To keep your roof in great shape all year round, you'll need to regularly inspect your roofing system. Of course, you can always just call a reputable roofing contractor in Mobile, AL to evaluate your roof for you. But you can also inspect your roof on your own to look for common signs of damage!

Homeowner education is, and always has been, one of our top priorities at Ethos. From roofing materials to the insurance claim process, we take great strides to give homeowners the knowledge they need to protect their homes and give them peace of mind. That's why we've developed this insightful guide to the roof inspection process.

The Importance of Regular Roof Inspections

Across the roofing industry, most roofing experts agree that each roof should be inspected biannually. Why? Because those routine inspections help you keep a watchful eye on your roof.

By inspecting your roof at least twice a year, you'll be able to spot roof damage and potential safety hazards before they get worse. If you let a roof leak persist, it can cause significant property damage, like:

• Attic and ceiling damage - The water will stain your ceilings and wreak havoc on other things like lights, fans, and more.
• Interior mold and mildew issues - When moisture cannot escape, it will lead to mold and mildew growths. Those moisture-related issues can spread through the rest of the house and pose health hazards to your family (EPA).
• Compromised structural integrity - The presence of moisture in your attic may lead to a weakened roofing system. This is because the water will rot your rafters, damage ceiling joists, and inflict damage elsewhere too.

Keep your family, your property, and your wallet protected by inspecting your roof at least twice a year.

3 Steps to Inspect Your Roof Like a Roofing Contractor in Mobile, AL

It's generally best to inspect your property's roofing structure in the fall and the spring. However, it's also a good idea to inspect your home after any major storm events. This will help you spot signs of storm damage sooner rather than later.

If you want to inspect your roof on your own, be sure to follow these key steps.

1. Safety First

Whether your home is one-, two-, or three-stories, you always need to prioritize your personal safety during a roof inspection. Please make sure you take the following safety precautions during your roof inspection process:

• Select a day with clear weather and comfortable temperatures.
• Use shoes with soft rubber soles for better traction on the steep surfaces.
• Mud, dirt, and debris can negatively affect your shoe's grip. So, try to keep your shoe soles clean.
• Use a ladder spotter when positioning it and climbing to your roof.
• Remember to tie your ladder to the roof as well! This helps keep it stable and accessible. A simple bungee cord can work too. Just wrap it around your gutters and your ladder.
• Maintain a three-point contact with your ladder when stepping onto and off the roof.
• And please use your common sense. If you lack the appropriate safety measures, it's best to not put yourself in harm's way.

It's always better to be safe than sorry. If you ever feel concerned about your safety during your inspection, then just call in the professionals! Your roofing contractor in Mobile, AL will have the necessary experience and know-how to handle the more challenging parts of your inspection.

2. Evaluate Your Roof from the Outside

Most roofers tend to separate their exterior inspection into two phases: (1) a ground-level inspection and (2) a top-level inspection. We recommend you follow that model and start by walking around the perimeter of your property.

Visually inspect your roof as you encompass your home and look for any areas of concern. Be sure to check for signs like:

• Water-damaged soffit and fascia boards
• Sagging, loose, or dysfunctional gutters
• Water stains on your siding or underneath any vents

Take note of any signs of damage or areas of concern. From there, you can move on to your top-level roof inspection.

When you're on your roof, we recommend systematically inspecting the entire square footage. Maybe start by looking closely at any roof protrusions and the flashing around them (e.g., chimneys, vents, etc.). Then you could take a closer look at the shingles. Be on the lookout for signs of damage like:

• Busted, dented, or warped roof shingles
• Loose or missing shingles
• Missing, rusted, loose, or dented flashing
• Shingles without granules

It's a good idea to take photos during your inspection too. Those digital documents will come in handy if/when you need to file an insurance claim.

3. Check for Signs of Interior Damage

The final step of any roof inspection is a review of your attic space. Why? Because your roof could look like it's in great condition from the outside, but the interior space could tell a different story.

Be sure to visit your attic and look for signs of damage, like:

• Damaged insulation (e.g., water stains, mold, etc.)
• Beams of light between the rafters
• Moisture in the air or on specific items
• Any mold or mildew growths

Schedule a FREE Roofing Inspection with a Top Roofing Contractor in Mobile, AL

If you'd rather have a professional roofing company inspect your roof, you've come to the right place.

At Ethos Roofing & Restoration, our experienced roofers have been inspecting and fixing up homes in Alabama for decades. We provide complimentary inspections for anyone and everyone, and specialize in roof repair, roof replacement projects, and other roof restorations! And after your inspection, we will walk through all of our findings, point out any instances of damage, and recommend appropriate next steps that fit your budget.

Contact Ethos today to schedule your FREE roofing inspection with our reputable roofing contractor in Mobile, AL.