Nothing stumps new homeowners more than keeping a careful eye on their newly minted property. If you’re used to renting and letting landlords take over the upkeep of your home, it’s time to shift your perspective. You’re the landlord now!
To better prepare you for the highs and lows of homeownership, our team at Chappelle Roofing prepared a roof maintenance checklist for you to peruse at your convenience. We recommend going through this checklist and checking the state of your roof twice annually, with a call to a premier roofing company in Ohio to conduct their own professional roof inspection, as well, just to have all your bases covered.
Types of Roof Damage
While a roof can be damaged by a lack of upkeep and time, Mother Nature is usually the more likelier suspect for you needing to call a roof repair specialist. The four most common types of weather-related roof damage are as follows:
Wind
Roof looking a bit naked, with shingles or tiles hanging off, possibly even missing? Your culprit may very well have been the wind. In most cases, wind speeds of around 45-50 mph can start causing damage to your home. As speeds pick up even further, the risk of damage only escalates.
Hail
Hail damage roofing concerns almost all homeowners, particularly in Ohio (we once placed 9th amongst all states with the number of major hail events in 2011!). When hailstones strike the roof, they can dent, crack, or even puncture through almost all conventional roofing materials. This damage compromises your roof’s ability to protect against leaking.
Snow
Snow can bear a heavy load on your roof, particularly through periods of snowstorms and blizzards where clearing your roof may be impractical. This extra weight can lead to sagging or even collapse (in extreme cases). When the snow melts, this can create ice dams along the roof edges, preventing drainage. As a responsible homeowner, you should monitor snow levels and take action ASAP to prevent damage during the winter season.
Rain
Believe it or not, rain can gradually weaken roofing materials over time. Prolonged exposure to rain can lead to water penetration, causing rot and mold growth. Leaky roofs can lead to higher energy bills as the insulation has been breached, as well as create an unhealthy indoor environment. Heavy rainfall especially can erode shingles and flashing, increasing the risk of future leaks.
Checklist
- Use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens for a preliminary assessment from the ground.
- Look for missing, cracked, or dented shingles/tiles.
- Check for signs of hail damage.
- Inspect for sagging or other structural or foundational issues.
- Inspect gutters for debris or denting.
- Ensure downspouts are directing water away from your home’s foundation.
- Examine flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for damage or separation.
- Check seals around roof penetrations for cracks or deterioration.
- Check your attic for water damage (stains/leaks/growing mold).
- Check ceilings and walls for discoloration or soft spots.
- Document your findings. Take photos of any damage for insurance claims.
- Contact a professional roofing company in Ohio.
Schedule an Appointment with the State’s #1 Roofing Company — Chappelle Roofing
A damaged roof can be scary and overwhelming. If your roof has been compromised in any way, you don’t have to go it alone — or if you simply want to chat about setting up a maintenance schedule or a future roof replacement project, give Chappelle Roofing a ring.
We are a licensed and established roofing company in Ohio, ranked in the exclusive 1% of all Owens Corning Platinum contractors in the country. We’ll be by your side and shelter you through the storm — so request a FREE inspection today, checklist and all