A proactive approach toward your roof can help extend its service life. Getting regular inspections is one of the steps you need to take to keep your roof in top shape. Routine visits from professionals will help unveil minor issues before they require costly repairs.
Keep in mind that roofing jobs are not always as easy as they seem. It’s better to leave them to professionals with proper safety equipment, tools and skills. Attempting to check or repair your roof by yourself and committing mistakes can significantly increase the risk of leaks. Here’s what you can expect from inspections by experienced roofing contractors.
What to Expect During a Professional Roof Inspection
Inspecting the Condition of Roofing Shingles or Materials
Every day, your roof gets exposed to harsh outdoor elements such as ultraviolet rays and winds. That’s why it’s normal for roofing materials to deteriorate as they age. Damage can also occur after a serious weather event hits your area.
During a professional inspection, expect your contractors to look for curling, loose and missing shingles. They will check if the surface of your roof has stains and organic growth like moss. The inspector will look at your gutters to see if there is an accumulation of debris and shingle granules. These sediments protect shingles against the damaging effects of the sun. Without them, shingles will deteriorate faster, and your roof might fail earlier than expected.
Checking if the Structural Components Are in Good Shape
Besides examining the condition of the roofing material itself, your inspector will also see if the planes of your roof are even. The pros will look for signs of sagging, which is a common indication that the system is approaching the end of its lifespan. During this time, they will also check chimneys for indications of damage, such as cracks, deteriorating grout and compromised chimney caps.
Your inspector should also inspect your attic and roof ventilation system for problems. Proper ventilation is essential to preventing heat and moisture from accumulating in your attic. When this part of your home increases in humidity and temperature, you could end up dealing with issues like mold growth, rot and early shingle failure. Moreover, an under-ventilated attic is also more susceptible to ice dams.
Looking for Signs of Roofing Issues Inside Your Home
An experienced contractor knows that signs of roofing problems can also appear inside your home. Your roofer will look for dark stains on your walls, ceilings and attic. Usually, stains form in the middle of the ceiling, but they can also manifest around light fixtures and in corners of a room. Brown or yellow spots on these surfaces are likely caused by leaks, so the roofer will look for other moisture-related issues, such as mold growth and rot.
If you see indications of roof leaks or hear water dripping from your attic, contact a professional immediately. You must address the issue before significant damage occurs. Once water has penetrated your ceilings and walls, you must be quick to deal with them to avoid mold and rot. You don’t want mold in your home because it can trigger allergy attacks and allergic reactions. When widespread, it can also be costly and difficult to remove.
Assessing the Roof for Workmanship Problems
It always pays to invest in a reliable contractor for your roofing installation and maintenance needs. Installation and repair mistakes can put your roof and the rest of your home at risk of damage. A skilled inspector will look for signs of poor workmanship and correct them to keep you and your property protected.
Improper flashing is one of the most common mistakes when installing a roof. Flashing is a piece of metal protecting roof protrusions like chimneys, valleys, skylights and vents. When installed incorrectly, leaks can occur and cause water damage to your home. For this reason, you must carefully choose the contractor you are going to work with.
Obtaining multiple quotes will give you an idea about the cost of your project and help you find the right contractor to do the job. As much as possible, narrow your list to local companies because they can reach you faster if you need repairs. You can seek referrals from your friends, family and neighbors. Going online and looking up nearby contractors can also help. It’s usually easier to communicate with local contractors, especially if you have concerns about your project.
Expect to Get a Detailed Report After the Inspection
Following the inspection, your roofer will provide you with a report that outlines the state of your roof. It should state if you need to get repairs. If your roof has problems, make sure to deal with them immediately. Keep in mind that roof leaks don’t only cause water damage, but also contribute to increased energy bills, discomfort and poor indoor air quality. Addressing repairs promptly will give you peace of mind knowing that your roof is ready for whatever weather event hits your area.
Why Are Regular Roof Inspections Important?
Keep Your Warranty Valid
Before hiring a roofing company and choosing a material, you must consider warranties. They protect your investment against manufacturing defects and poor workmanship. Warranties also say a lot about the confidence of your roofer about the products and services they offer.
Often, manufacturers and contractors require regular inspections and maintenance to keep warranties valid. It means that failure to maintain your roof can void your warranty. Neglecting and ignoring the needs of your roof can also have the same outcome.
Extend the Life of Your Roof
You should schedule a roof inspection at least twice a year, preferably during fall and spring. After an extreme weather event hits your area, you must also schedule a professional inspection. Doing so will allow experts to catch minor issues that can lead to costly repairs in the future.
Regular maintenance is essential to mitigating roofing issues before they even occur. Keeping track of your roof’s condition will also let you know when a replacement might be needed so that you can prepare for it. Your contractor will be able to perform necessary repairs that ensure your roof is ready to face whatever nature brings.
Discover Hidden Roofing Problems
People often schedule a roof inspection after a heavy rainstorm hits their area and water leaks inside their homes. Existing issues like mold, rust, wet insulation and rot can also cause leaks. It isn’t uncommon for leaks to occur if these problems have been left undetected for long. Professionals know what to look for and can easily spot what the untrained eye could have missed.
Ensure Proper Drainage
Slope and drainage play a major role in how well your roof performs and how long it lasts. Standing water can increase the likelihood of leaks and moisture-related issues. Routine inspections can help in maintaining efficient roof drainage. Your inspector would be able to tell if there is unevenness in the slope of your roof and determine how to address the problem.
To avoid standing water on your roof, get regular maintenance and cleaning to remove debris and materials that can hinder efficient drainage. The weight of pooling water can also compromise the structural integrity of your roof. When left unaddressed, it will speed up the deterioration of your roof.
