How long has it been since you had your Roof inspected by a professional? If you cannot remember the last time you underwent a roof inspection, or if your home is showing signs of roof damage, it may be time to schedule an inspection. Frequent roof inspections not only help you identify problems early on, they can also help ensure that these repairs are made quickly before they turn into larger and more costly roof repairs. Over time, frequent roof inspections performed by an expert could save you a significant amount of money that far outweighs the initial cost of the inspections themselves.
What Are The Benefits Of Frequent Roof Inspections?
While you may think that you are saving money by not having your roof inspected on a regular basis, the opposite may in fact be true. When you neglect your roof for extended periods of time, problems like wood rot, leaks, mold, and ventilation issues can occur. If these types of repairs are not promptly made, the problem will often grow bigger and the repairs will end up costing more than they originally would. In addition, a roof that is well maintained through frequent roof inspections and repairs will typically last longer than a roof that does not get the proper care it needs, when it needs it.
Properly-maintained roofs can also present homeowners with other key benefits. For example, roofs that are in good condition often hold up better to extreme weather conditions. This means that if your roof encounters a major storm, it will likely suffer less damage than a roof that is in poor condition. If you ever have to complete an insurance claim due to storm damage or similar issues, having a detailed inspection report from a qualified roofing contractor can also help simplify your insurance claim and help you get the money you deserve sooner.
What To Look For During A Roof Inspection?
A roof inspection is essentially a preventative maintenance task that can make a big difference in the long-term look and health of your roof. When you hire a professional roofing contractor for the job, you can expect this expert to look for certain signs that could indicate repair is needed. Some of these red flags include:
- Cracked caulk
- Rust spots on flashing
- Broken or missing shingles
- Damaged or missing chimney cap
- Shingles that are curling, buckling, or blistering
- Presence of mold or mildew growth
- Roof deck that is sagging
- Excessive wear and tear
- Heavy loss of granules
When determining if your roof needs repair or replacement, a professional roofing contractor will also look at other factors, such as the age of your roof. The average roof will last between 20 and 25 years, depending on how well it is cared for and the materials used. If your roof is nearing or has surpassed this age expectancy, it may be time to consider replacing your roof. A roofing contractor will also analyze the overall structure of the roof. If there is weakened decking or you can see daylight through the roof boards, a contractor will provide you with advice on the best next course of action.
How Often Should Roofs Be Inspected?
How often you have your roof inspected will primarily depend on the age of the roof and the type of roof you own. Roofs with composite or asphalt shingles will typically require a roof inspection at least every three years. Wood shingle roofs, such as cedar shingles, also have an average inspection requirement of about every three years. However, if you have a more resilient roof, such as tile, you may require less frequent inspections of about every five years. There may also be scenarios in which more frequent roof inspections should be completed.
When unexpected situations occur that affect the health or stability of your roof, it is important to have a roof inspection performed right away. For example, if you recently experienced a severe wind storm that blew off shingles or caused tree limbs to fall onto your roof, your home may have suffered damage. When you contact a professional roof contractor, this expert will go onto your roof and check to see if damage occurred. This helps ensure that damage does not linger resulting in more costly problems down the road. You can also acquire peace of mind knowing that your roof is in good shape.
Why Not Do It Yourself?
You may be considering doing the roof inspections yourself to save money. Unfortunately, DIY roof inspections can result in a number of potential problems and risks. First, it is essential to understand that the simple act of climbing into your roof can pose serious dangers to your health. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 150,000 severe injuries occur each year due to falling off of residential roofs. Even if you are careful, factors such as moisture, material weakness, high winds, and other factors can influence your stability and result in falls.
Another reason you should never perform a roof inspection or repair yourself relates to your qualifications. The average homeowner may not possess the necessary qualifications to efficiently inspect a roof. There are many components that make up a roof, such as sheathing, underlayment, gutters, downspouts, flashing, chimneys, and vents. Without proper knowledge of how these materials should look and interact with one another, it is easy to overlook serious issues that could cause leaks and other problems. When you hire a professional roof contractor, you know that your home is in good hands.
Reach Out To An Experienced Roofing Contractor
It is common for homeowners to overlook important home maintenance tasks, such as regular roof inspections. While you may want to save money by delaying inspections or by trying to do them yourself, the result is often unsatisfactory. When performed by a professional, a roof inspection can actually save you money. For more information about the importance of frequent roof inspections or to schedule an inspection, contact Beyond Exteriors.
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