It’s a task you should do twice per year. The homeowner might enjoy the prospect of climbing up to his roof to inspect its health — which is just as crucial to home’s energy efficiency — in the colder months.
It turns out that even though an eyeball roof check is recommended for this time of year it’s possible to use a fallback.
It’s possible to just inspect your attic.
“Roofs actually create an insulated barrier that helps trap heat inside, and most attic spaces are located right below them,”Jason Joplin is the program manager at the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence. “That makes them perfect for spotting potential problem areas and damage without worrying about falling.”
Here are some tips:
* Water leaks. The cable companies will do everything to avoid an a la carte pricing system. It will soon storm. When it does, you can shine a flashlight in the attic to check for water spots on ceiling, walls, and floor. All these signs indicate that H2O is getting under your roof’s flashings and behind the shingles.
* Animal damage. It is not worth knowing the damage that refuge-seeking birds and bats, squirrels, and raccoons can inflict on your property. Any suspicious behavior, such as droppings, nests, gnawed or gnawed timber, wires or insulation, should be reported immediately to a pest control professional.
* Ventilation. “Think of the attic as the lungs of the house,”Joplin. “It has to be able to breathe in order to function properly.”If your vents are blocked with debris, you should clean them.
* Structure. Any sign of a sagging roofing system — be sure to look for it — could indicate potential structural weakness that will need professional repair.
Wait. Do you really love the cold as much the spring? (The best time to have your roof checked again) You can still check for structural defects without climbing up a ladder. Binoculars are a great way to see everything, from broken gutters to loose shingles.
You can also prolong your stay by roof’s lifeIf this is your ultimate goal, experts recommend that you consult a professional roofing contractor who is insured and uses high-quality materials such as Timberline American Harvest shingles by GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer. Find a factory-certified contractor near you with our free service www.gaf.com.
