Why Attics are Important in Roofing Inspections

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Salem roofing inspections need to include the attic. You can tell a lot about a roof from looking at the attic underneath it.

If you’ve had a roof inspection before, you know that a qualified roofing contractor will always be sure to check on your attic. This may seem mostly unrelated, but is actually crucial to understanding how your roof is holding up–and where it might be vulnerable.

A proper roof has many components beyond just underlayment and shingles, and many of those can be inspected in or through the attic. Here are some reasons why you should contact a Salem roofing contractor to come and take a look.

  1. Ventilation. This needs to be evaluated regularly, as heat from the summer months will begin to damage your roof’s decking. This may cause de-lamination and sagging, and in time, even total roof failure or collapse. Additionally, in the winter, improper ventilation will contribute to ice dams, which are well known to cause leaks that damage both the roof and the home’s interior. Pay close attention to your roof’s ventilation.
  2. Insulation. Having the proper insulation can save you hundreds of dollars a year, in both heating and cooling costs. It is a simple task to check to see if your insulation’s R-value is adequate for a Salem climate. If you were to pay a roofing contractor $1,400 to upgrade your insulation, it would pay for itself in a matter of a few years–and the savings would continue beyond the break-even point.
  3. Air Sealing. Many home lose as much as 20% of their heat via leaks, which are created by poor seals in duct work connections and other fixtures.
  4. Major leaks. If the air leak in your home is severe, moisture will escape from your home. In the winter, this will foster frost on the roof’s decking, and may play a part in the growing of mold and/or the deterioration of roof materials. There have even been cases of roof “leaks” caused by frost that was created within the roof which then melted and dripped through the insulation and down onto the ceiling.

A qualified Salem roofing contractor can inspect your home to ensure that your roof is properly ventilated, you have adequate insulation, and you do not have major air leaks. If there is a problem, your contractor can provide you with options for how to mitigate or repair current damage, and prevent future issues. Call or contact Slate & Slate Roofing today at (503) 585-2338 for an estimate.

 

 

 

Written by
Terry Slate
Terry is the Vice President of Slate & Slate Roofing and has over 28 years of experience with both residential and commercial roofing. He specializes in metal roofing, composition roofing, and PVC membrane roofing.