Your roof has put in another humid North Carolina summer and you have not given it a once over? You may be left to wonder if the last storm did some damage that is not apparent from ground level. Then there is the matter of the cooler weather making its way in; would this be a good time to see how the part of your home that has everything else under its protection is holding up?
We at RoofVantage are in the business of preparing roofs for what is to come for our clients in the Research Triangle and Cape Fear. We have 15 plus years of experience with the kind of wear and tear North Carolina roofs endure, from Wrightsville Beach on out to Chapel Hill. For an assessment by a professional, ring us at 743-330-5225.
There is no better season than fall for a roof inspection. The heat of the summer is behind you and the weather is mild, yet you have ample opportunity to put right any issues before winter sets in. We have put together a guide as to what one should be looking for and when it is best to call in an expert.
The Case for a Fall Inspection
Roofs in this state are hard put to it. A coastal humidity or a summer thunderstorm will do their number, let alone a hurricane or a hail event here and there; small things can get out of hand. In the fall you have an opening to put an end to such damage in an easy and cost effective manner. An inspection now is the surest way to avoid being caught off guard. Should there be storm damage to report, autumn is also the time to see an insurance claim through prior to the rush of the busy season.
A Look From the Ground Will Do
One does not have to go climbing to find warning signs. Make a circuit of the property and you will see enough. Some of the things to note from where you are safe include:
- Shingles that are missing, curling or have a crack
- Any granules from asphalt shingles in the downspouts or gutters
- Sagging of the roofline
- Metal roofing with rust or other damage
- Gutters that are loose
- Debris in the valleys or by the chimney
- Dark streaks or stains indicative of moisture
Any of these and you would be wise to have someone look into it before the weather changes.
Gutters and Drainage
With the leaves coming down in North Carolina in the fall we are apt to see clogged gutters more than anything. If they back up the water will make its way under the shingles or to your foundation. Put in the time to remove the debris and see that your downspouts are putting the water where they should and the gutters are secure. It is a shame to let a minor clog result in rot and the interior damage that is so much more expensive to remedy.
An Interior and Attic Check
Often a problem will present itself inside first. On a day without rain head to the attic and check for:
- Streaks or water stains on the roof deck below
- Insulation that is damp
- Gaps letting in daylight
- A mustiness from moisture being held in
- Pests which have made entry
It is a way to protect your wallet as well as your ceilings and insulation.
Storm and Hail Damage That Is Not Always Apparent
Not all the damage from a severe bout of weather in North Carolina is plain to see. Hail will bruise a shingle without dislodging it, high winds can work fasteners loose. This is the sort of thing an untrained eye will miss and why a professional is needed.
Being a FORTIFIED Roofing partner and certified CertainTeed Shingle Master, we know what it takes for a roof to stand up to a hurricane. We can tell when there is damage where others cannot.
Call in a Professional
You can handle some of the inspection, but getting on top of the roof is not something we would recommend. If it has been some time or you have seen cause for concern, leave it to a team that is licensed and insured.
RoofVantage is at your service 24/7 and will give you a free estimate so there are no questions as to where you stand. Our financing options have a 90 per cent approval rate to ease the burden of any major repairs. We do business with everyone from builders and HOAs to short-term rental owners in the Raleigh-Durham and Wilmington areas.
Make a call to RoofVantage at 743-330-5225 and set up an inspection. There is no need to let a winter storm uncover what your roof has been hiding this fall.
