DIY Roof Inspection Tips For The Thrifty Homeowner

Do you like to save more than you spend? There are ways to make it happen.... even at home. Keeping your household running smoothly is a massive undertaking. There are so many things that need to be handled on a daily basis. That doesn't even include tasks that need to be dealt with during certain times of the year! Some of those things require assistance from a professional, however certain tasks can be turned into a simple DIY project. That project may entail re-painting the spare bedroom or even sprucing up the garden. It may also include your roofing inspection.
While some homeowners choose to have their bi-annual inspection performed by a roofing professional - you don't have to. It is possible to do it yourself. If you are looking to save a few dollars and still get quality results, keep reading. It is time to tackle DIY roof inspection with these helpful tips for thrifty homeowners.

Tip #1: Take a Look At Your Trees First

Saving money on your inspection requires some attention to detail. It is important to keep a look out for any potential problems...otherwise your thrifty solution may end up costing you far more over time. The best place to start is by looking at your trees. Yes, before you climb a ladder or grab those binoculars, inspect your trees first. Whether you have trees in the front or back yard, pay attention to the overhang. When branches are too long they can scratch your shingles, pull them off completely, or cause serious damage to your roofing materials. Falling leaves can also clog up your gutters and result in water leaks. If you find that your tree branches are close enough to cause concern - make note. You will need to have them trimmed as quickly as possible.

Tip #2: Keep an Eye Out For Black Marks On The Roof

Now it is time to actually start inspecting your roof. It is recommended that this be done both on ground level with a pair of binoculars as well as at eye level, by stepping up on a ladder. There are certain things you should be looking for. Like black marks, for instance. Do you see any black streaks or lines on your shingles? How about black spots? This is a problem. If you happen to see this anywhere on your roof, there is a strong possibility that you are dealing with a mold problem. Mold and algae tend to grow during the humid times of the year. If the problem is left unfixed for too long, your roofing structure can become weakened. From that point on, water leaks will be nothing but inevitable. Speak to a roofing professional immediately to begin the proper removal process. A tip? To prevent this from happening, use a protective UV coating on your roofing system.

Tip #3: Take Note Of Any Noticeable Damage

You never want to sacrifice the safety and security of your home. This is why inspections are such an integral part of your routine. While you are busy looking for signs of black spots or streaks, you should also be looking for damage to your roofing materials. That includes rips or tears in your shingles, missing sections, worn out areas, missing flashing, and so on. Anything that looks out of place will need to be inspected more thoroughly and repaired. This is essential as damaged or missing roofing materials can cause water leaks and structural damage. That can put the rest of your roof - and your home - at risk. Take note and handle the necessary repairs as quickly as possible.
Want to save money this year? Then perform a roofing inspection twice a year and keep a look out for any potential problems. From there, you can choose to handle repairs and maintenance on your own or with a little outside help. Consistency is key.... so stay up to date to prevent costly emergency repairs down the road.
Joe Davis understands the importance of roof inspections. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Roofing.