Roofing Checklist

Initial Roof Inspection

• Look at the roof and ground to see obvious damage.



• Look with a pair of field glasses without having to go up.



• Look at missing, cracked or curling shingles.



• Check the chimney and vent flashing that is loose or damaged.



• Check all areas where the valleys and joints are likely to leak.



• Inspect for sags that can reflect structural damage.



• Check the roof ridge, whether it is worn or splits.



• Find moss, algae or mould growing that collects water.



• Check gutters for shingles granules, which are an indicator of wear.



• Inspect metal components of roofing for rust or corrosion.



• Make photographs to record the conditions of roofs as they exist.



• Professional inspection should be done when in doubt about areas of problem.

Gutter and Drainage System Check

• Clean up your gutters to avoid clogging.



• Detecting a hanging or loose gutter.



• Check gutters to make sure that water does not run beside the foundation.



• Take out litter, such as leaves, twigs and dirt.



• Close seal cracks or joints in gutters.



• Install gutter covers to reduce clogging.



• Ensure gutters do not have a negative slope: they should be correctly pitched.



• Check splash blocks and extensions in the right position.



• Look at the roof edge and watch it getting poorly.



• Make sure that drainage systems are free and in the rainy season.



• Examine fascia boards to check whether they are water-damaged.



• Always have proper grading to prevent problems with the foundation.

Checking for Leaks and Moisture Damage

• Look at the ceilings and attics for water stains.



• Check inside the attic to find mould or mildew.



• Dampness or water damage check insulation.



• Test the roof decking for soft or rotting wood.



• Use trace water to point out where the leakage is.



• Check skylights and vents for gaps.



• Check broken caulking of joints and edges.



• Check attic ventilation to avoid condensation build-up.



• Observe peeling of paint due to the absolute infiltration of moisture.



• Find out the dampness by using a moisture meter.



• Repairing leaks as quickly as possible to prevent structural damage.



• Seek help from a roofing expert for intractable leaks.

Roof Surface Cleaning and Maintenance

• Clear the roof surface of leaves, twigs and rubbish.



• Wipe dirt to avoid the presence of water.



• Wash down algae and moss with a low-pressure washer.



• Do not use harsh chemicals that would destroy roofing materials.



• Prune excessive branches of trees to minimize debris.



• Stick zinc or copper to prevent the growth of moss and algae.



• Wipe down the skylights and vents to get the air flowing.



• Clean gutters and roof edges, rinse after cleaning.



• Take care during high surface cleaning.



• Do not work with rough tools that can tear shingles.

Shingle and Tile Maintenance

• Look at the shingles and tiles to identify broken and loose shingles and missing shingles.



• Always put up damaged shingles as soon as they come up to stop leaks.



• Check shingle edges on a case-by-case basis.



• Watch out for blistering shingles due to stagnant water.



• Take away the growth of moss and algae at the edges of shingles.



• Fasten loose roof tiles so that they are not moved during storms.



• Select like-colored replacement materials to have a consistent appearance.



• Check asphalt shingles for lost granules.



• Inspect wood to determine the presence of rot or insects.



• Confirm that the tile underlayment is sound and intact.



• Put some sealant on the broken tiles to stop further decay.



• Arrange a professional check of large-scale tile damage for repair.

Flashing, Vents, and Chimney Inspection

• Test metal cladding of chimneys, skylights and valleys.



• Look at cracks or lifting that may lead to leakages.



• Flashing joints that are resealed with roofing cement.



• Check metal flashings and look for rust or corrosion.



• Make sure that vent covers are not obstructed.



• Wash debris around vent openings.



• Check chimneys, cracks or loose mortar.



• Check chimney caps are sound and tight.



• Leak or wear check skylights.



• Install missing flashing to be waterproof.



• Install drip edge to guard siding and underlayment.



• Apply appropriate sealants to avoid the entry of moisture.

Attic and Roof Ventilation

• Make sure that attic vents cannot get blocked.



• Check ridge vents and soffit vents, and gable vents.



• Insulating checks to have no blocking of ventilation routes.



• Confirm that the temperatures in the attic are controlled all year round.



• To ensure that there is not too much heat build-up, add more vents.



• Regulate the airflow in warm seasons with attic fans.



• Install damaged or lost vent covers right away.



• Make sure that the exhaust vents in the bathrooms and kitchen work.



• Store only what is needed in the attic and clean it.



• Conduct regular inspections of the attic to keep things efficient.

Safety Precautions for Roof Work

• When using the roof, use a strong ladder that has a strong footing.



• Use non-slipping footwear that will work on a roof.



• When working on steep slopes, use a safety harness.



• Never work on the roof on wet or windy days.



• Store equipment to prevent falls.



• Make sure that ladders are mounted on even and sound ground.



• Use a partner to be safer and get help.



• Wear gloves when touching tools and dealing with shingles.



• Use eye protection on cutting materials.



• One should not work on a ladder too much.



• Get children and pets out of the workplace.



• Whenever there is hazardous or complicated roof work, you need to hire professionals.

Hiring Roofing Professionals

• Obtain at least three quotes and choose a contractor.



• Confirm the licence and certification of roofing firms.



• Look at customer reviews and past photos of projects.



• Find a roofing contractor with public liability insurance.



• Ask to make a written estimate with materials and labour.



• Enquire about material and workmanship warrants.



• Reaffirm project completion times.



• Talk about the way to dispose of old roofing materials.



• Inquire about any emergency repair services, in case of urgency.



• Select contractors who are familiar with your type of roofing material.



• Make sure there is proper communication in the project.



• Check if they can clear your doubts about contracts and quotes.