Commercial Roofing and Roof Inspection: Can Owners Do Their Own Inspections?

Roofing contractors of Napa, California talk about what to do and what not to do when it comes to roofing self inspections.

Do This, Not That: Roof Self Inspection Edition

There is no shelter without a roof. If any part of the roofing structure is compromised, then it can and will affect the rest of the home. Roof leaks lead to water damage, mold and mildew, and can even lead to structural problems. Therefore, roofing maintenance is more than beneficial to the roof, it is beneficial to the whole home.

Roof inspection and roof repair should be done by professionals, but a homeowner can do an initial inspection to help get the ball rolling for the roofers.

Things Owners Can Do For Their Roofs

Inspecting a roof is a serious and dangerous business. The first step is to ensure the safety of anyone who is going to be on the roof. Even walking on the roof can actually do more harm than good, so here are a few things that homeowners can do when it comes to their roofs.

• Debris Removal: Homeowners can get rid of limbs, leaves and other things that can collect in the dormers and eaves of a roof.
• Inspect Flashing: A homeowner can look at the metal sheeting around chimneys and other outcroppings to make sure it is secure.
• Inspect Shingles: A homeowner can observe if there are any obviously damaged shingles before calling in a pro to do roofing repair.
• Clear Guttering: Keeping the gutters clear helps ensure proper water drainage. A buildup of leaves and other debris can create dams that allow water to pool on the roof, which can lead to damage.
• Trim Trees: Keep the limbs of your yard trees trimmed back from the roof to help prevent the collection of leaves.

Things Owners Should Avoid For Their Roofs

There are many things that a homeowner can do to take care of their roofing in order to prevent roof leaks and damage. There are several things that a homeowner should avoid, however. Most of these things fall into the category of bad DIY decisions. Trying to make roof leak repair by yourself or attempting a roof replacement may seem like a good idea for saving money, but it may end up costing you more because you will then have to call in the professional roofers to fit the problem that you created. 

Here are some major pieces of advice:

• Avoid being on the roof without help.
• Avoid inspecting the roof without a roof hatch.
• Avoid DIY roofing repair
• Don’t try to determine a problem that is not obvious.

Roof leaks can often be difficult to pinpoint. Determining exactly what should be done needs to be left to those who are trained in roof repair.

Hiring a Reputable Roofing Company

If you are concerned about  your roof, the absolute best solution is to hire a reputable roofing company to have a look at it. Roofs should be inspected annually to prevent problems from going unnoticed until it is too late. Look for a company that is well established and has mostly positive reviews and ask family and friends for recommendations.

Look for companies that are licensed and insured. Don’t just go for the lowest bid.

About Modern Method Roofing

Modern Method Roofing has been serving the people of Napa, CA and the surrounding communities for more than 63 years. We even have 100% financing options. Call today for a free estimate.