Whether you’re a homeowner or commercial property owner, maintaining your roof is the best way to extend its life. The first step on any roof maintenance checklist is to do an inspection.
Some issues are easy to identify yourself, but others require the help of a professional roofing inspector. At All Elements, we do both commercial and residential roof inspections, as well as maintenance and replacements.
In this article, we’ll examine when to inspect your roof, what to look for, and when to call in the professionals. With Minnesota weather throwing hail, strong winds, snow, and high temperatures your way, maintenance is the key to keeping your roof in the best shape possible.
What is a Roof Inspection?
A roof inspection is the process of checking the condition of your roof to make sure it’s in good condition. Many people wait to have their roof looked at until there’s an issue, such as a leak or storm damage. However, regular inspections are essential for maintaining your roof. They help indicate how much life your roof has left and help you identify issues that require repair.
Should I Inspect My Own Roof?
If you’re simply assessing your roof for maintenance purposes, you can perform your own inspection as long as you feel safe doing so. However, if you need an inspection for insurance or appraisal purposes, you will need to work with a professional roofer or certified inspector.
With that in mind, find out how to inspect a roof, with checklists for residential and commercial properties below.
Residential Roofing Inspection Checklist for Minnesota
You can assess much of your home’s roof from the ground. A ladder can help you get an up-close look at the conditions of your home, but you can also use binoculars. Unless you’re trained on proper procedures, it can be very dangerous to walk on your own roof.
Here are the steps to take:
- Look at the shingles for signs of peeling, dents, curling edges, or missing granules.
- Check the metal coverings over joints, otherwise known as flashing, for dents, corrosion, or cracks.
- Inspect the areas where the walls intersect with the roof.
- Look for debris buildup in gutters and downspouts.
- Check interior walls and ceilings for signs of water damage that may indicate a leak.
- Go into the attic to look for mold, water-stained wood, or peeling paint. In Minnesota, it’s common for squirrels to nest in the roof if they can get in, so be sure to check for signs of rodents.
Be sure to document any damage and take photos. If something doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t. You are welcome to send photos to info@allelementsinc.net with your name and contact information. At All Elements, we’re happy to advise on whether or not something needs repair.
Commercial Roofing Inspection Checklist
A commercial roof inspection checklist will look somewhat similar to a residential one, but there are a few extra steps involved.
- Examine the roof covering for dents, tears, punctures, or blisters.
- Look at the joint covers or seams that seal your roofing material.
- Check for clogs in roof drains, scuppers, and downspouts.
- Inspect the pitch pans around pipes and roof-mounted equipment.
- Assess the condition of the lightning prevention system.
- Look at structures that support HVAC equipment, solar panels, or other systems.
- Check for areas of ponding water, which may be identified by algae or dirt buildup in low areas.
- Identify areas where birds or rodents may be nesting.
Tip: An indirect way of assessing potential roof damage is to keep an eye on your energy bills. If your bills soar unexpectedly, it could be time to check the roof.
Minnesota Roof Maintenance Checklist
Now that you know what to check for your home or business, you can address any issues you identified during the inspection.
- Clean debris from the downspouts and gutters.
- Trim adjacent trees. Not only does this prevent damage from falling branches, but it can also keep animals from getting on your roof.
- Make a plan for addressing pooling water. You may need professional repairs.
- Wash off any bird droppings, as the acidity can cause damage to your roofing materials.
- In the winter, monitor sloped areas and overhangs for ice dams, which are common in Minnesota. You may need to address your roof insulation if you’re dealing with frequent ice dams.
- In the spring and summer, pull seedlings, which can grow in gutters or flat areas.
- In the fall, remove fallen leaves, which can quickly clog drain spouts and gutters.
As you’re cleaning, keep in mind roofing materials can be damaged from the improper use of roof rakes, shovels, steamers, pressure washers, salt, and heat cables. Though it is important to remove snow, ice, leaves, and bird droppings from your roof, damage to roofing materials can occur if work is not performed correctly.
What to Do About Roof Damage
If you identified damage, give All Elements a call at 763-314-0234 or send us a message. We’re here to help whether you need a simple repair or a full replacement. With more than 30 years of experience installing and repairing roofs in the Twin Cities, we have the answers you’re looking for.
Didn’t find any damage? That’s great! It’s still a good idea to take pictures so you can have a baseline for comparison next time you have an inspection done.
Regular roof inspections reduce the need for emergency repairs and can stop minor problems from becoming big ones. A roof is a significant investment, and anything you can do to improve its lifespan and performance is worth it.
Make seasonal roof inspections part of your preventive maintenance program. Contact All Elements to schedule a roof inspection today!
Roof Inspection FAQ
Is it safe to inspect your own roof?
Inspecting your roof from the ground or with a ladder is generally considered safe. Walking on your roof is inadvisable unless you’ve been trained how to do so. When in doubt, this is best left to the professionals.
How often should I inspect my roof in Minnesota?
We recommend inspecting your roof twice per year, usually in the spring and fall. It’s a good idea to check your roof after severe weather events or heavy snowstorms, too.
Should I do an inspection even if my roof is new?
Yes. Inspecting a new roof helps you establish a baseline so you can identify damage more easily.
Do I need a roof inspection before I sell my house?
Aside from regular maintenance checks, you will likely need to have your roof inspected before putting your home on the market.
How do I get a roof inspection report?
Contact a Licensed Roofing Professional to obtain an official inspection. Free inspections from door-to-door salespeople are usually not official inspections.