The weather in Rhode Island causes roof damage throughout the year. Heavy winter snow loads, spring moisture, and the dense tree canopy common across our local wooded lots mean that a roof in West Greenwich deals with plenty of stress. Catching minor roofing issues early can save you thousands of dollars down the line. Black Diamond Roofing wants homeowners to know how to check a roof, what you can safely handle, and when you should leave the work to a professional roofing contractor.
Before You Climb Any Ladders
Safety is important for any roof inspection in West Greenwich, RI. Do not get on a ladder if the roof is wet, icy, or if the wind is heavy. Grab a pair of binoculars and stay firmly on the ground for your initial sweep. Walk the perimeter of your house and look up at the eaves, valleys, and overhangs. You can spot a lot of trouble from the lawn if you know what to look for. Check your gutters, too. If the gutters are stuffed with oak leaves and pine needles, that is a sign of trouble because trapped water has nowhere to go but back under your shingles.
What You Can Check Yourself
Ground-level binocular checks are helpful, but sometimes a closer look is necessary. If you have a stable, single-story ranch or cape-style home and a secure ladder, you can climb up to the edge, but make sure someone is holding the base for you.
Look for missing or curling shingles, especially after a heavy nor'easter rolls through the region. Check around your chimney, plumbing boots, and skylights for cracked flashing or worn-out sealant. Pop your head up into the attic with a flashlight on a sunny day. If you see daylight streaming through the boards or notice dark water stains on the plywood decking, you have a roof leak that needs attention.
When to Call a Professional
Climbing onto a steep, multi-story pitch is dangerous. If your roof is steep, tall, or made of slate or tile, stay on the ground. Structural sagging, widespread granule loss that leaves your fiberglass mats exposed, or major storm damage require specialized equipment and safety harnesses. Black Diamond Roofing sees plenty of hidden rot caused by moisture getting trapped behind old flashing details that take a trained eye to diagnose properly. If you find soft spots underfoot or suspect structural damage, stop what you are doing and call a contractor.
After the Inspection
Once you have finished your check, write down what you saw and take a few photos if anything looked off. If you found a handful of loose granules in the gutters or a single lifted shingle, you might just need a simple tube of roofing cement or a minor fix. If the damage looks extensive or you are unsure about the integrity of your decking, bring in local help to take a look before the next storm hits. For homes and businesses in West Greenwich, Black Diamond Roofing provides roof inspection and roof repair services.