March 2023

Has your area experienced extreme weather? Have high winds been barreling through your town? Is your roof on the older side? Are you curious about what’s going on up there? All of these are great reasons to get a roof inspection. Whether you’re worried about previous damage or want to prevent issues in the future, a roof inspection is never a bad idea. But what is a roof inspection, and what happens during one? We’ve got a sample roof inspection checklist and everything you need to know about what to expect when you’re inspecting (your roof).

#1: The Shingles

The shingles are the first line of defense, protecting your house from the elements. Therefore, checking the shingles is a critical part of a roof inspection. Your roofing professional will check to ensure correct shingle installation, that there aren’t issues from improper nailing, and that there aren’t any issues with rot or algae growth. They’ll also check for missing, cracked, damaged, or loose shingles.

#2: Water Damage

Checking for water damage is standard during an inspection. The inspector will check inside your home in the attic under the roof, looking for stains from leaks. If they find any, they’ll look for the source and determine where it’s coming from on the roof.

#3: Mold and Mildew

Damaged roofs that lead to leaks can also cause mold and mildew growth in your attic. They’ll check for that by inspecting under the roof and on your insulation, but they’ll also check for mold on top of your roof. Checking for mold growth around the shingles, the chimney, and the flashing is critical to preventing mold from moving into your home.

#4: The Vents

Your home has vents on the roof that allow moisture from the attic to get out, preventing excess humidity in your home and mold from forming. It also prevents heat from building up in the attic and allows for proper airflow. A roof inspector will check the vents for proper opening and installation. You also have metal vents affixed to your roof to vent gas appliances and the furnace. The inspection includes ensuring those are correctly attached and sealed.

#5: Roof Flashing

Flashing is the metal that connects the shingled areas to things like the chimney, roof valleys, walls, and any place there’s a seam or joint on the roof. It directs water flow away from vulnerable seams to prevent leaks and water damage inside your home. The inspector will check for rust, cracks, damage, and loosening.

#6: Your Gutters

The gutters move water that rolls down your roof away from the house and directs it down and away from the foundation. During a storm or heavy winds, or from wear and tear from age, the gutters can pull away from the side of the roof, leaving cracks and damage. The roofing technician will check to ensure they’re securely attached and that there are no issues. If they find water sitting in the gutter track, it means a bent or tilted gutter, so it can’t drain properly and needs repair or replacement. They’ll also ensure the gutters are clean and clear without blockage from leaves, branches, and debris.

If you’re worried about your roof or even curious about its condition, don’t wait for a costly leak or issue from damage. Instead, contact Premiere Roofing and schedule your roof inspection now.

What Are GAF Solar Shingles?

Just like asphalt or tile shingles, GAF solar shingles are the primary material of your roof. Instead of installation on top of the roof, like solar panels, solar shingles replace some of the asphalt shingles. They not only protect your roof, but they also provide electricity to your home. Constructed with a combination of asphalt and monocrystalline solar cells, those solar cells connect to wiring that sends the solar power to the grid of your home, generating electricity and replacing the need for most of what you get from the utility company.

Solar Shingles vs. Solar Panels

GAF solar shingles can withstand extreme weather, are water-shedding like traditional roofing materials, and look great. With a variety of color combinations to suit your home, they have great curb appeal. Compared to solar panels, the GAF shingles are much more adaptable to more types of homes. You don’t need a massive roof to mount them as you do with panels, you don’t have to stress about HOA regulations and getting approval for installation, and you don’t have to worry about potential roof damage. Solar panels require drilling into your roof for mounting, creating the potential for leaks and damage to the material on and under your roof. Shingles replace a portion of your roof shingles, integrating into the roofing material, and can closely match the rest of the shingles used.

GAF Solar Shingles and Your Energy Efficiency

No matter where you get your electricity, whether from the utility company or through solar power, you will likely still use the same amount. The good news about solar energy is that it’s unlimited, clean, and it comes to you without the cost of buying it. Solar shingles reduce your need for costly electricity from your local provider, cutting back on your energy bills and even providing enough for you to send some of it back to the grid.

The Cost of Solar Shingles

Installing solar power has an initial cost that might seem high. However, GAF solar shingles are often less expensive than panels because of easy installation during scheduled roof replacement. Additionally, it will save you significantly on your energy costs over time, more than making up for the cost of purchase and installation. You’ll also have access to tax incentives that boost savings and have a 25-year warranty.

If you want solar power in your home but are resistant to the bulky panels popular in many neighborhoods, it’s time to consider GAF solar shingles. Contact Premiere Roofing, a certified GAF installer, to learn more about how you can harness the sun’s power to lower your energy bills without giving up the streamlined appearance of your home.