A well-maintained roof is known to add to the curb appeal of a home, but it also protects the property from inclement weather and other harsh elements. If you neglect your roof until it is persistently leaking or visibly sagging, chances are the structure is already facing much larger problems, such as damaged insulation, rotted decking and mold growth. Spare yourself the headache and expensive repairs by having your roof inspected on a regular basis.

Are Roof Inspections Really Important?

If you want to get the most out of your roof, it is crucial that you schedule regular inspections. A local roofing company can lend its knowledge and expertise to help extend the life of your roofing system and, of course, avoid the costs associated with premature roof replacement. Biannual inspections – once in the spring and once in the fall – are usually recommended, but it is also a smart move to get a roof checkup following a severe weather event. With routine inspections, small issues like curling shingles or loose flashing around a chimney can be detected and remedied before they get out of hand.

What Can You Expect From Roofing Inspections?

While leaks and missing shingles are easy to spot, other forms of roof damage are not so obvious to the untrained eye. As such, it is incredibly beneficial to have an experienced roofer conduct a thorough inspection. If your roofers discover anything unusual, they can perform immediate repairs to prevent further damage from occurring.

Here are different types of inspections you can expect from your roofer:

Structural Inspection

First and foremost, the roofer will examine the foundation of your roofing system: the deck and trusses. In cases where wind-driven rain and excess moisture are present inside the structure, the roofer will check for any sagging or uneven roof planes caused by moisture damage. If discovered, these particular issues must be addressed in a prompt and efficient manner in order to maintain the overall integrity of the roofing structure. Apart from these components, the roofing contractors will check the soffits, fascia boards and gutters for rot and mold, which are common symptoms of water infiltration. They will also look for cracks in the chimney masonry, chimney caps and grout. The seams where the chimney meets the rest of the roof are prone to leaks, so these must be kept in top shape. Ventilation in the attic must also be inspected. If the ventilation is poor or insufficient, heat and moisture will build up in the space, encouraging rot and mold to form.

Interior Inspection

Water damage is an all-too-common problem when it comes to roofs. In order to confirm the severity of existing leaks, an interior inspection is a necessary step that roofers must do. The roofer will check for stains, streaks and discoloration on the ceilings and walls. A closer inspection of the corners is also needed to find patches of mold and mildew. Furthermore, the roofer will see if rays of daylight are penetrating the roof and into the attic. If so, holes and gaps in the roofing structure might have occurred due to wind damage. If needed, the roofer may also recommend adding insulation to prevent unwanted transfer of heat.

Material Inspection

Materials largely affect the performance and service life of a roof. But it is also important to note that weather conditions can damage roofing materials in different ways. During a routine inspection, the roofer will inspect the shingles for cracks, dents and granule loss caused by hail or debris. Shingles that have been loosened or lifted by strong winds must be reported. If the shingles are brittle or blistered, it is likely that extreme heat has taken a toll on the roof. Algae or moss growth on the roof surface – which does not only leave unsightly stains, but also weakens the roof’s ability to combat elements – should also be monitored. Missing or loose shingles, flashing, fasteners and seals around pipes should also be repaired or replaced right away for your roofing system to continue providing long-lasting protection.

Workmanship Inspection

There are instances when roofing problems are not caused by old age or severe weather conditions, but by a bad roofing installation job. On the final leg of a professional roofing inspection, the roofer will take note of any issues in workmanship that may increase the risks of leaks and water damage in the future. For example, the previous roofer that worked on your roof might have used the wrong type of nails or placed the nails incorrectly, causing your shingles to become vulnerable to blow-offs. Your current roofer will then perform necessary repairs to prevent extensive damage down the road.

Why Should You Hire a Professional to Perform Roof Inspections?

Even a regular homeowner can inspect the condition of the roof from the ground up using a pair of binoculars. Climbing up on top of the roof to check things more closely, however, is a definite no-go. A thorough inspection is best left in the hands of professionals for the following reasons:

• Firstly, certified roofers have the training and experience to perform the inspection in a safe and efficient manner. With the necessary precautions in place – such as securing ladders, utilizing ropes and harnesses, and wearing appropriate shoes and clothing – they are able to catch roofing problems without putting themselves in danger.

• Secondly, roof damage takes many shapes and forms. Because certified roofers are trained to spot less obvious signs of damage  – for example, cracks in soffits due to frequent freeze/thaw cycles – they can put in the necessary work to stop the initial damage from affecting other parts of your home. More importantly, they know the most appropriate solution to any problem with your roofing.

• Lastly, you need the assistance of a roofing company to accurately assess the extent and cost of damage to your roof. This is something that will come in handy if the storm damage does warrant the filing of an insurance claim.

How Do You Find the Right Roofing Company?

Your roof is a significant investment, so you will need to be extremely careful with your choices. Here are some tips on picking the best roofer for your needs:

• Get referrals. Start your search by asking family, friends and neighbors for referrals. Online reviews are always helpful, but nothing is quite as valuable as hearing first-hand experiences from the people you trust. With referrals, you have a clearer picture of what your experience will be like with roofing contractors.

• Look at credentials. Once you have a list of prospective roofing contractors, narrow them down by comparing their qualifications and credentials. Working with a fully licensed, bonded and insured contractor is non-negotiable. Certifications like GAF Master Elite® also ensure that your roofing project will be completed professionally and efficiently. Do not hesitate to ask for proof of insurance because a reliable contractor will be more than happy to oblige your request.

• Consider industry experience. If you want your roof repair or replacement done right the first time, it pays to hire contractors with over a decade of experience under their belt. This way, your roofing project will remain on track, with no shortcuts or errors that will cause unnecessary delays and add to the overall expenses. You also want someone who specializes in the type of roofing system you have, whether it’s an asphalt shingle roof, low-slope roof or standing seam metal roof.