SEATTLE NEWS ARCHIVES & FEATURES

You don’t need a ladder to inspect your roof

Mar 29, 2012, 2:52 PM | Updated: Mar 30, 2012, 10:58 am

Ever since the first caveman ran for shelter under a tree
we’ve all been looking for a better roof. Ever since then,
we’ve been looking for the best material to cover our
heads. I’m sure if we looked hard enough we could find
NASA has invented some space age film that if punctured it
will magically flow back together and seal itself. We have
to weigh cost with performance and hope the one that we
can afford will keep our head dry.

Luckily for us, there are plenty of roofs out there that
we
can afford, but reality is they will still need
maintenance. Any layperson can give a roof the once over
and never have to tilt lances with a ladder. Just grab a
pair of binoculars and give your roof a quick once over.

While you’re scanning the roof, just keep a weather eye
out for shingles that are cupping, look out of place, and
are worn or torn. Even if you never see water damage from
a worn roof, it does not mean that it doesn’t exist. As a
matter of fact, the chances are that you may never see the
damage being caused, and have a failing roof when it’s too
late. Look closest at the penetrations through your roof
like the bathroom or attic vent. These are usually the
first places to fail. Also check the edges and drip lines,
you’re most likely to find wind damage there.

It may cost a few hundred dollars to have a roof repaired,
but it could save thousands in water damage repair. And
when your neighbors ask what you’re up to while doing your
inspection, tell them that you think you have a rare and
possible extinct North American carnivorous Vermicious
Knid roosting in your attic. That should keep you out of
the booby hatch!

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You don’t need a ladder to inspect your roof