subject: Property Inspections Following A Storm [print this page] A leaking roof is a serious issue that requires immediate attention from the moment that a troublesome drip is detected. Left untreated a small problem may quick escalate to become a massive expense to homeowners that have allowed their residence to be exposed to the elements. In the northern climate of Alaska where colder temperatures and precipitation are a major concern throughout the year, the significance of faulty roof can add up to thousands of dollars in damages if it is left alone and not repaired when it is first noticed.
With a heavy winter snowfall and wet weather throughout the summer Anchorage roofing companies are constantly making calls to homes that have suffered some form of moisture leakage. Often finding a missing shingle is the source of a breach into a home the roofers in Alaska recommend inspecting the exterior of a house after a storm to ensure that all the tiles are intact and that there is a solid repellent surface protecting the inhabitants of the dwelling. Where the climate is a factor in the amount of annual rainfall that accumulates in the region even the tiniest hole can lead to extensive repair bills if it not spotted quickly.
Water that has penetrated the resistant barrier of the roof can trickle into the rafters and soak through the insulation before making its way down the walls or dripping into the home from the ceiling. Damage from moisture corrodes the wooden framing and dissolves drywall until a house becomes so saturated with dampness that the eroded parts of the structure collapse and crumble from the excess weight and loss of integrity. Dark spots on the ceiling or uneven lumps in the walls often indicate that the framework has been compromised with humidity and a repair is needed.
However, these tell-tale signs of deterioration are usually present after the water has had some time to accumulate unnoticed. For this reason it is important to have a complete examination of the roof and exterior of a building to check for any potential disturbances in the finished materials that could be problematic down the road.
While the initial smaller holes or missing pieces of roofing may be harder to detect, catching them early on can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars if they are left to grow and allow unwanted wetness to find its way inside the residence and cause harm to the fortifications that support the house. By calling in a professional to assess the loss of roofing materials after a storm it is possible to keep the maintenance costs to a minimum and avoid the replace cost of additional repair bills.