Roof Inspection For The Fall Time in Knoxville
As the leaves start changing and the mornings get chillier, most homeowners start thinking about getting ready for winter. You’ve probably already got a mental checklist going, things like firing up the furnace, cleaning out the chimney, and swapping out those window AC units. But here’s one that sometimes gets overlooked: your roof.
Before winter really sets in, it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected. Snow, ice, and even heavy wind can do a number on it — especially here in the colder months. A quick fall inspection can help clear off debris, check for damage, and make sure everything’s in good shape to handle whatever winter throws your way. And come spring, it’s smart to do another check to see how it held up.
Here are the five areas your roof contractor should check:
Gutters
Gutters have one job: efficiently moving water off the roof and away from the house. Anything that interferes with that process — leaves, debris, leaks, and so on — can cause water to back up into the roof system where it can cause expensive damage inside and out.
Shingles
Finding and replacing damaged shingles before the snow flies can help avoid costly water issues down the road.
Vents
Vents are often sealed with neoprene or rubber, both of which can dry and crack with age. Both substances are also relatively soft, so they’re vulnerable to critters. Inspecting and repairing vent seals can help protect your home from water and unwanted pests.
Flashings
Flashing adds extra protection to the areas where two opposing roof surfaces meet, which are generally more vulnerable to leaks and water damage. Those areas include, but are not limited to, dormer walls, chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys, which tend to focus rain runoff. Inspecting and maintaining the seal on your flashing can help keep water from penetrating and becoming trapped inside the roof system.
Attic
Sometimes the problem isn’t the roof at all; it’s the attic. A proper inspection will identify issues with ventilation, plumbing, air conditioning, fans, or animal or bug infestation — all of which can contribute to mold, algae, or moisture problems.