Although it is something many people don't think about on a regular basis, leaking roofs, poor drainage, and clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to significant water damage inside your home. Keeping a close watch on the condition of your roof can go a long way in protecting valuable property and belongings. Listed below are methods that can help determine if you need roof repairs or replacement. If you need assistance, please contact us and a member of our Estimating Department will help you determine your needs.
Inspection from Outside
Inspecting a roof from the outside is a very simple process: all that is needed is a pair of binoculars and a viewpoint that is unobstructed by other buildings or trees. The following is a checklist of problem signs you can look for during an outside roof inspection:
-Are there any blistered, curled, or split shingles? A few can be repaired, but if the general appearance of the roof is poor, it may be time to re-roof. -Are there loose or missing shingles or tiles? Simply re-nailing loose shingles may only mask a problem that will eventually get worse.
-Can you see any exposed nails? They can be a source of leaks.
-If your roof is covered with composition (asphalt) shingles, look for dark patches, which would indicate the granular coating has worn away.
-Look for significant accumulation of granules in your rain gutters. Some loose granules are normal, but combined with dark patches on your shingles, this is a sign of an aging roof.
-Observe where ridges and hips meet - shingles may more easily break or work loose in these spots.
-Inspect valleys - rusty metal or displaced shingles along the valley are signs of roof weaknesses.
-Inspect the flashing around plumbing vents and chimneys. Loose shingles or rusty, loose flashing is another sign of possible leaks or vulnerabilities.
-Step flashing around chimneys must be well embedded in the mortar between bricks. Where a vertical side of the house meets the roof, such as along dormer walls, flashing should be firmly in place or it is a potential leak.
-Check the gutters closely for sagging and signs of leaks between sections. Are the downspouts firmly in place and directing water away from the foundation of the house? -If you have a shake or shingle roof, inspect the flashing around chimneys and vertical walls carefully because acid in the wood can eat away at the flashing over the years. In consistently moist areas, prevent mildew by regularly removing wet leaves that collect in certain parts of the roof.
Note: Walking on the roof as part of your inspection is not recommended and may cause further damage to the roof.
Inspection from Indoors
Below is a checklist of problem signs you can look for during an indoor roof inspection:
-Look for sagging decking between the rafters. If the decking is sagging or deteriorating, the decking must also be replaced when a new roof is installed.
-See if any outside light can be seen through the roof. This may be common (and not a problem) on shake roofs, since the wooden shakes will swell during the wet months, effectively preventing any leaks.
-Signs of leaking in the attic (dark spots in the wood, especially around vents, chimneys, and other holes to the roof). Test dark spots in the wood to decide if they are old or current problems. If the spot is still wet, or if it is soft (test with a screwdriver), the spot is a current problem. If the spot is dry and hard, it is most likely an old problem that has been fixed.
-Signs of water damage or leaking (usually in the form of water stains, or sagging ceilings); this could be due to an active leak in the roof or to condensation caused by poor roof ventilation.
If you observe any of the signs listed above, you likely need repairs or a new roof. Depending on the degree of damage and other factors, the decision is up to you as to what is best for you and your property. We will advise you on the options available, but ultimately the choice must be yours.
Often the cost of fixing or replacing a roof is less than dealing with the damage an old roof can cause to your home. Frye Roofing's dedicated service department and skilled mechanics can help fill your needs, whether it be to repair an existing roof or to install a new roofing system.
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To discuss a new roofing project, schedule an inspection and evaluation of an existing roofing system or find out how you can benefit from the services offered by Frye Roofing, Inc., call 304-327-5314, or e-mail info@fryeroofing.com.
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-Are there any blistered, curled, or split shingles? A few can be repaired, but if the general appearance of the roof is poor, it may be time to re-roof. -Are there loose or missing shingles or tiles? Simply re-nailing loose shingles may only mask a problem that will eventually get worse.
-Check the gutters closely for sagging and signs of leaks between sections. Are the downspouts firmly in place and directing water away from the foundation of the house? -If you have a shake or shingle roof, inspect the flashing around chimneys and vertical walls carefully because acid in the wood can eat away at the flashing over the years. In consistently moist areas, prevent mildew by regularly removing wet leaves that collect in certain parts of the roof. 
-Signs of leaking in the attic (dark spots in the wood, especially around vents, chimneys, and other holes to the roof). Test dark spots in the wood to decide if they are old or current problems. If the spot is still wet, or if it is soft (test with a screwdriver), the spot is a current problem. If the spot is dry and hard, it is most likely an old problem that has been fixed.