As the summer comes to an end, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get back to business. With another season coming to an end, you may want to perform a maintenance check to ensure your business is ready for cooler fall weather. A key part of that check should be inspecting your roof.
Performing a roof inspection
Getting to know your property inside and out can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. One important place to perform a routine visual inspection is your roof. We recommend doing a routine inspection at least once a year when heading into the wet fall and winter seasons. The end of summer is an ideal time to do so. You can do this yourself if your roof is relatively flat and safe, or you can hire a professional.
When examining your roof, check the roof surface, flashing (the metal pieces that cover the chimney area, dormers, and vent pipes), roof overhangs, gutters, and the underside of the roof. In the case of extreme weather, perform an inspection to see how your roof has held up.
If you’re unable to get up on your roof, use high quality binoculars to inspect your roof from the ground at least once a year. Increase the frequency of your routine inspections if your roof is nearing the end of its warranty period. Look for early signs of trouble, including:
- Dark areas on ceilings
- Peeling paint on the underside of roof overhangs
- Damp spots alongside fireplaces
- Water stains on pipes venting the water heater or furnace
With proper roof inspection, you can prolong the life of your roof and protect your property by fixing minor issues before they become major problems.
Our Risk Services team can help
Are you unsure how to begin the process of inspecting your roof? Get in touch with a team of experts who can walk you through industry best practices and give reliable advice. Visit our Risk Services page for more information.