Experts recommend getting roof inspections at least once a year, preferably during spring or fall. You should also schedule one after an extreme weather event. Your contractor could catch minor issues that can cost you expensive repairs in the future. Many times, these small problems are left undetected until a leak occurs or water causes damage to other parts of your house.
Here’s what to expect from roofers during the inspection.
What Should You Expect During a Professional Roof Inspection?
Structural Inspection
Your contractor will check the planes of your roof for irregularities. They will look for sagging and damage on the fascia, soffit and gutters. Pros will check if there are cracks, chimney cap damage and crumbling grout on the masonry chimney.
Your roofer might also inspect your attic vents to ensure they effectively eliminate warm, moist air from your interior. Poor ventilation could cause humid air to accumulate in your attic, harming the shingles and roof decking. Heat can also travel to your living space, causing discomfort and increased energy costs.
Material Inspection
During this phase of the inspection, roofing companies assess the condition of the shingles. Expect your contractor to check if the shingles are curling, loose, or missing. They will also look for stains, rust, moss, and loose or missing flashing.
Shingles have granules protecting them against ultraviolet rays. Sometimes, they can get dislodged due to weather extremes, debris or high winds. Significant granule loss could also mean that you need to get a new roof. During the inspection, your contractor will check your gutters for a buildup of these elements.
Workmanship Inspection
You must carefully assess your prospective roofing companies. It’s because the performance and lifespan of your roof largely depend on who installs it. Installation errors could increase the possibility of leaks and other roofing issues. Improper flashing around chimneys, vents and other protrusions is one of the most common signs of poor workmanship.
Checking Your Interior
Signs of roofing issues could be present inside your house. Be on the lookout for water or dark spots on ceilings and walls. Mold in your home could also mean water has entered your interior through the roof. If someone in the family suffers from allergies or asthma, you want to eliminate mold immediately. It releases spores that are harmful to your family’s health. When roofers come for an inspection, they typically go to the attic to look for leaks. They will check if wooden structures have rotted due to excessive exposure to moisture.
Detailed Roof Analysis
Following the inspection, you’ll get a detailed report about your roof’s condition. It should state if repairs are necessary. If there is something wrong with your roof, address the issue immediately. Waiting too long to have it fixed could be detrimental to your roof’s longevity. Keep in mind that a roof in good shape would stand up better against the forces of nature.
Why Are Roof Inspections Important?
Know How Old Your Roof Is
Over time, the elements can deteriorate roofs. Regardless of what material yours is made of, the time will eventually come when you need to get a new one. However, you can extend its service life with regular inspections and maintenance. Keeping track of your roof’s condition and knowing its age will give you an idea of when a roof replacement might be necessary.
Catch Roofing Problems Early
Often, homeowners only schedule inspections when the water has already leaked into their living space, usually after storms. You don’t have to wait for this problem to happen in your home. Remember that leaks are usually a sign of a bigger roofing issue, such as mold, rot, saturated insulation and corrosion. These kinds of damage don’t develop overnight. Fortunately, you can avoid them before they even occur with regular inspections, proper care and prompt repairs.
Detect Storm Damage
Even if your roof looks alright after a severe storm, you should still schedule a professional inspection. High winds, hail and other outdoor elements can damage your roof. Signs of storm damage are not always obvious. Sometimes, you may not even notice it until water starts leaking into your home.
Quickly deal with this issue because it could lead to extensive water damage. Be careful of the roofing companies you hire after a weather event. It’s when storm chasers tend to take advantage of homeowners. To be safe, only hire a reputable company from your area or one you’ve worked with before.
Ensure Efficient Drainage
Dried leaves, twigs, seeds and other debris can clog your gutters, causing rainwater to back up on the roof. Standing water can accelerate the deterioration of several roofing components, including shingles and flashing.
With regular inspections, you’ll know if your roof has drainage issues and be able to address them. Keeping your gutter system efficient will do more than keep your roof in good shape. It will also help avoid basement flooding, foundation damage, erosion and other costly issues.
Avoid Vegetation Damage
It isn’t uncommon for neglected roofs to have vegetation growth. Organic materials on your roof can attract small creatures like birds and insects. Roots can infiltrate the surface of the roof, causing damage and leaks. Usually, vegetation starts growing in your gutters because they can hold dirt, seeds and moisture. You can easily avoid this problem by keeping your roof and gutters clean.
Keep Your Warranty Valid
Manufacturers usually require regular inspection and maintenance to keep roofing warranties valid. Failure to do so could cost you your coverage. It means you won’t be able to file a warranty claim if something happens to your roof.
Choose a dependable contractor to handle your residential roofing needs. At Next Level Roofers, we take pride in our quality roof replacement, repair and maintenance services. Whether you need repairs after a storm or a new flat roof, our team is here to help. Call us at (407) 237-7960 or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate. We serve homeowners in communities around The Villages (Leesburg, Florida) and Sumter County.
