Roofers Have Things Nailed Down

Should A Roofing Contractor Inspect Your Roof?

28 August 2023

Nora Mcdonalid

If your home is several decades old, you may plan to renovate or repair it soon. One of the most important things you should put on your list of things to do is inspect your roof. Even if you can't find anything significantly wrong with your roof right now, you still want to have a roofing contractor look over it for you. Learn why it's important to have a roofing contractor inspect your roof below. 

Why Should You Inspect Your Roof?

Shingles do more than just cover your roof. They also protect your attic from moisture damage. Although shingles play a vital role in protecting your home, they can still succumb to time. Aging shingles can become brittle enough to allow moisture to soak into the layers of materials sitting beneath them.  

Along with shingles, your roof relies on the underlayment and the sheathing for support. The underlayment prevents water from soaking into the wooden sheathing, which covers the home's attic. If moisture invades the underlayment or sheathing, both layers of materials can fail. The damaged materials will allow rainwater to leak into your attic and/or ceiling.

If all of the shingles on your roof are intact, you may not see any problems with the underlayment or sheathing until it's too late. While it may be difficult for you to inspect the materials on your roof properly, a roofing contractor can successfully inspect them for you.  

How Does A Contractor Inspect Your Roof?

A roofing contractor can locate problems with the underlayment by inspecting the surface of your roof. The underlayment lies between the shingles and sheathing. If a roofer removes some of the shingles from your roof, they can view the underlayment without any issues. 

In order to view the sheathing, a contractor will need to see it from the inside of your attic. If there's damage in the sheathing, there may be water spots and mold on the ceiling and along the walls in the attic. If your attic is unfinished or lacks a complete ceiling, a contractor will see if the trusses and beams show signs of water spots or mold. Trusses and beams form the shape and structure of the roof. Water can seep through the sheathing and damage those structures as well.

If a roofing contractor discovers significant signs of rain damage in the underlayment or sheathing, consider replacing your roof. It may be the best way to save your home from additional issues in the future.

Learn more about inspecting your underlayment and sheathing by consulting a roofing contractor today. 

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