Of all the problems you can encounter around the house, roofing problems are by far the sneakiest. Leaks can develop unnoticed for years causing rot, mold, warping and other expensive damage.
- Experts recommend that you go into your attic or crawlspace at least once a year after a rainstorm to check for leaks and water damage.
- Special attention should be paid to areas where you have flashing (the metal or plastic weather stripping that will be around chimneys, pipes, vents, roof planes, and eves) because this is typically the most likely area to develop leaks.
- We recommend that you visit the surface of your roof yearly – during good weather – to look for any loose, missing, eroded, warped, or otherwise damaged shingles and to check the overall condition of your roofing materials.
- You should also clean rain gutters and downspouts of leaves and other debris regularly, preferably in the fall once the trees are bare. While doing this, check for mineral deposits which could indicate the erosion of asphalt shingles.
- Many people would prefer not to inspect their roofs themselves. Roofs can pitch at very steep angles and will pose quite a challenge to those leery of heights. Inspecting the roof from an attic or crawlspace full of spiders and other creepy inhabitants may not be too attractive either.
- Another issue is most people are unsure of what to look for. Leaks can be hard to track – water travels downward and the damage can be far from the actual leak. Because of this, hiring an expert to inspect the roof for you is something you should consider.
There are many types of roofs, each with its unique design and characteristics. Here are some of the most common roof types:
- Gable Roof: This is the most common roof type in the United States. It has two sloping sides that meet at the ridge or peak of the roof. Gable roofs are easy to construct and provide ample space for an attic or vaulted ceilings.
- Hip Roof: This roof type has four sloping sides that meet at the ridge or peak of the roof. Hip roofs are more stable than gable roofs and are ideal for areas with high winds and heavy snowfall.
- Flat Roof: This roof type is horizontal or nearly horizontal. Flat roofs are used for commercial buildings
- Mansard Roof: This roof type has four sloping sides, with the lower slope being steeper than the upper slope. Mansard roofs provide extra living space
- Gambrel Roof: This roof type has two sides, the lower slope is steeper than the upper slope. Gambrel roofs are used in Dutch Colonials and barns.
- Butterfly Roof: This roof type has two sides that slope inward, creating a V-shape. Butterfly roofs are used in modern architecture and provide ample space for natural light and ventilation.
- Saltbox Roof: This roof type has two sides that are asymmetrical in length. Saltbox roofs are used in colonial architecture and provide extra living space.
- Shed Roof: This roof type has a single-sloping side. Shed roofs are used for sheds, porches, and other outdoor structures.
We offer full-service, unbiased roof inspections and will provide you with a detailed report of our findings complete with recommended maintenance and repair suggestions.
Please contact us for inspection quotes. 201-888-5427