How to Inspect Your Own Roof
If you’ve been thinking about a roof inspection, you’ve come to the right place! You’ll find out how to inspect your own roof and what to look for to make sure that you don’t have any problems with it. Read this first!
Infrared roof inspections
Infrared roof inspections can save building owners hundreds of thousands of dollars. IR inspections are used to find leaks before they become catastrophic. This prevents a loss of product and equipment, as well as downtime.
Thermography is a non-destructive technique that can identify the extent of a leak. It can help prevent costly repairs or even complete roof replacement.
IR inspections are done on a yearly basis. They are important for knowing the condition of your roofing system and for maintaining your warranty.
These type of surveys can be conducted by a helicopter or fixed wing aircraft. A baseline thermal image of the entire roof area can be collected.
Wet areas will show up as a reddish color on the IR camera. Areas that are cooler will appear as a purple-ish color.
An infrared roof scan can help you determine if the roof is nearing the end of its life and recommends cost effective removal of wet components. If the roof has a manufacturer’s warranty, then IR inspections should be performed annually.
Visual observations
Visual observations are often overlooked, but are a must for any building manager. Using your eyes and your sense of smell can tell you a lot about a roof’s state of health. In particular, check for loose shingles and missing granules, both of which are a recipe for a leaky roof.
A good visual observation should cover all aspects of the roof, including the underside of the deck. Look for signs of wear like scratches, stains, and buckling. Don’t forget to check for animal activity, as this can indicate major problems. Keeping a close eye on the sky at night is also a must, as this can be an indication of mold or pests.
A well-planned visual inspection is an excellent way to save money and prevent damage. If you have the time and inclination, there’s no reason not to get up on the roof and see for yourself. You should also consider scheduling a professional to do the job.
Checking for signs of water intrusion/leaks in the attic
It’s important to check your attic for signs of water intrusion or leaks. This will help you identify problems before they become a major issue. While water damage can be an inconvenience, it can also be dangerous for your home and your health.
If you have a leak, it’s best to get it fixed quickly. Not only will it reduce your energy bill, it can keep your home from falling apart. The first sign of a leak is often a musty odor.
Water stains on your ceiling are another indicator of a leak. These stains may appear slowly over time, or they may appear right away. You can locate the source of the leak by using a bright flashlight.
Mold is a common problem in attics. The moisture from a leak can seep through the walls and into the insulation. Once you know what caused the leak, you can stop it before it becomes a bigger problem.
Leaks are often hidden. They can show up as musty odors, a damp ceiling, or discoloration of walls and ceiling materials.
Inspecting the rest of the roof
A roof inspection can determine the condition of your roof, which can help you prevent further damage. It is important to have a roof inspected on a regular basis. In addition to checking the condition of your roof, you should check the gutter system and attic venting. An improperly vented attic can cause heat and moisture build-up.
During the inspection, the inspector will check for missing fasteners and shingles. She will also look for signs of sagging, unevenness, and cracks. If a roof is damaged or leaking, it should be repaired as soon as possible.
Once the roof is inspected, the inspector will also check the chimney and the soffit. The soffit is a material that covers the overhang of your roof. Checking the soffit will give you a good idea of whether or not your roof is structurally sound. This includes checking for signs of cracks, missing or loose pieces of shingles, and broken or leaky gutters.
Another way to inspect your roof is to perform a thermal imaging test. This is a procedure that uses infrared light to detect temperature differences. You can point the device at each part of your roof and mark any areas that are unusually warm. These spots will then appear bright white against a dark background. Read next.