A roof inspection is a proactive maintenance task that’s easy to overlook. Add a once-a-year reminder on your calendar to go out on a warm day and address any potential issues. There’s no need to get up on your roof just yet. The less you walk around up there, the better for your roofing, and safer for you. Work your way around your house with binoculars or if you’re not too squeamish use a ladder to peep, noting any problem areas.
Roof Inspection Checklist
- Cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing.
- Shingles that are buckling, curling, or blistering.
- Missing or broken shingles.
- Cracked and worn rubber boots around vent pipes.
- Missing or damaged chimney cap.
- Masses of moss and lichen, which could signal the roof is decaying underneath. Black algae stains are just cosmetic. Moss eradication begins in the fall. Apply a moss killer intended for roofs.
If you find piles of colored grit from asphalt roof tiles in the gutters, that’s a bad sign — those sand-like granules cover the surface of roof shingles and shield them from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. Check the age of your roofing and see if it’s nearing the end of its life cycle.
Doing Your Own Repairs
Any loose, damaged, or missing shingles should be replaced immediately. Check for popped nails that need to be hammered back in place.
If you’re comfortable working on a roof, then it’s not too difficult to replace shingles and caulk flashing yourself. It will cost roughly $24 for a bundle of shingles and $6 for roofing caulk. Allow a half-day to make a few shingle repairs.
Metal and vinyl flashing around chimneys, skylights, and attic vents that have separated need to be resealed with caulk. Flashing and vent boots that are beginning to rust or deteriorate should be replaced.
Professional Repairs
Contact professional roofing companies to get at least two quotes for repair work. You can use a handyman for minor fixes to possibly shave costs, but the person should be bonded, have proof of liability, and workman’s comp insurance.
Rough estimate costs for common repairs:
- A few broken or missing shingles: $100- $150.
- Large repairs (10-foot-by-10-foot section of roofing): $100 -$350 for asphalt; $200- $1,000 for wood.
- Replacing flashing or boots around chimneys, skylights, and vents: $300- $500.
- Repairing flashing in valleys: $15-$25 per foot.
Early Signs of a Roof Leak
Annual roof checkups are great, but problems can occur at any time. Early signs of trouble include:
- Dark areas on ceilings.
- Peeling paint on the underside of roof overhangs.
- Damp spots alongside fireplaces.
- Water stains on pipes venting the water heater or furnace.
If you find worrisome signs, especially if the roof is old or there’s been a storm with heavy wind or hail, get a professional assessment immediately. If your asphalt roof is 15 years old or more, it may be due for replacement.
About Sine Insurance
At Sine Insurance Group, we are dedicated to providing you with custom-tailored insurance policies to protect your assets. Our comprehensive packages have been expertly crafted to serve St. Louis and the surrounding areas for the past 25 years. For more information about our products, contact us today at (636) 947-1177.