How to Inspect Asphalt Roofing
An asphalt roof has a life expectancy of 20 to 50 years. However, you can ensure that it lives out this expectancy by inspecting it annually, inspecting after rain and wind storms, and making repairs as they become due. Knowing how to inspect asphalt roofing could save your home from major damage if you take on the challenge of doing the work yourself.
What you will need:
- Sturdy roof ladder
- Rubber soled shoes
- Check the roof for branches and leaves that may have accumulated on the roof from trees in the area. The importance of checking the roof after a wind or a rain storm goes without saying. A storm may cause the accumulation of debris that traps water. Water trapped in this way could lead to deterioration of the roof shingles and eventually to weakness in the roof. During periods of high wind, such debris could become lodged under roof tile and cause it to loosen or lift off altogether.
- Look for missing shingles. Replace any missing shingles or else the next rain storm may bring water into your home.
- Look for loose shingles. Loose shingles may get picked up in the next rain or wind storm and become missing shingles before too long. If you find loose shingles, use roofing cement, purchased from a hardware store, to secure them back in place.
- Check the roof for gaps that may occur in the areas of the chimney stack and the roof vents. Ensure that metal flashing shows no damage or signs of extraordinary wear. Immediately repair all gaps regardless of their size, so that they do not grow into a bigger problem.
- Hire a professional roof repair specialist to repair and inspect asphalt roofing on your home if you do not want to kneel on a roof or stand on a ladder.