When it comes to taking care of your home, one of the first and most important elements to consider is your roof. Just because a roof looks perfectly fine, or visible damage is small and easily ignored, does not mean that there is no cause for concern. Compromised sections of your roof can not only worsen and burden you with costly repairs, but can also weaken your roof’s structural integrity, leaving your home vulnerable to further damage during inclement weather. 

To keep your roof hale and whole, one of the most comprehensive measures you can take is planning regular roof inspections. During these roof assessments, contractors like our team at WestBank Roofing look for structural issues, allowing them to determine what repairs are needed and how future damage can be prevented. With over 50 years of experience in the roofing industry, it is our goal to do everything we can to ensure that your roof is ready to keep you, and the rest of your home, safe during storm season.  

What is an External Roof Inspection?

A roof inspection is an analysis of your roof health in order to identify any wear-and-tear or potential causes for concern. While each contractor may have their own method of performing a roof inspection, the process will generally include both an external and internal assessment. These may be conducted visually or through the use of tools such as infrared scanners, which allow contractors to identify differences in temperature within your roofing materials. 

During the external inspection, contractors will focus on the top and underside of your roof as they look for signs of damage, such as:

  • Shingle damage. This includes cracks or breaks, warping, or shingles which are missing entirely. Contractors may also look out for excessive granule shedding—that is, an extensive loss of the particles which cover the tops of shingles. 
  • Damaged, rusted or missing flashing—that is, a thin metal layer intended to divert water away from non-shingle areas such as walls and chimneys. 
  • Clogged, rusted or otherwise compromised gutters and downspouts
  • Rotting or damaged fascias—the long, thin boards which sit underneath your roof decking to protect your home from moisture. Rotted fascias may be a sign of damaged or improperly installed drip edging or gutters, and may also indicate that water has seeped into your home.
  • Compromised soffits, or the material which sits underneath your roof’s overhang to protect the eaves from the elements.
  • Blocked, damaged or poorly installed ventilation 
  • Rusted, loose or popped shingle nails
  • Cracked chimneys
  • Damaged or missing caulking or sealant around chimneys and skylights
  • Inspectors may also look for damage to your home’s siding—including rot, warping, and bubbling or peeling paint—as these may indicate problems such as moisture intrusion. 

What is an Internal Roof Inspection?

The internal inspection of your roof allows contractors to check your attic, walls, and ceilings, among other areas, for damage which cannot be detected easily from the outside. Signs contractors look for may include:

  • Spongy or sagging roof decking—that is, the flat boards installed underneath roofing materials such as shingles and underlayment. These issues may also be diagnosed from the exterior.
  • Signs of leaks, including water damage, mold or mildew inside your home
  • Any cracks or holes, which may be especially visible if light is shining through them and into your property
  • The condition of your attic vents, which allow air to enter and exit your attic. Poor attic ventilation may lead to excessive heat and moisture buildup.
  • Compromised or lacking insulation
  • Inadequate ventilation from kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans, which remove moisture, particulates and odors from the air

How You Can Help Protect Your Home

While you cannot do a professional roof inspection yourself, that doesn’t mean you don’t have any part to play in keeping your roof and home safe. It is important to remember that while an unusually hot and humid attic or a tiny leak during a rainstorm can seem like a small thing, they may encourage the formation of, or be indicative of, larger problems that need to be resolved. Keeping an eye out for clear signs of roof damage or water intrusion can help you get repairs or maintenance done sooner and avoid more costly solutions.

Plan Preventative Maintenance Visits with WestBank Roofing

When you work with WestBank Roofing, you will have more than a skilled and experienced team of contractors on your side. It is our goal to take proactive steps in order to keep your roof safe and secure, including offering a variety of roofing services as well as our two maintenance programs:

  • Standard maintenance plan: Our roofing contractors will conduct an initial assessment in order to determine an ideal number of annual visits—from 1 to 4 inspections per year. Following this, we will discuss a yearly fee and split the payments between the scheduled inspections.
  • Standard Plus “Storm Watch” program: Following a major storm, our inspectors will visit your house as soon as it is safe to do so in order to assess any damage. You don’t need to worry about giving us a call and scheduling an appointment; our contractors are sent out automatically. 

Contact WestBank Roofing to Start Boosting Your Roof’s Structural Integrity Today

As a homeowner, one of the best things you can do to keep your property safe is maintaining the structural integrity of your roofing materials. While roof inspections may seem expensive and unnecessary, a lack of visible or extensive damage does not mean there is no cause for concern. Blocked or damaged vents, a lack of insulation and water intrusion are among the many things which can compromise the structural integrity of not only your roof, but your entire home.

At WestBank Roofing, we understand the hesitance that surrounds regular roof maintenance, but we also know firsthand what seemingly minor roof damage can indicate or lead to. It is our goal to keep our community safe, and to prepare your home as much as possible for inevitable inclement weather events. And with GAF and Fortified roofing certifications, high-quality materials and the ability to offer the GAF System Plus Limited Warranty, we have the tools we need to do just that. So if you’re ready to take the first step toward improving the safety of your home, give us a call and schedule a roof inspection today.