HOW OFTEN ROOF INSPECTIONS SHOULD BE CONDUCTED
You’re probably wondering how many times a year you’re supposed to get your home’s roof inspected, or if it’s even worth it to get your roof inspected.
Although it may seem like your roof is sturdy enough to last a long time without needing any maintenance, the reality is your roof is actually one of the most vulnerable components of your house. This is because your roof plays one of the biggest roles in keeping your home safe against the weather outside and the most extreme of elements.
That’s why it’s important to know how often you should have a home or commercial roof inspection conducted and how to tell if your roof needs to get checked immediately.
This article gives you a roof inspection checklist with everything you need to know about getting your roof inspected by a licensed roof inspection company.
WHY YOUR ROOF NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED
The size of your roof and its part in protecting your home from mother nature make it one of the most important components of your home to take care of.
While you may be able to gauge the external appearance of your roof from afar, you can’t be sure of the internal structural integrity of your roof unless you have the right expertise and knowledge to thoroughly check your roof inside and out.
The best way to make sure your roof gets the attention it needs is to hire a roofing specialist to come inspect your roof. Certified roofers will be able to identify any issues your roof may have and if there are any urgent repairs that need to be conducted. Taking care of potential problems with your roof before they happen can save you thousands of dollars in costly fixes.
TOP REASONS TO INSPECT YOUR ROOF NOW
Although getting your roof inspected might not be a top priority at the moment, it’s helpful to be aware of the different warning signs that will tell you it’s time to get your roof checked. Here’s some of the top reasons why you might want to get your roof inspected today.
Storm Damage
After a major storm, it’s always a good practice to check your roof for any damage that may have resulted. High winds, torrential rains, and other extreme weather conditions that accompany a big storm can cause serious harm to your roof. Even if your roof looks like it was left untouched by the storm, it doesn’t hurt to get a professional set of eyes to inspect your roof for any interior damage, leaks, or other issues that warrant repairs.
General Aging
Over time, any roof is bound to undergo weathering and its fair share of wear and tear, no matter how well it’s been built. In the event that you notice your roof is starting to show signs of old age, such as small openings or leaks, you should immediately reach out to your local certified roofing professionals to prevent any defects from getting worse. Scheduling regular maintenance for your roof is a good way to keep your roof in perfect working order at all times.
Leaks in the Roof
If you notice your roof starts to leak during or after heavy rain, it’s crucial you get in touch with your local roof inspection company to have your roof looked at. Although a simple leak might seem like an isolated problem, it could actually arise from a much bigger issue with your roof, such as rotting wood, wet insulation, mold, or corroded metal. The best way to identify the root cause of your leak is to have a professional roofer examine your roof for any signs of deterioration and structural decay that may not appear on the surface.
Clogged Drainage
Sometimes, the reason why your roof may be leaking or experiencing water damage is simply because its drainage system is backed up with leaves, trash, and other debris that is preventing water from properly running off. When the water that falls onto your roof is unable to run off correctly, your roof becomes more vulnerable to moisture penetration and the many problems that come along with it. Make sure that the roofing experts you hire to inspect your roof take a look at your roof’s drainage to avoid any serious water damage.
HOW TO FIND A LEAK IN YOUR ROOF
In case you’re unable to get a roofing specialist to come inspect your roof immediately, you can take steps to check your roof yourself and isolate the cause of the leak. Follow these five steps to find any leaks in your roof:
- Look for any clear signs that your roof is leaking, such as:
- Water stains on the walls or ceilings
- Musty odours
- Warped, damaged, or missing shingles or tiles
- Sections of your interior walls that are bulging
- Siding that’s clearly suffered from water damage
- Rust, if your roof is metal
- Make sure the leak isn’t coming from inside your house
- Carefully inspect your attic for any signs of a leak
- Give the exterior of your roof a thorough scan for problem areas, especially around any vents, chimneys, skylights and other seams
- Test your roof for any leaks by spraying your roof with a garden hose, one section at a time
While testing whether or not your roof has a leak won’t necessarily help you gauge the overall condition of your roof, it can help you determine the urgency of getting a roof inspection and which specific part of your roof needs to be examined.
HOW MUCH DOES A ROOF INSPECTION COST?
Roof inspection services can vary in cost, depending on how big your roof is and whether or not there are additional repairs that need to be done. The main factors that weigh into the cost of a roof inspection include:
- Size of the roof
- Roof material
- Steepness of your roof’s pitch
- Level of detail
- Accessibility
While it’s important not to spend too much money on a roof inspection, it’s worthwhile to think of your roof inspection as an investment rather than a sunken cost. Getting your roof inspected may cost you some money today, but that translates into thousands of dollars saved in extensive repairs.