A roof inspection is the answer to saving money on major repairs and stopping minor repairs from becoming major ones. A roofing expert will use the latest technology, education, and experience to fix roofing problems, extending the roof’s life span. What roofing problems are avoided by scheduling a roofing inspection?

1. Damaged Roofing and Roof Parts

Powerful winds from a storm can rip shingles and asphalt granules off your roof. They can lift tree debris and other objects onto the roof and damage it. Hail falling from the sky can cause dents and cracks. Sadly, severe weather is not always the cause of roof damage. Minor issues like falling tree branches and sunlight can chip asphalt or curl shingles.

Roof components like the chimney, gutters, vents, skylight, and flashing are also vulnerable. Damage to those areas can contribute to leaks, water damage, and a weak roof structure.

2. Emerging Holes, Cracks, and Gaps

Roof openings invite unwanted sunlight, rainwater, and air inside the roof. The UV rays from sunlight fade and discolor wood. They also lead to rodents and pests making a nest in the area. Rainwater rots the wood, weakening the structure of the roof. Eventually, the water will cause ceiling leaks, water damage, poor insulation, sagging, and collapse. The air causes uneven indoor temperatures and ice dams in the winter.

3. Hidden Leaks

To the untrained naked eye, there might appear to be nothing wrong with the roof. However, a trained professional can spot leaks in areas you never thought to check. Some leaks may be between the roof shingles, under the roof edge, or within the attic insulation. Hidden leaks cause discoloration and water damage to the ceiling and walls. They rot the wood and jeopardize the roof structure.

4. Water Damage

If water damage originates in the roof, the cause is probably a leak or a clogged gutter. It takes a small hole for water to penetrate through the roofing into the attic or crawlspace. Continuous, undetected leaks cause mold growth and mildew, triggering asthma and allergic reactions.

Meanwhile, gutters drain rain, snow, and ice water from the roof onto the ground. A blocked gutter cannot remove water. It finds a way out by pouring over the side in a waterfall. It then seeps through gaps, cracks, and holes.

5. A Sagging Roof

A sagging roof is a sign of prolonged water damage. This weakens the roof’s structure and causes ceiling cracks and collapse. A sagging roof spreads to windows and doors, making them difficult to open. The weight of snow and ice causes sturdy roofing to sag and deepens an existing sag. Add that to existing tree branches and leaves neglected in autumn, and you have a severe problem. Other causes of this are poor roofing installation and the installation of low-quality roofing materials.

A roof inspection is necessary once a year to avoid these issues and more. Without it, they will compound into significant, unavoidable problems. Fixing minor issues through an inspection is far less expensive than paying for a roof replacement. Contact Green Valley Roofing & Construction to schedule a roof inspection in Birmingham, AL or the surrounding areas.