As we welcome Spring, it may be easy for many East Tennessee homeowners to see that Old Man Winter has brutalized their homes. From deep-freeze temperatures to snowstorms, high winds, falling trees and more, the coming of Spring may reveal damaged roofs, gutters, doors, and walkways.
That’s why it’s a good idea to Inspect exterior features for damage or deformity, replacing or refreshing them so they can continue doing the work they were designed to do, protecting your home from wind, rain, and other dangers.
Even if winter was mild in your neck of the woods, you should do a yearly checkup to make sure all things are in working order. Pay special attention to your roof.
Your home’s roof is its first line of defense against storms and extreme weather, whether it’s a foot of snow dropping from the sky overnight or high winds that tear through the town. When homeowners place blind faith in their roof and neglect it completely until the first sign of a leak appears in the ceiling, they could already be facing much larger problems—unwanted structural issues, mold growth, or damaged insulation, for starters. Spare yourself a headache down the road by having your roof periodically inspected.
While a keen eye can help spot roof problems like cracked or missing shingles, other types of damage are not as visible to the untrained eye, which is why it’s important to get a professional opinion. A roof inspector will be looking 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.
An inspector will check for uneven roof planes and signs of sagging, in addition to examining the condition of the soffit, fascia, and gutter system. Masonry chimneys should be 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.
An inspector will also look 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.
Because roof leaks ultimately damage the inside of 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.
After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report about the condition of your roof and what repairs, if any, are necessary to keep it in good shape. If repairs are necessary, schedule them as soon as possible.
Need help with a roof inspection or repair? Under the experienced leadership of Matt Garrett, Garrett Construction and Roofing has been serving the East Tennessee area 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. We also help with disaster recovery with experienced teams available to address fire and water damage.
CONTACT GARRETT CONSTRUCTION AND ROOFING TODAY | KNOXVILLE’S RENOVATION EXPERTS.
