Asphalt shingle roof inspection: how to extend the life of your roof?

Inspecting an asphalt shingle roof is essential to keeping your home in good condition and ensuring its health and durability. It is possible to extend the life of your roof despite it being the most tested component of a house. It is constantly under fire from the sun’s rays and the onslaught of wind, rain, ice and snow, which inevitably leaves scars.

It’s better to be safe than sorry!

It is important to monitor roof coverings to ensure they are in good condition and to spot potential problems early before they become too serious and costly to repair. Identifying and fixing problems in time will certainly save you money in the long run.

A regular inspection can help detect anomalies and identify small repairs that need to be made, cutting off damage that could incidentally lead to infiltration.

Inspect your roof in the spring and fall

For a homeowner who wishes to inspect their asphalt shingle roof, it is recommended that a regular inspection be performed at least twice a year. Fortunately, this is not too difficult to do.

• The first inspection of your roof should be done in the spring, as this is when weather conditions such as snow and rain can cause significant damage.
• The second roof inspection should be done in the fall, as this is when leaves and debris can accumulate and cause damage.

If you live in an area with a lot of precipitation, high winds and extreme temperatures, you should inspect your roof more frequently. In this regard, you will need to inspect your roof inside and out after severe storms or intense weather events. This will help you detect damage that may have been caused by the weather and repair it before it becomes too severe.

Of course, nothing beats the trained eye of a roofing expert for this type of inspection. The most common problems, however, will not escape the attention of someone with a pair of binoculars or the ability to climb to the edge of the roof of their home using a ladder.

A 9 step roof inspection

When inspecting your asphalt shingle roof, it is important to check the asphalt shingles for any damage or deterioration. You should also check the junction between the shingles and the walls and check the condition of the downspouts and other roofing components.

Here are the steps you should follow when inspecting your asphalt shingle roof:

Start by inspecting the exterior of your roof.

Examine asphalt shingles for damage such as cracks, missing shingles, holes, dents, stains, signs of wear or moisture stains.

• Look for signs of corrosion or wear on the shingles.
• Also check the joints between the shingles to make sure they are still properly sealed.
• Check the siding around chimneys, vents and other roof openings to make sure there are no leakage problems.
• Check the junction between the shingles and the walls;
• Inspect gutters and downspouts to make sure they are not clogged.

Next, inspect the interior of your asphalt shingle roof.

• Check the attic for water leaks, moisture or mold.
• Check the flashings and rafters to make sure they are in good condition and not corroded.
• Also make sure all fasteners are properly installed and not corroded.
• Don’t forget to examine the frame for signs of deterioration or decay.

Finally, once you have completed the inspection, you will need to check the condition of the roofing accessories and may need to make repairs. If you find any damage, make a note of it and have it repaired as soon as possible by a roofing professional. If you are not qualified to make these repairs, get an estimate from a certified roofer and a quote to make the necessary repairs.

Careful on the roof!

This inspection tour on your roof, which is meant to be preventive, must itself be placed under the sign of prevention! You don’t climb a ladder like a staircase and you don’t walk on a roof like you’re in a garden.

Does your roof have a steep slope? Are you afraid of heights or not comfortable with heights? You should consider hiring a professional roofer for this task. However, if you feel up to it, there are a few precautions to take:

1. In terms of clothing, choose shoes with rubber soles or non-slip soles that fit your feet well. Especially no sandals!
2. Also be sure not to wear loose clothing that can snag.
3. Have another person stay on the ground before venturing up. This person can ensure the stability of the ladder and can intervene without delay in case of emergency. If you are alone, you should tie off the top of the ladder so you don’t get stuck on the roof in case it gets blown over by a strong wind.
4. Be careful never to leave an installed ladder unattended. A child could try to climb it and get hurt.
5. The ladder must extend 90 cm (3 feet) beyond the edge of the roof. Ideally, the ladder should remain in the center and the three-point rule should be followed at all times (two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the rungs).
6. Your concentration is required when moving on a roof. A roof, it begins and ends! It is very important to be aware of this, because it only takes a moment of inattention or a sudden movement to trip and fall. And what about the real danger of electrical installations!

To ensure the health and durability of your asphalt shingle roof, it is important that you inspect the roof regularly. By following the above process, you will be able to identify and repair problems before they become too serious and costly.

In conclusion, regular inspection of your asphalt shingle roof is an important and essential process to keep your home watertight and to extend the life of your roof. Therefore, it is important to monitor roof coverings to ensure that they are in good condition. By following the above process, you’ll be able to catch problems before they get worse and make small repairs to keep your roof in good shape for as long as possible.