Whether you’ve experienced strong winds from a coastal storm or are concerned about mold growth from high humidity, regularly checking your roof for damage can help prevent serious issues. A regular roof checkup can help you spot and fix problems before they damage your roof beyond repair.
You should check your roof for damage at least once a year, although more often is recommended. If your home experiences a particularly strong storm or hurricane, you should inspect your roof afterward. Although you can perform a simple roof inspection yourself to check for major issues, it’s always a good idea to regularly hire a roofing contractor in Central Florida to give your roof a professional inspection.
Inspect the Exterior
No matter what type of material was used for your roof, you should start with an exterior inspection from the safety of the ground. Using either your naked eye or a pair of binoculars, take a look at the sections of your roof that are visible from the ground. You will want to look for any obvious signs of damage, such as blown-off shingles, or debris such as tree branches.
You should also check any spots of your roof that may be more prone to damage, such as the area around a chimney or skylight. These spots may be weaker than the rest of the roof due to the interruption in the roofing materials. Likewise, be sure to check around your gutters and the ends of your roof for things like water damage or wear marks.
What to Look for in Different Roofing Materials
There are many different types of roofing materials used on roofs, and each may show unique signs of damage. Here are the most common roofing types, and some of the common types of damage they might face:
- Asphalt shingles: Asphalt shingles are one of the most common types of roofing material. The important thing to look for in asphalt shingled roofs is visibly damaged shingles. This can include missing shingles, cracked shingles or broken shingles. Additionally, look for any bubble or blistering in the center of the shingles, which may indicate there is moisture beneath the surface.
- Wood shingles and shakes: Wood shingles or shakes are less common than asphalt shingles. However, wood shingles offer a natural look that many homeowners enjoy. To check for damage to wood shingles, look for broken shingles or cracks in the shingles. It’s especially important to check wood shingles after a strong storm to avoid expensive leaks.
- Clay tile roofs: Clay tile provides durability that isn’t found in asphalt shingles or wood shakes. However, clay tile roofs are generally more expensive, so catching damage before it becomes a major issue is important. Check for chips in tiles, or tiles that have become separated. In strong winds, edge tiles may come loose and hit other tiles, causing damage.
Hiring a Professional Roofing Contractor in Central Florida
The easiest way to ensure that your roof stays in good shape is to hire a professional roofing contractor in Central Florida. Give the roofing experts at Winter Springs Roofing & Repair a call for all of your roofing inspection needs.