As the summer comes to an end, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get back to business. With another season-end comes the task of performing maintenance to ensure your business is ready for what’s to come.
To help you get started, our fall property maintenance series will provide you a handy list of the top to-dos that you’ll want to include in your fall maintenance check. First up is roof inspection.
Performing a roof inspection
Getting to know your property inside 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, and heading into the wet fall and winter seasons; summer-end 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.
Where to look
When examining your roof, check the roof surface, flashing (the metal pieces that cover the chimney area, dormers, and vent pipes), roof overhands, gutters and the underside of the roof. In the case of extreme weather, perform an inspection to see how your roof’s held up.
If you’re unable to get up on your roof, use good quality binoculars to inspect your roof from the ground at least once a year. Increase your routine inspection 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.
