Why You Should Do a Roof Inspection

As consumers we know that it is wise to do regular maintenance for our cars, but many of us do not apply the same logic to our most valuable possession: our homes. This is especially true for roofs, which often get neglected until a real problem arises and the only solution is major repair or even roof replacement. Even if you have a fairly new roof, issues such as scraping tree branches or clogged gutters can affect your roof’s integrity. The fact is that all roofs need maintenance to ensure their durability and long service life. One easy and affordable way to do this, is to have a roofing inspection once a year. Ultimately, a roofing inspection will allow you to take small preventative measures at a reasonable cost, and enjoy the hassle-free comfort and safety of your home.

Why Would My Roof Need an Inspection?

Your roof is exposed to multiple forces of nature every day, throughout the year. Things like fluctuations in temperature, sun, snow, wind, rain, hail, heat, and cold, all cause wear and tear to the roofing material and affect its ability to protect the home. For example, exposure to strong wind can uplift roofing shingles. Rain can penetrate the roof through weakened or eroded sealing materials used around the chimney, skylights, and plumbing vents. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause cracks allowing water to seep in. Moreover, roofing materials can wear significantly faster in warmer climates, when exposed to constant sun and heat. Clearly, your roof will be even more susceptible to potential damages if you live in regions prone to severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, snow and hail storms, droughts, etc. As a homeowner, you cannot determine how any of the above conditions affect your roof, and you cannot accurately assess the scope of damages that could have been done. A professional inspection takes care of these questions for you with a detailed examination of your roof, and provides specific suggestions for what needs to be fixed to keep the roof in solid shape.

What are the benefits of a roof inspection?

1. Prevention

The number one reason to have an inspection is for preventative measures. If your inspector spots leaks and other issues while they are sill in their early stage, you will have the opportunity to take care of them, do a timely roof repair, before they turn into serious issues that can cause major damage to your house, and become difficult and costly to fix.

2. Financial Savings

A roofing inspection itself is a small price to pay for avoiding big problems down the line. It is obvious that fixing small problems is cheaper than fixing major ones. Letting your roof leak or rot without inspecting and fixing it will lead to expensive repairs and possibly roof replacement, all of which will cost you thousands of dollars. Moreover, fixing these small problems can help you weatherize your roof, which will ultimately result in monthly savings on heating and cooling costs.

3. Avoid Health Risks For Your Family

Without an inspection, small leaks in your roof can go unnoticed for a very long time and will eventually lead to trapped moisture in areas of your ceiling. This moisture can breed bacteria and mold, which can cause respiratory and other health issues for you and your family. A roof inspection will quickly discover these leaks, so that they can get fixed right away.

4. Home Value

If you ever consider selling your house, a regular inspection can make sure that your roof is in good shape and up to date on all of its repairs. An inspection can also alert you to what needs to be fixed, before you put your house on the market. The bottom line is that a roof with problems can deter many potential buyers, and can also significantly decrease the resale value of your home.

5. Find and Prevent Ice Dams

Ice dams can cause more damages and repairs than the most obvious leaks. Besides the actual leaks that you see inside your home, the water also penetrates walls and insulation, causing slow rot, supports mold and mildew growth, and in the end can cost well over $10000 in repairs and mold removal. Learn more about ice dams preventions

How can I make sure that I get a quality roofing inspection?

For a professional inspection, make sure to contact a reputable, experienced roofing company near you. A proper inspection of your roof needs to be very thorough. The inspector should take time to carefully check such things as roof shingles, flashing around chimneys and vents, sealants and caulking, and anything else that your particular roof may require. A trustworthy inspector should provide you with a detailed itemized list of issues, suggestions on how to fix them, and a price for this work to be completed.

What is the best season to have a roofing inspection?

Typically roofing inspections are scheduled either in the spring or in the fall. IF you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, hail, and wind in the winter, then it is best to have the inspection in the spring, so that the potential damages can be spotted and taken care of as soon as possible. Conversely, if you live in a region that gets blasted with heat and sun during the summer, but has mild winters, it is best to inspect your roof in the fall.