It’s not a good idea to put your roofing interests off to the last minute. Checking for roof damage annually is so important. And when is the last minute? …as soon as it might start to rain. So summer is “officially” over – we are slipping into fall and (hopefully) that means that the rains are gonna’ come!
If you put off your roofing needs, you will have to stand in line with all the other Southern California homeowners and building managers who assume that they can just phone a roofing company a few weeks before the rains begin and get immediate service. Honestly, that is NOT the case, especially in SoCal. “Everyone” waits until the weatherman forecasts rain to call the roofer.
But first, how about a little self-check to see how your roof is doing? Regular inspections will allow for early detection of roofing problems. Then, if you perceive the something you can call for a professional roofer to verify what you have seen.
Begin with an interior inspection of your home. You first check all ceilings and walls for signs of leaking. Look for spotting or check for mold or a musty smell. The most common problem leakage areas are important to check such as around chimneys, vents and other holes in the roof. Make sure to grab a flashlight and make a trip to the attic.
Check for outside light showing through the roof and any signs of leaking.
When you take a look at the exterior of the roof, pay attention to such things as torn, cracked, bald or missing shingles. Look for areas of the roof that may be curling, blistering, buckling or rotting. Algae growth may appear as green or dark stains and most often occurs in humid climates.
Inspect around the chimneys, pipes, vents or other penetrated area for loose material or deterioration. Roofers use flashing material that is placed to prevent water penetration. Closely check the flashing for any signs of wear and tear. If you notice quite a bit of shingle granules in your gutters – your shingles are likely wearing thin.
Checking for roof damage includes checking for weakened decking or decking that sags between the rafters. If both the rafters and the decking are damaged it is time to consider a new roof. We rarely suggest a re-roof over the existing roof in this situation as it tends to lead to major future problems. When there is extensive damage to rafters or decking you should plan to remove the old decking and put on a new roof.
An annual roof check is not just good planning, it’s a necessity. J and J Roofing will inspect your roofing system and do any minor maintenance that we find is needed for the cost of $155. But if the inspector finds that you actually need more than a simple roof check-up then your $155 roof check becomes a free inspection and you will get an estimate for the work needed. No obligation!
For a Free Estimate – contact us at 323 913 4190 or on our website.
