Believe it or not, the average homeowner spends about $9,390 on home maintenance tasks each year. The easiest way to lower those expenses is to stay on top of regular roof maintenance.
The sooner you locate the problem, the less expensive the solution will be.
If you’re like most homeowners, identifying roof damage can be tricky at best. You need to schedule regular roof inspections to give your roof the care it deserves.
If you’ve never scheduled a roof inspection in the past, you probably aren’t sure what to expect, why it’s important, or even what inspectors look for. We’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to know about inspections before your contractor gets to your house.
Roof Inspections Are a Must for Every Home
As a homeowner, you can see what’s going on inside your house. When you find minor issues like dripping faucets or scuffed paint on the walls, you know when to get them fixed.
Your roof, on the other hand, is much harder for you to inspect on your own. Worse, most roofing issues can be hard to spot without extensive training. If those issues get ignored long enough, you could end up causing extensive damage to both the roof and the rest of your house.
Inspections help you assess the condition of your roof in its entirety. After the inspector finishes, you’ll know exactly what needs fixing, what’s in good condition, and which repairs you’ll need to plan for in the near future.
Always Work With a Professional
Doing regular roof inspections on your own is a wonderful way to stay on top of major repairs. It’s something you should do at least once a month and after every major storm to keep your roof in good condition.
But you won’t be able to spot every issue before it becomes a serious problem.
You’ll only be able to find damage that’s visible to the naked eye. This includes issues like missing shingles, warping rooflines, and algae growth on the surface. You won’t be able to see what’s going on beneath the roofing materials or what’s happening with the structure itself.
To get a complete picture of what’s going on, you’ll need to work with a professional roof inspector. They have the tools and experience needed to see what’s going on beneath the surface and identify areas of concern.
Even better, they’ll be able to put together a complete care and maintenance plan so you can rest assured that your roof will be in good shape for years to come.
When to Schedule an Inspection
For most homeowners, roof inspections should get scheduled at least twice a year—once in the spring and again before winter. This will let you catch minor roof damage before severe weather has a chance to cause leaks in your home.
That said, you should also schedule an inspection after severe storms and anytime you notice issues when walking around the exterior of your house. Remember, not all roof damage will be visible and severe weather has a way of hurting the integrity of your roof without necessarily making it look damaged.
Staying on top of your inspections will help you keep your roof in good condition.
When in doubt, schedule an inspection. Even if you’re fairly certain that your roof is okay, it’s always best to play it safe. The last thing you want is to discover that a loose shingle created a major leak that’s causing structural damage to your home.
What the Inspector Will Look At
Every home is different and the specific things your roof inspector will look at will largely depend on the type of roof you have, but there are some things that will be consistent.
Almost every inspection will start with an exterior walk-around. Your inspector will check the materials for wear and tear from the ground. They’ll look for warping along the slope of the roof and will check for any missing shingles, roofing nails, or other materials.
After checking the exterior of your roof, they’ll take the time to check the attic and crawlspace for damage. Inside your home, they’ll look for excess moisture buildup in the materials and structural supports of the roof. They’ll also check for water stains, wood rot, and mold which can indicate major issues with the roof itself.
In addition to looking for damage, they’ll also check the overall quality of the roof and any previous repairs done to the structure. If they notice any issues, they’ll tell you what steps you need to take to fix the damage.
Understand that Inspections Aren’t Maintenance Appointments
Inspections tell you what’s going on with your roof and what repairs need to happen. They’re not a substitute for regular maintenance and repairs. Instead, they’re a precursor.
If you don’t know what’s going on with your roof, you can’t take care of preventative maintenance tasks in the first place.
Making inspections a regular part of your maintenance routine will help you stay on top of damage and can extend the life of your roof significantly. Remember, the average asphalt shingle roof lasts for about 20 years with proper care and maintenance. Any neglect can shorten that lifespan and force you to pay for a premature roof replacement.
Ready to Give Your Roof the Attention It Deserves?
Roof inspections are the best way to stay on top of maintenance and identify damage before it has a chance to threaten the safety and integrity of your roof. If you can’t remember the last time your roof got inspected, don’t wait. Contact Landmark Roofing to schedule an inspection today. The sooner you know what’s going on with your roof, the better off your home will be. Call 443-214-2533 or email us today to learn more!
