08 Oct Fall and spring are ideal time for roof inspection

Homeowners should conduct a roof inspection on a regular basis

In Tennessee, the spring and fall seasons are an ideal time to escape to the outdoors for many reasons. Camping, hiking, and other adventures take center stage, but it is also a great timeframe for landscaping and completing home exterior projects among many other activities. 

Out of all these home activities, one of the most neglected areas of a home can be the roof and gutters. This is mainly due to visibility. Because as homeowners, many don’t see this portion of the home day-to-day nor do homeowners take the time to inspect the roof properly. A good rule of thumb is to inspect your roof and gutters in the spring and fall. And also pay attention to the items listed below.

Leaf and debris removal from gutters

For many homes, gutters should be inspected in the spring and fall, but you should use caution when inspecting. A ladder is required and there may be many areas that are taller and more difficult to reach. So always be safe and aware of your surroundings. 

Over time, the buildup of leaves and debris can not only cause damage to the gutters but the fascia boards as well. These are the boards that are aligned along the rafters and to which the gutters are fixed.

Roof inspection checklist

If you are cleaning your gutters and find an excessive amount of granules from the roof, then you should examine it closer. In addition, below are a few other items to check when inspecting the roof.

If recent storms hit your area, then it is also of note to look for areas that could be affected by wind, hail, and other elements. 

• Debris on roof
• Loss of granules
• The surface condition of shingles
• Buckled shingles
• Chimneys, vents, and flashing

Inside the home, leaks and water damage can sometimes be easier to identify than looking at shingles on a roof. Ceilings and walls are good indicators if water damage is present, which can be directly related to the roof.

Inspect your roof and exterior after a severe storm

As the seasons change in Middle Tennessee, storm damage is a common occurrence in the spring and also this time of year. 

Flash flooding is a familiar sight in the area, but storms can also bring heavy rain, wind, and even hail at times. When natural disasters such as this happen, the exterior of a home is always a key target for damage.

Wind and Rain Damage

While many believe tornadoes boast some of the most extreme winds, straight-line winds can be just as devastating to land and homes when compared to tornadoes. Straight-line winds can reach high speeds while damaging trees and areas of a home’s exterior such as gutters, siding, and the roof. 

Regarding the roof, the structure and type of roof are of importance when it comes to wind damage along with the style and decking. In addition, the roof covering is a major player in protecting against roof damage as it is the first line of defense. 

Rain and wind can result in cracked roof shingles. They can be blown away or crack, which can cause significant damage if left unattended. If a cracked shingle tile goes without notice, then it can cause mold and other problems can arise. 

During a storm, wind and rain damage can also bring about debris from trees and other sources. In turn, this can damage shingles as well and even cause a roof leak. A roofing professional can locate the source of a leak as it may not always be at the sight of impact. A roof leak may begin in one spot, but it may be visible in another area such as the ceiling or walls of a home. 

Along with shingle tiles, roofing vents and chimneys are also other areas that can be affected by rain and wind damage during a storm. 

Hail Damage

Outside of wind and rain, hail is also a major cause of exterior damage during a severe thunderstorm. Depending on the severity of the storm, hail damage will vary greatly and range in size and scope of the damage. 

Hail damage may be difficult to see for the average homeowner, so contacting a roofing professional is a key first step after a storm. For the majority of homeowners with asphalt shingles, hail damage may reflect a loss of granules and a darker color. The damage can also be in different spots due to wind direction and speed and also the size and density of the hailstones. 

When to hire a roofing contractor

If you’ve spotted any areas that appear to be irregular or items you feel may need immediate attention, then it is a good idea to contact a local roofing contractor. 

Quality Exteriors offers a free roofing inspection and can always tell you what you need and also eliminate any services that may not be required. In turn, an inspection can also give you time to ask any questions about your roof where you can gain more insight on new roofing solutions.

In addition, Quality Exteriors can handle your insurance claims as well. 

Tennessee endures a fair share of wind and hail storms each year, and many homes aren’t properly inspected and repaired due to the fact homeowners do not understand the damage these storms can do to their roofs and exteriors. By working directly with all of the major insurance companies to expertly assess the damage, Quality Exteriors ensures you receive a fair settlement.