At Allen Roofing & Construction, Inc., we’ve done our best to create a website that anticipates and satisfies our customers’ needs. With that goal in mind, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, contact us at 563-539-4135 or arcinfo@allenroofinginc.com
Take it from the top
So, what should you look for when inspecting your roof? The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends you do a roof inspection at least two times a year — spring and fall. The best place to begin is inside your house — grab a flashlight and make a trip to the attic.
Here are four things to look for on the inside:
1) Places where the roof deck is sagging
2) Signs of water damage or leaking
3) Dark spots and trails
4) Outside light showing through the roof.
Exterior check
When you take a look at the exterior of the roof, pay attention to such things as damaged flashing, missing shingles, curling, blistering, buckling, rotting and algae growth (which occurs most often in humid climates and appears as dark or greenish stains).
Here are tips on what to check on the outside:
1) Visually inspect your roof for cracked, torn, bald, or missing shingles.
2) Scan the roof for loose material or wear around chimneys, vents, pipes, or other penetrations.
3) Watch out for an excessive amount of shingle granules (they look like large grains of sand) in the gutters — this is a sign of advanced wear.
4) Check for signs of moisture, rot, or mold. Note that wet spots may not be directly under your faulty shingle; water can travel down to its lowest spot before it drips. Mold, fungi, and bacteria can grow quickly — within 24 to 48 hours of a water-related problem.
5) Examine the drainage, and make sure gutters and downspouts are securely attached. Also ensure all drains are open and allow water to exit, and all gutters and downspouts are free of debris.
6) Check that all bath, kitchen, and dryer vents go entirely outside of your home, not just into the attic space.
7) Shingles that are buckling, curling, or blistering; this indicates the end of the shingles’ life expectancy.
8) Loose material or wear around chimneys, pipes, and other penetrations.
9) Excessive amounts of shingle granules in your gutters; granules give shingles added weight and protect them from ultraviolet rays.
When cleaning your gutters or inspecting your roof system, remember important ladder safety tips:
· Make sure the ladder is on solid, level ground.
· Secure the ladder at the top to prevent it from slipping.
· Inspect the ladder, rungs, and rails for damage.
· Extend the ladder at least 3 feet beyond the gutter, and angle it 1 foot back from the house for every 4 feet in eave height.
· Always use both hands when climbing the ladder.
Before you hire a roofing contractor, do your homework:
· Check for a contractor’s permanent place of business, telephone number, and tax identification number.
· Check references from prior customers.
· Ask for proof of insurance (liability and workers’ compensation).
· Ask the contractor about material and workmanship warranties.