Assessing the look of a roof is not a surefire way to determine its actual condition. A full-on roof replacement or even a minor roof repair, such as fixing flashing around a chimney, is an important investment that can cost you a huge amount of money if not done right. A professional residential roofing inspection, however, can help you prevent such a costly affair in the future.
How Often You Should Schedule a Roof Inspection?
You should schedule an inspection if you suspect your roof has sustained damage during a storm or other high-wind events. But first, you should perform a brief visual inspection on your own. Take a close look at the ground, and search for broken fragments of shingles. Dents and debris, like a fallen tree, on the roof should also be noted. Do not forget to examine the attic and look for any evidence of leaks. In addition to performing an inspection after a storm, it is of paramount importance that you schedule routine inspections as well. Generally, you should have your roof inspected by a trusted professional at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.
Reasons Roof Inspections Are So Important
Professional roof inspections are essential in understanding the current condition of your roof and managing proper maintenance, which, in return, will increase the service life of the roof. Here are common reasons to get residential roofing inspections:
To create a roof maintenance plan. All roofs have to endure weathering and aging. This is generally evident in the form of cracks and holes on the surface of the roof that often lead to moisture infiltration. Regular roof inspections can help you, the homeowner, plan proper maintenance on these defects in order to stave off further damage.
To catch small issues before they spiral out of control. Contrary to popular belief, a leaking ceiling is not the first indication of a problematic roof. Oftentimes there is another roof-related damage present, like broken shingles or clogged gutters. With a routine inspection, you can detect these issues on time and stop them from developing into something much worse. A roofing professional can find these faults and recommend small repairs so you will not have to deal with a bigger problem down the road.
To assess the aftermath of a storm. From fast-hitting hailstones to strong winds and torrential downpours, storms can severely damage the roof over your head. Storm damage can cause leaks and other structural problems. A leak following a heavy rainfall might also be a symptom of an underlying issue – such as rotted wood, corroded metal or wet insulation — that has been developing for some time. An experienced residential and commercial roofing contractor can conduct a full leak assessment to put a stop to roof deterioration.
To ensure proper drainage. The importance of proper drainage to roof performance cannot be overstated. If a roof is waterlogged, sooner or later leaks and moisture-related damage will occur. Prioritizing roof inspections can prevent these expensive repairs. Furthermore, during a roof cleaning and maintenance service, expert roofers will remove fallen leaves and other debris that can clog drains to ensure proper drainage all year round.
Best Questions to Ask During a Roof Inspection
Your roof is your and your family’s first line of defense against weather elements. Over time, constant exposure to these elements can take a toll on your roof. By regularly scheduling annual or biannual inspections with a qualified roofer, however, you can catch developing issues and keep your roof in good shape until the end of its expected life.
Be sure to ask these helpful questions during their visit:
“How Old Is My Roof?”
Unless you designed and built your home from the ground up, you might not know the exact age of your roofing system. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, the average residential or commercial roofing can last between 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance. If your roof happens to be approaching the end of its life, it is best to start planning on getting a new roof. Small repairs on an aging roof might entail greater costs in the long run.
“What Materials Did the Builders Use on My Roof?”
Knowing the materials the original builders used on your roof allows you to make informed decisions about its repair and replacement. Your roofing inspector may even suggest upgrading your roof covering to something that is more appropriate for the local climate. For example, if you live in a region prone to hailstorms, you will want to select a roofing material that has Class 4 impact rating, which is the industry’s highest rating for impact resistance. To achieve this rating, the shingles must be able to withstand the impact of a 2-inch ball dropped from 20 feet without tearing or splitting.
“Does My Roof Have Multiple Layers of Shingles?”
Building codes in some areas allow the installation of new shingles over old shingles. But this is usually done to avoid the expense and effort of tearing off the existing shingles. A dependable roofing contractor should check the roof for multiple layers of shingles if you are in the process of purchasing a new home. This should help you make a smarter decision about the sale or the roof’s future maintenance expenses.
“Should My Gutters Be Removed?”
Not all roofing jobs require gutter replacement. But in most cases, it makes sense to have the roof and gutters replaced at the same time. Additionally, you will want to know how the roofing crew will protect your gutters during a roof inspection or repair.
“Is My Attic Properly Ventilated?”
Do not underestimate the role of your attic ventilation in roof maintenance. It is responsible for keeping the roof at the right temperatures and addressing excess heat and moisture that can wreak havoc on the rest of your home. Without sufficient ventilation along with proper insulation in the attic, your roof can overheat and deteriorate, requiring a full roof replacement sooner than you have expected. It is vital that you ask your roof inspector if your attic ventilation is doing its job effectively.
“What Should I Repair First?”
If your roofer ends up identifying several defects with your roofing system, there is no need to stress out right away. Chances are most of these issues will be cosmetic-related. This means you can put off some repairs if the roof has more severe problems. After the inspection, your roofer will provide you with a detailed report of their findings. Do not hesitate to ask them about issues that need to be addressed promptly and those that can be dealt with some other time.
“How Long Will the Roofing Job Take?
Once the roof inspection is done, your roofer should be able to estimate how long it will take to complete the roof repair or replacement job. Apart from that, do consider asking about their action plan should a storm strike while the roofers are working on your roof. Will they cover it with a tarp the day before the bad weather is supposed to hit? Or will they wait and see on the day itself? While this seems like a rare occurrence, it is always better to be prepared ahead of time.
