How To Inspect Your Roof

​Whether a foot of snow falls from the skies overnight or high winds tear through town, your home's roof is the first line of protection against storms and harsh weather. When homeowners have complete faith in their roof and ignore it until the first evidence of a leak emerges in the ceiling, they may already be dealing with much more severe concerns, unwanted structural issues, and mold development. Prevent future headaches by getting your roof inspected regularly.

Take a walk around the outside of your house first. Look for damage indicators on your roof while inspecting it from the ground. Is there anything dripping or dangling? Do you have birds or squirrels nesting in your gutters? Is there any discoloration visible? To discover issue areas that may not be apparent from within your attic or ceilings, stand across the street or use telescopes.

Tools and Materials You May Need

• Tape
• Measuring tape
• Pivot ladder
• Binoculars
• Moisture meter
• Laser pointer
• Paper and pen

Perform a Safe Roof Inspection 

1. Walk around
   Examine the roof from the outside and make notes. Identify areas that show age spots, sagging, or wear and tear. Keep an eye out for any dirt or leaves. These areas can hold moisture, causing severe roof damage. Look for buckling or granule loss on your shingles. Curled or missing shingles allow water to flow easily into your home, leaving your family vulnerable during inclement weather.
   
   
2. Examine the attic
   If your home has an attic, check it regularly for signs of roof damage because looking for leaks after significant rain is best. Mark the areas where you noticed water infiltration with chalk to identify the problem even after the rain stops. Also, keep an eye out for symptoms of rotting or discoloration on wooden features. 
   
   
3. Inspect the gutters
   Maintaining water drainage requires clean gutters. Observe the gutters and the overhangs on the roof. Gutter cleaning will help your roof last longer. If downspouts are appropriately placed, water will divert from your home's foundation and basement. Look for rotting indications and a buildup of leaves or animal nests.
   
   
4. Get on a ladder
   Climb to the highest point on a ladder and visually inspect the roof if you're fit enough to do it. Although there's no need to climb onto the roof, look for damage around the gutters and chimney. Call for replacement if you see anything unusual with the flashings or vent pipes. If a ladder isn't an option, see if local restrictions allow you to fly a drone camera above your house.

Conclusion
Many people believe that if their roof isn't leaking, they shouldn't be concerned, but regular checks and roof inspections can help prevent damage in the future. Daily visual inspection can help you avoid critical damage and save money on expensive repairs or replacements. 

At AllRisk Auto Insurance, LLC, we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Insurance is a necessity nowadays, and we're here to help you. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at (360) 693-4044. You can also request a free quote by CLICKING HERE. Topics and coverage discussed in this article are not guaranteed, consult with your agents to determine what your policy does and does not cover. We are more than happy to help!