As the summer winds down, it’s a good time to think about your roof and gutters. Think back to the last time it rained. Did any water run down the side of your house or spill over the gutters? If so, you could need roofing or gutter repairs.

Roofs and gutters work hand in hand to keep water out of your house. You may not notice a small leak until it’s too late, so it’s always good to have a roofing contractor inspect those areas every few years.

A Roofing Inspection

What should the roofing contractor look for? Well, for sure, he or she should get out a ladder and go up on the roof. This may sound obvious, but I’ve talked to a few home owners who had roofers try to give them an estimate from the ground. Isn’t that sort of like getting an estimate to fix your car over the phone?

Roofs are more complicated than you think, so you need someone who will spend a little time looking at all the points where damage or poor installation will show itself. Here’s a look at the whole roof system!

Contractor To Dos 

The contractor may recommend a few easy fixes or ask you to consider a new roof. This is one important home improvement project, so make sure you get a few estimates, insist that the roofing contractor is insured, and do thorough reference checks. Among the common signs that a roof has exhausted its lifespan is buckling, damaged flashing (although that alone can be fixed), missing granules or shingles, algae growth, and curling at the edges. Roofing danger signs!

Roofing and gutters are critical to the well being of your house. Spend some time each year inspecting them yourself (if it’s safe to do!) and periodically have a contractor take a look. Hopefully, you’ll have a good before and after story to tell, just like these roofing case studies.