique to prevent bark tearing and promote quick healing. First, make a small wedge-shaped cut under the branch on the branch side of the stem collar, which is the small lip of bark that each branch protrudes from. Then, make another cut an inch farther out and down from the first one to complete the removal without leaving a stub.

Inspect the interior

During an interior inspection, a roofing professional will go inside your attic to check the roof’s condition. They will look for things like proper insulation and ventilation as well as signs of leaks and mold. They will also check the shingle seams and chimney for looseness or damage.

Leaks are one of the most common problems that can occur with your roof. They can be caused by many different things, such as missing shingles, damaged flashing, or clogged gutters. Regardless of the cause, it is important to catch them as soon as possible so that they don’t worsen over time.

In addition to leaking, other signs of a problem include dark spots on the ceiling or walls, which can indicate water staining. Dark stains or streaks can also be caused by drafts coming through the roof. Drafts are not only irritating, but they can also add to your energy bills.

Your roof needs to be able to support itself as well as the weight of any fixtures or appliances on top of it. When there are issues with the structure of your roof, it can cause damage to everything below it. The roofing inspector will look for sagging, cracks in the base of the support, deflected hangers, and supports digging into the roof membrane. They will also look for stairs, crossovers, platforms, and railings to make sure they are safe and secure.

The gutters are another thing that the roofing inspector will examine. They need to be clear of debris so that rain and snow can drain properly. If they are clogged, it can lead to water pooling and potentially damaging the foundation of your home.

As part of your roof maintenance, you should inspect the gutters and downspouts after every heavy storm. If you see any rust, cracks, or debris in the gutters, it is important to have them repaired right away. Also, if you notice any water leaks or drips in your home after a storm, you should take notes and have the roof checked by a professional. This will help ensure that your roof is ready to face the next storm without causing any additional damage to your property.