All roofs consist of two components: the siding and the protective roof surface that covers them. During a roof evaluation, both components are checked for structural integrity, and the number of years the roof can last is also determined. Assessing the roof’s condition is often a necessity for lenders when selling a home, but it’s also helpful for current homeowners looking to make repairs. You can assess the condition of most roofs without climbing on them. But, if you want to make it even easier, you can contact professional roofers in Northern Colorado. Now, let’s take a look at how to check and appraise your roofing condition.
Do Exterior Inspection
First, you need to start far enough back on the house to see the entire roof and look for dips or uneven slopes. See if the ridge of the roof is flat. Next, investigate uneven areas further away from the attic. Look through binoculars to assess the condition of the shingles. You’ll be able to see missing shingles and discolored areas together, but it’s much easier to see small gaps under the edges of the shingles, blisters and falls through the binoculars.
If the chips are shallow and only affect the shingle covering, the roof may still be fine, but even small chips can affect the entire life of your roof. If the cracks affect entire shingles, look for openings under other shingles for loose shingles, this can be a sign of roof collapse. Walk through the entire house. Sometimes, the shaded side of the roof looks fine, but the side of the roof that takes the brunt of the hot sun shows more damage.
Check the Air Circulation at the Roof Ventilation
Find the roof’s ventilation system. In cold climates, air must circulate just below the roof sheathing to prevent heat and moisture buildup that can warp the roof sheathing and extend the shingles’ life. Look for vents in the soffits, which are the bottom of the eaves, and some vents near the roof ridge. The latter can be a valve door, a retractable door, a toaster door, or a series of static vents that allow warm, moist air to escape from the attic.
Suppose there is no open area in the attic, which is normal in homes with vaulted ceilings and developed attics. In that case, ventilation should be in the form of baffles leading from soffit vents to a chimney connector or other vent near the ridge. Air baffles can be made of plastic, metal, or wood.
Do Examination Beneath the Roof
It would be best if you visited the attic to inspect the rafters along with the underside of the roof. If you see openings outside and see water stains, it’s a fantastic bet that the shingles aren’t sealed properly, and moisture, sometimes in the form of ice, is entering the roof through the openings. A contractor could install encouraging posts to stop the movement, but don’t fix it yourself. Look for signs of warping in the roof sheathing, which indicates a lack of ventilation. Make sure the roof and soffit vents are not blocked with insulation or other materials.…