Roof Inspections

Monsoon rains are still a few months away but this is the time to inspect the roof for signs of damage and get repairs scheduled. This time of year gets really busy for companies who handle roof installation or repair so it's very important to not put off scheduling repairs that need to be done before the monsoons start.

This brings up an important question though; "What should I be looking for?". For homeowners who aren't roofing experts, it can be hard to know where to start.

So what's the first thing to look at? As strange as it may seem, the first thing to do when inspecting a roof is not to look at the roof itself at all. The first step is to look under it.

This means to look in the attic. If the home does not have an attic, check to see if there is an access panel for a crawlspace of some sort. If that isn't present then check the ceiling.

Look for the following when inspecting the attic:

• Signs of water damage or leaking - Vent pipes, chimneys, skylights and valleys are places that will most commonly exhibit these problems
• Dark spots or trails - Press into the wood with a sharp screwdriver to see if the spots are wet. Soft wood is a sign of rot. If the area is dry and there has been rain recently than it may be an area that had been repaired in the past.
• Pinpoints of light - Run some wire up through the hole so the area can be located on the roof. Make sure not to widen the hole at all.
• Sagging sheathing between rafters - This is a sign that a roof is old and in serious need of repair. Check for cracked or sagging rafters and make arrangements to have them replaced.

By checking the attic first, problem areas can be identified without even stepping foot on the roof. This helps to provide a reference of where to look for problems.


After the underside of the roof has been looked at, it's time to go on top and take a look. While on the roof, make sure to check for these things:

• Damaged, loose or missing shingles - Check for blistering, curling or splits. A few can be replaced but if it's a widespread problem then it could be time to re-roof.
• Excessive shingle grain in gutters - Asphalt shingles have a granular surface. As the asphalt ages, it becomes brittle and these granules will fall out. A lot of these grains in the gutters is a sign that the roof is aging. Dark patches on the roof are another sign that this granular surface has worn away.
• Signs of moss build up -
• Exposed nails - These are a common cause of leaks.
• Roof flashing - Inspect all flashing, including flashing around chimneys, vent stacks, roof edges, dormers, and skylights. Make sure it isn't rusty or loose.
• Louvers and Vents - Check to ensure air movement, clean screens and remove bird nests or other obstructions.
• Gutters - Check gutters, downspouts, hangers and strainers. Check for leaks, rust and sagging. Clean out any debris and make sure downspouts are directing water away from the foundation.
• Roof sheathing - Inspect lower edge for water damage. 

 Metal roofs are designed to have a life span of 50 years if properly maintained. These roofs usually come in galvanized iron or steel, aluminum or copper. Look for the following when inspecting a metal roof:

• Open seams or joints.
• Pitting, rusting or corrosion.

Tile roofs are very popular here in the southwest. They are commonly made of slate or clay tile and will last for a very long time if properly cared for. These tiles are often brittle and can be easily broken. Using binoculars is usually the best way to check for broken, chipped or missing tiles.

Flat roofs are also very common in this area. These roofs usually need to be re-coated every 2 or 3 years. Make sure to keep drains clear and check for the following when inspecting these roofs;

• Blistering or peeling in coating.
• Depressions around vent pipes.
• Separations in flashing.

If getting up onto the roof isn't an option, contact a professional to handle the roof inspection. Roofs should always be inspected at least once a year.

Curse of the Sink Stink

Few things are as frustrating to live with as unpleasant odors. Generally, the presence of an unpleasant odor is a sign of something wrong in the home. The dank and musty smell of mold is a good example. Unpleasant smells in the bathroom may indicate a problem with the plumbing lines or ventilation. This reader has a problem of another sort:

"I've got a rotten egg smell in my kitchen. I think it's something with my sink but I'm not sure. I tried using some garbage disposal cleaner but that didn't end up working. How do I fix this?"

The rotten egg smell in this case is likely caused by bacteria producing hydrogen sulfide gas. These bacteria could be growing in your sink or in your plumbing.

There are some techniques to determine where the bacteria is growing. Check the drain by filling a glass with hot water and pouring it down the drain. Step away from the sink and smell. If there isn't a sulfur smell anymore, the bacteria is in the drain.

Bacterial growth in a sink drain can be addressed very easily. Simply take a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide, available at just about any drug store, and pour it down the drain. This will kill the bacteria.

If the sulfur or rotten egg smell is only present when the hot water is on, the problem is in the water heater. If this is the case, contact a plumber to disinfect the water heater or replace the tank's magnesium node.

If both the hot and cold water smell then the problem may be outside of the home. Contact the water supplier. If the home is supplied by a well then contact the health department.

Flickering lights

Few things irritate in quite the same way as a light that flickers or just doesn't behave the way it should. However, these problems can be more than a minor inconvenience. Sometimes they can be a sign of a more serious electrical problem. This reader writes: 

"The overhead light in my bedroom keeps flickering. It doesn't happen every time I turn it on but it just seems to flicker sometimes for no reason. I've tried replacing the bulbs but that didn't work."

Usually a flickering bulb is due to the bulb being loose or needing replacement. Simply tightening or replacing the bulb will fix the problem in those cases. If that isn't the cause then the problem becomes much trickier.

If there is flickering or dimming when an appliance turns on, then the problem could be an overloaded circuit. A short term solution would be to find another circuit to plug the appliance into. If that isn't an option, or a more permanent solution is desired; the circuit will need to be upgraded to handle the amount of power being used. If a large number of lights flicker, such as all the lights in an entire room or lights in adjacent rooms, there could be a loose connection in the electrical panel or somewhere else. If this is the case then electricity is arching (jumping) over the gaps. This is a very serious problem and can cause fires.

