You should schedule a roof inspection at least once a year to ensure it is in good condition. It is also a good idea to get an assessment following an extreme weather event. If you do not remember the last time you had your roof checked, it is probably time to call professionals. 

Read on to discover what an inspection from a reputable roofing company covers. 

Why Is It Important to Get Regular Roof Inspections? 

Avoid Costly Repairs

During your appointment, your contractor can detect and address issues that could require expensive repairs in the future. They can also inform you about potential problems that can risk your home’s safety, such as a roof collapse during heavy snow. Moreover, when your roof is in top shape, it can provide more protection against the elements. The better it withstands damage, the more money you will save on repairs. 

Maintain a Healthy Living Environment

When not detected and fixed early, roof leaks can cause extensive water damage to your home. Once water leaks inside your indoor spaces, mold growth can also occur. Mold produces spores that can trigger allergic reactions, such as sneezing, eye redness, runny nose and skin rash. People with asthma can also experience irritation in the eyes, nose, throat, lungs and skin. Through routine inspections, you will know if your roof is leaking and can take immediate action to ensure your living environment remains safe. 

Prolong the Life of Your Roof

Residential roofing systems last between 20 to 30 years, depending on the material, installation and maintenance. Regular inspections can contribute to the longevity of your roof. Reliable roofing contractors will perform a thorough assessment and repairs to keep your roof in great condition for longer. They can also give you an idea of when a replacement is necessary so you can prepare for it.

Have Peace of Mind

A damaged roof can be a cause of worry and stress during the storm season. Even if it appears that there is not anything wrong with your roof, you should still have it checked annually. Doing so will give you peace of mind that it can survive and stay intact during harsh weather. 

What Does a Professional Roof Inspection Cover?

Exterior Inspection

One of the first things your inspector will do when they arrive at your home is to check the structure of your roof. They will look for signs of sagging and unevenness in roof planes. Your inspector will assess the soffit and fascia too. If you have a fireplace, they will examine your chimney for gaps, cracks, deteriorating grout and chimney cap damage. 

Additionally, your contractor will inspect your attic ventilation to determine if it needs improvement. Proper ventilation is crucial to the longevity and performance of your roof. Poor airflow in your attic can speed up the deterioration of various roofing components. It can increase the likelihood of ice dams during winter and make your living space hard to cool in summer. 

Material Inspection

At this stage of your roof inspection, your contractor will look for curling, loose and missing shingles. Damaged shingles must be repaired or replaced immediately because they can cause rainwater to infiltrate your living space.  

Asphalt shingles have granules that protect them against the sun’s harmful UV rays and the elements. The inspector will check your gutters for a buildup of these sediments. Shingle granule loss is a common indication that a roof is reaching the end of its life. 

Installation Inspection

Properly installed roofs are less likely to develop issues. A dependable contractor will check your roof for workmanship issues that can increase the chances of leaks and water damage. They will assess leak-prone areas, such as skylights, chimneys, vent pipes and other protrusions. 

What Happens After the Inspection?

Following the assessment, your contractor will provide you with a comprehensive report about the overall condition of your roof. This document will state which areas require immediate attention. It is essential to have the result of your roof inspection in writing. Your insurance company may ask you to provide this information when you file a claim. Good documentation is also helpful when you list your property in the future. 

If your roof needs repairs, do not wait too long to get them. It will only cause existing problems to worsen and become more expensive to fix. Putting off repairs will also increase the risk of extensive water damage to other parts of your home.

Why Hire Professionals to Inspect Your Roof?

Save Your Self From Injuries

It is always best to leave roofing installation, inspection and maintenance to skilled professionals. They have the proper tools and knowledge to perform these jobs efficiently and safely. Staying balanced on a ladder while handling numerous tools can be tricky, especially for untrained individuals. Walking on a roof can also be dangerous for people without experience. 

Avoid Accidental Damage 

Attempting to inspect or repair a roof yourself often does more harm than good. You could accidentally damage components of your roof while trying to assess or fix it. It is also easy for an untrained person to miss signs of damage or misdiagnose an issue. The problem will only recur if you do not address its root cause. 

Reputable roofing professionals went through intensive training and passed tests to obtain certifications. These equip them with the skills to detect roof damage. They also know how to address these problems permanently.

Protect Your Warranty

Warranties protect your investment against poor workmanship and product defects. Manufacturers often require homeowners to schedule regular inspections and maintenance from professionals to keep them valid. You could lose your roofing warranty because of roofing jobs done by uncertified individuals.