Make Sure Your Home’s Roof is Ready for Winter
We know these beautiful Fall days in East Tennessee will soon give way to winter’s freeze. Now is the right time to make sure your home’s roof is ready for the cold weather ahead.
To some extent, a roof inspection can be a do-it-yourself job—some things that need attention can be readily seen by the untrained eye. But a thorough job—the kind that can extend the life of your roof, prevent further damage and save money in the years ahead—should be done by a professional roof inspector.
A roof inspector will for leaks, unusual wear and tear, damage caused by windblown debris, organic growth issues, and problems that may have occurred during shingle installation or subsequent repairs. The roofing pro looks at four important components: structure, materials, interiors, and workmanship.
Structural Inspection: The inspector checks for uneven roof planes and signs of sagging, in addition to examining the condition of the soffit, fascia, and gutter system. Masonry chimneys are also inspected for cracks, crumbling grout, and damage to chimney caps. The inspector may also check the venting in your attic. Improper venting can lead to heat and moisture buildup that reduces roof life and increases the risk of ice dams forming at the roof’s edge.
Material Inspection: Here, the inspector looks for loose, missing, or curling shingles; stains; moss; rust; and missing flashing or fasteners. Shingle aggregate that has settled in roof valleys or on the ground at the bottom of gutter downspouts is a sign that the roof could be near the end of its useful life. The inspector will also check the rubber boots and seals around vent pipes, looking for gaps or deterioration.
Interior Inspection: Because roof leaks ultimately damage your home, the inspector will check interior ceilings, the attic, and interior walls for water stains, mold, rot, and other signs that water is making its way into your house.
Workmanship Inspection: A thorough inspector will examine your roof for problems in workmanship that could increase the risks of leaks or other roof damage in the future. Incorrect flashing around roof penetrations—including vent pipes, skylights, and chimneys—are all red flags.
What if damage is discovered? It really depends on the type of damage your residential roofing specialist finds. Some damage might only require a simple repair, while more extensive damage could require total replacement. And if there is any water damage in your home, that might require partnering with an indoor contractor to repair that damage, too.
Either way, you can expect a professional residential roofing contractor to provide you with a quote, financing options, information on how they can work with your insurance, and a custom game plan just for you.
Free Roof Inspection by Garrett Construction and Roofing
At Garrett Construction and Roofing, roofs are our specialty. Under the experienced leadership of Matt Garrett, our experienced crews stand ready to handle all your roofing needs. Serving East Tennessee since 2005, we are a licensed General Contractor and our general services range from full residential and commercial construction projects to remodeling, painting, drywall, roofing and gutters. Call us for a free consultation.
CONTACT GARRETT CONSTRUCTION AND ROOFING TODAY | KNOXVILLE’S ROOFING EXPERTS