If the problem is more than a loose or damaged bulb then calling a licensed electrician is the best course of action. Replacing a circuit or electrical panel isn't likely to be a cheap repair but it's much less expensive than recovering from a fire.

Fire Prevention and Safety

 Home fires are a serious. An estimated 3,500 Americans die as a result of fires every year. There are approximately another 18,300 injuries every year as a result of fires. This is not taking into acount the number of lost homes and cost of property damage.

The solution is fire prevention and preparedness.

By taking a few precautions, it's possible to reduce the chances of being a home fire victim.

The following is a short list of fire prevention steps.

• Never overload circuits or extension cords. Always replace any old or frayed electrical wires and appliance cords. Watch appliances for signs or wear and damage, including sparking or strange noises, have them repaired or replaced.
• Cover unused outlets with safety caps, particularly if small children are present.
• Follow manufacturer's guidelines and safety procedures for portable heaters. Make sure they have enough space and that all combustibles are kept at least three feet away. Never use camp stoves to heat a room.
• Never leave burning candles unattended. Use candles in a safe location, away from combustible materials. Make sure they are in a place where won’t be tipped over. Keep all matches and lighters stored where they cannot be accessed by children. Make sure chimneys are cleaned annually
• Store any flammable liquids, such as gasoline or paint thinner, outside of the home.

 These steps will help prevent home fires from starting. Read this article on fire prevention and safety for more in depth information.

Who's That Knocking?

Knocking sounds from the wall can become really irritating. It's a problem that many homeowners experience, particularly in older homes. This reader asks:

"I have a strange knocking sound coming from the wall in my bathroom. I think it may be the pipes but I don't know what I can do about it."

Air chambers cushion the shock wave from shutting off water.

Fast moving water coming to a sudden stop will cause a shock wave. This shock wave will cause the pipes to move and vibrate causing a knocking sound when the water is turned off. This effect is commonly called a "water hammer". Water pipes usually have a short, specially designed piece of pipe called an air chamber to absorb the shock and prevent this from happening. What could be happening is that there either is no air chamber or it has filled with water. If there is an air chamber in place, it should be located near the faucet. Shut off the water to the faucet, drain out the air chamber and put it back in place. If there is no air chamber then installing one should stop the pipes from making the knocking sound anymore. Draining an air chamber is a pretty straightforward process for anyone comfortable with plumbing but some homeowners may feel more comfortable calling a professional. Installation of an air chamber is a process that is usually best left in the hands of a plumber.

In some cases, knocking can be coming from metal heating and cooling ducts. This happens because the ducts are expanding or cooling as the furnace switches on and off. There isn't a whole lot that can be done about this problem although a heating and cooling (HVAC) company may be able to offer some additional insight and assistance.

Sources of Water Damage

Today we're talking about leaks and water damage. Our reader asks;

"I know that there are a lot of things that can cause water damage but what are the biggest ones? How can I prevent them from being a problem?"

Water damage can happen very quickly and seemingly without warning

It's true that there are almost unlimited sources for water damage, leaks and flooding can come from almost anywhere. However, the key to preventing most water damage incidents is in maintenance and observation.

Two huge sources of flooding are burst pipes and broken appliances. Visually checking pipes for signs of damage and making sure any exterior pipes are insulated can help prevent this. Worn and damaged pipes can get progressively worse over time and uninsulated pipes can freeze and burst. Regularly inspect appliance water supply lines for signs of damage and to make sure they aren't becoming dislodged at all.

Roof leaks are another common source of water damage. Always inspect the roof at least twice a year. In Sierra Vista, before and after monsoon season are good times to perform these checks, this will help to identify and repair any damage before the summer rains come and then identify any damage that the storms may have caused.

While there is any number of other possible causes for water damage in a home in addition to those listed above, the best method for prevention is to make sure that the home is properly maintained. Addressing potential problems before they cause damage is always easier (and less expensive) than trying to clean up the damage of a water disaster.

What to Know When Hiring a Contractor

Be Cautious of "Cash Up Front" Requirements

Some jobs are simply beyond the scope of the average homeowner. Whether the size is too big, or requires specialized equipment or experience, there are some things that most homeowners need to call in a professional for.

When hiring a contractor, most homeowners find themselves faced with a number of different companies they can choose from. Each of these companies will do nearly everything they can to convince a homeowner that they are the best choice for the job. This may be done trying to convince the homeowner that the company has the best quality work or materials, or that they're the least expensive or even that they can complete a project in the shortest amount of time. While each of these approaches will appeal to different customers there may still be some important things that the homeowner doesn't know, doesn't even know to ask, and may not be volunteered by some contractors.

If you are looking at hiring a contractor for remodeling a room, performing home repairs or doing just about any other work on or around your property, do you know what information you need to know about your contractor?

The first, and perhaps most obvious, question to ask is if the contractor is properly licensed. There are different types of licenses, such as commercial or residential licenses or licenses for specialized types of work as a few examples, and it is important that the contractor has the correct one for your project.

Get quotes from multiple contractors, particularly on large jobs. Be cautious of any contractor who is significantly lower than any others, this can be a sign that the contractor is cutting corners and may not actually be properly insured or keeping all his licenses up to date.

Always get the ROC (Registrar of Contractors) number of the contractor prior to signing any agreement. This will allow you to look up their license online to make sure that it's up to date and see if they've had any complaints against them. Alternately, you can look them up by business name prior to even meeting with them.

Please refer to the ROC website for more information on the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and their consumer tips and information when hiring a contractor as well as a video on hiring a contractor. To get your home renovation or improvement project started with a licensed, bonded and insured contractor in Sierra Vista, Arizona, visit mrfixitsv.com or call Mr. Fix It of Sierra Vista, LLC at 520-227-8194 today!