Roof Inspection & Restoration

The El Ni?o rains bring more opportunities for water damage to occur on our properties.?The roof is often a weak spot for water intrusion in the home. A water disaster on the roof can cause a lot of destruction, including causing attic and ceiling damage, mold and mildew problems, a fire-hazard, and generally compromise your home’s structural integrity.

Preventative Maintenance

It’s important to be proactive and inspect the roof for durability, proper installation, wear and tear, etc. as preventative maintenance. Also, keep in mind, a roof should only last for about 20 to 30 years before being replaced.

Rooftop Inspection Tips

• Look for loose, missing or broken tiles or shingles
• Shingles that are buckling, curling or blistering
• Clear off leaves and debris
• Make sure rain cutters and spouts are clear
• Flat roofs: Pay extra attention to debris & vegetation that can cause a roof collapse
• Cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing
• Worn or cracked rubber boots around vent pipes
• A damaged or missing chimney cap
• Look for roof decay (if see mold, moss and lichen growing it’s a clear sign)
• Check for popped nails

Emergency Roof Maintenance

Even with preventative maintenance, a roof disaster can still occur. Here are some tips on how to minimize the water damage to your home. The goal is to stop the water intrusion quickly and safely until you can get an experienced contractor to repair the damaged roof. It’s important to note that, if you don’t feel comfortable executing these tips, do not risk it! There are contractors, such as Alert Disaster Restoration, that can assist in emergency maintenance to stop the leak from getting worse. We offer 24 hour emergency response.

Roof Tarp

Purchase a woven plastic tarp from a hardware store. It’s best to have one in supply before a roof disaster occurs. Also, purchase 1?3 wood strips that will be used to hold the tarp in place.

How To Tips

1. Roll one end of the tarp (at least twice) around a long the 1?3 wood strip
2. Screw the 1?3 wood strip to the undamaged side of the roof (the 1?3 ?roll’should be against the roof so it won’t collect water and debris)
3. The rest of the tarp should go over the ridge and down the other side (make sure it’s several feet beyond the damage)
4. Roll the opposite end of the tarp around the 1?3 wood strip and screw it to the roof sheathing
5. Use more 1?3 wood strips and screws to hold down the tarp’s sides

Protect the Interior

Control the spread of the water by collecting the water in containers. Plastic sheeting can be used to protect the contents of the home and prevent them from getting wet.

The Leak Source

Locate the source of the roof leak and remove excess water from the roof immediately (excessive ponding can occur if the roof drains or scuppers are not working properly). If you have an attic, you can check with a flashlight (water reflects light). If you can’t find the source and/or don’t have an attic, inspect for damage and leakage on the rooftop near the rubber seals that are around the electric service and plumbing vent pipes, air vents, exhaust fan flashing and the roof’s ridge cap and dormer valleys.

Roof Damage Restoration

Make sure you hire a qualified and experienced contractor to restore your damaged roof and restore the water damage that has occurred. Water removal, especially, is an extensive process that can require water extraction equipment such as submersible pumps to industrial strength wet/dry vacuums. Without proper restoration techniques, the home or property can be at risk for further damage such as the risk of mold and mildew.

24 Hour Emergency Response ? (661) 396-7908