The roof is one of the most important parts of any building. It is the first line of defense against the elements and protects the interior from damage. However, like all parts of a building, it can wear out over time and develop problems that can compromise its integrity. That is why it is important to have your roof inspected by a professional regularly. How often should you get your roof inspected by a professional? Let’s explore the answer to this question and discuss the importance of regular roof inspections, what you should look out for and what professionals will look for during an inspection.
Roof Inspections are important
Roofing contractors have a busy summer as extended periods of no rain make it suitable for large-scale roof replacements and repairs. Since building owners stick to a rigid inspection and maintenance schedule, many of these tasks are scheduled months in advance. They get their roofs evaluated on a regular basis, address issues as they occur, and recognize that staying ahead of roofing issues is an investment worth making.
Roof inspections are investments that will save you on expenses in the long run. Roofs are exposed to a great deal of wear and tear all year. They are exposed to the outdoors and must survive anything that comes their way, from extreme temperature changes to weather systems such as wind, rain storms, hail, and even snow. Roofs are also responsible for keeping a home’s contents, including the people who live within, safe and dry.
Roofs are built to last for many years. These should last at least a decade or even 25 to 50 years, depending on the materials used. Even so, issues might occur unexpectedly. So, how frequently should your roof be inspected? The general answer is that you should have a professional evaluate your roof at least once a year, with the homeowner performing frequent, year-round maintenance, particularly after heavy weather.
Most individuals engage professional roofers to do full roof inspections in the spring or fall. Roofers will check whether or not the previous rain or snow weather caused any damage in the spring months. Repairs can be completed in the summer and fall before rain and snow begins. The key here is being proactive in the maintenance of your roof. By regularly checking on your roof after severe weather can help identify problems early and get them fixed immediately. In conjunction, a professional inspection at least once a year can assist in identifying issues that you may have overlooked or missed, guaranteeing your roof is in top shape to tackle that next storm.
What you should look out for?
As a homeowner, it is best to examine your roof on a regular basis to avoid major damage. Weather patterns and roofing problems differ from location to location, so it is critical to recognize the frequent issues that might arise in your area. The best approach is to check your roof at the same height and use a ladder, but getting onto the roof itself can be dangerous without the necessary safety equipment. Stepping on a damaged roof might cause further damage, so be cautious to avoid accidents. Instead, move your ladder around the home to look for any potential issues.
While evaluating your roof, there are a few things to keep an eye out for. Damage can be identified by broken or missing shingles, cracked or curling caulk or sealant, patches of moss and lichen, worn, peeling, or cracked plastic rubber boots around pipes or other roof projections, cracked or rusted spots on metal flashings, damaged or missing chimney caps, blistering, cracking, or buckling shingles, loose, cracked, or rusted gutters, crumbling or missing chimney mortar, and tree branches or other large debris.
Check your gutters for granules if you have asphalt shingles, which are the most prevalent roofing shingles in North America. The granules coat the surface of the asphalt shingles, protecting them from the sun’s UV radiation. While some granule loss is common throughout the life of your roof, severe granule loss might indicate shingle degradation. Binoculars can be handy in identifying any problems on your roof if there are sections of your roof that are difficult to reach with a ladder, such as beneath eaves, overhangs, and gutters. If there are any questions or concerns the next step would be to consult a professional roofer who can look at your roof and advise on some next steps.
The warning signs that you may need a professional roof inspection
However, even based on those initial signs you have been looking for several signs that indicate that your roof may be damaged and in need of repair or replacement. Two of the most obvious signs are leaks and drafts. Leaks are easy to spot, as water will visibly drip from the ceiling or create dark streaks and stains on the ceiling. If left unchecked, the moisture can damage not only your roof but also the interior of your home.
Drafts are another indication that there may be a problem with your roof. While not always directly related to the roof, a faulty roof can cause issues with proper air circulation and ventilation, resulting in higher energy bills. It is essential to address any drafts to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home and prevent energy waste. Even if there are no visible signs of damage, it is still important to have your roof professionally inspected annually. A thorough inspection can reveal issues that may not be apparent to an untrained eye. By having a professional inspect your roof, you can identify potential problems early on and prevent more significant issues from arising. In addition to annual inspections, it’s also a good idea to perform routine maintenance on your roof, such as cleaning gutters and removing debris. Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your roof and prevent costly repairs.
What are roofers looking for during an inspection?
Roofing professionals are essential in preserving the quality and lifespan of your roof. The roofing materials used will determine what they look for during the examination.
If you have a shingle roof, roofing professionals will look for several typical faults during an inspection. Water damage is a top priority, as it may result from a variety of concerns, including badly placed or broken flashing, storms that blow shingles off, and water that does not drain properly due to blocked gutters. Mold growth is another sign of significant water damage, and during an interior examination, roofing professionals will pay specific attention to mold growth around the chimney and on attic insulation. Shingle degradation is also a prevalent concern, and signs of this include missing or loose shingles, as well as rotting or algae development on the shingles. Furthermore, blocked gutters can cause excessive shingle wear and tear, and roofing professionals will look for an excess of loose shingle granules in the gutters as an indication that your shingles are being worn away.
Roofing professionals will search for leaks and their causes while examining your metal roof. Metal roofs often have loose joints. Metal roofs expand and contract with the weather, causing screws to loosen and seams to separate. If this condition is not addressed immediately, condensation and water buildup may cause damage to the roof’s underlying structure. Another issue that might cause water to infiltrate below your metal roof is damaged flashing, which can lead to corrosion on the underside of the panels. Lastly, another concern that roofing contractors may look for on a metal roof is rust. Rust may eat away at your metal roof, causing big holes that enable water to pour in or cause roofing panels to break apart.
Annual roof inspections are critical for guaranteeing your home’s lifespan and safety. Whether you have a shingle or metal roof, detecting possible problems early can save you money in the long run. A professional roofing inspection should be performed at least once a year, but other circumstances such as extreme weather or recent renovations should be considered. It is best not to wait for an issue to occur before contacting a roofing professional. Instead, be proactive and schedule regular inspections to keep your roof in good condition and your home protected.