Reasons Roofs Should Be Inspected

Homeowners should have a roof inspection plan in place. They should inspect their roofs twice a year. Spring and fall are the best times to perform an inspection and one should look for leaks, missing shingles, and other damage. However, there are many reasons why it is a good idea to have your roof inspected by a professional at least once a year.

One of the primary reasons you should have your roof professionally inspected is that it will bring you peace of mind. Knowing that your roof is in good shape, or that the inspector caught an underlying problem, will allow you to rest.

Professional roof inspections will keep you safe. Getting up on your roof and walking around can be dangerous, especially if you are uncomfortable doing so. Leaving this work to the professionals means you can avoid injury and stay safely on the ground.

Ultimately, a roof inspection can save you a lot of money. Professionals will be able to spot underlying problems and damage. For example, an inspector may find a weak area in a roof that would have led to a leak that could cause dry rot. In the end, it could cost you thousands of dollars to repair.

A professional roof inspection will mean that the underlying problems with your roof will come to light. You will be able to make any necessary repairs and keep everything inside your home safe and dry.

The Lifespan of Your Roof

A new roof is expensive and should last a good length of time. Since different roof materials have different properties, they will vary in lifespan. So, this begs the question – how long will each of these roofs last?

Asphalt shingle roofs are the most common choice of roof for residential buildings. They are inexpensive, lightweight, and durable. They are so durable, in fact, that they can last for 20-30 years despite how inexpensive and lightweight they are.

Metals roofs cost a bit more than asphalt shingle roofs, but they are worth the extra money. They are virtually maintenance free and they have a beautiful appearance. These roofs will last nearly 50 years.

Cedar shake roofs let off a rustic aesthetic that is impossible to achieve with other roofing materials. This aesthetic comes with a cost, however, since they are more expensive and cost more time in maintenance. The advantages are they can increase the value of a home and they can last up to 30 years with the right amount of maintenance.

Clay tile roofs are essentially the top of the line in roofing. They are very attractive in appearance and are extremely durable, but they come at a premium. They also have the longest lifespan, maintaining color well and lasting over 50 years.

Why do roofs blow off?


Most people who live in tornado alley have seen a home with a roof that has been blown off. This can be devastating for a home or a family, and can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Its prevalence, however, is just accepted, but many do not know what exactly causes a roof to blow off. If you have ever wondered why, you have come to the right place.

This issue boils down to something called Bernoulli’s Principle. This is the same physics principle that allows airplanes to fly. As air moves faster, it creates an area of low pressure. If an object is in an area of high pressure, it will be pushed towards the area of low pressure. This is such a powerful force that it can lift entire jumbo jets off the ground, much less a roof.

As high winds from a storm move across your roof, they create an area of very low pressure, especially relative to the pressure that is underneath your roof. It eventually gets to a point where your roof can no longer withstand the push of the high pressure underneath and it comes loose. Additionally, winds can tear through your home and end up pushing up on your roof causing it to blow off.

What Causes Buckling Plywood?


To be blunt, buckling plywood underneath your roof can make your roof look really bad. As it buckles, it pushes up on the shingles causing visible lumps on your roof. This can be really concerning to a homeowner and can also make selling your home nearly impossible. What, then, causes buckling plywood?

When a roofer installs a roof, he or she will lay down a layer of plywood and top it with a layer of felt to protect it from moisture. Sometimes, especially in the case of a leak, the felt can fail and the plywood will absorb all of that moisture. This moisture will cause the plywood to expand and buckling will occur. Buckling typically occurs along seams and around nails.

You can protect against roof buckling by having your appliances vent directly outside so the moisture generated does not end up in the attic. In addition, proper ventilation will help keep your plywood dry. Make sure your vents are clear and have your roof inspected to make sure you are receiving adequate ventilation.

If you have incurred buckling plywood, contact a roofing professional as soon as possible to get it repaired. They can also make sure there are no underlying issues that need to be fixed so that new plywood does not buckle.

How to Fix a Buckling Roof

A buckling roof not only looks bad, it is dangerous for everything inside the home or business. A buckling roof occurs when the decking becomes warped or the decking shifts underneath the shingles. This typically is caused by poor installation or by the use of improper materials. You can usually spot a buckled roof by observing ripples or waves in the roof’s surface. Since a buckled roof can harm the contents of a home or business, and because it generally looks so bad, here are a few ways you should approach repairing a buckling roof.

When your roof buckles, the plywood decking underneath the shingles will move out of place and push up on the shingles. This is what causes the wave-like patterns in a buckling roof. Unfortunately, since the decking is the problem, it can be a pretty nasty project.

Unless you are a professional roofer, you should have a professional fix a buckling roof. First, the shingles must be removed to replace the damaged decking. After this stage, a whole host of things can occur. The source of the problem must be determined so it can be fixed. This could be a leak problem or even a ventilation problem. Sometimes, the spacing between the plywood was miscalculated. In these cases, the entire roof will need to be replaced. These are jobs that require a professional.

If you have any further questions regarding the roof FAQ’s listed above, you can contact us at 918-404-5996.

Outdoor Creations Roofing is located at 1924 W Albany St, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.