Most people don’t think about their roof until there’s a problem. But a roof inspection is important and can save you a lot of money in the long run. A roof inspection can identify major issues before they become a problem and can also give you peace of mind knowing that your roof is in good condition. In most cases, roofing companies offer a roof inspection for free. You can even get a second opinion from another company if you feel it necessary. There’s really no good reason to put off getting a proper roof inspection.
What is a roof inspection?
A professional conducting a thorough roof inspection will check for things such as ventilation and deflectors, roof and plumbing vents, insulation – especially in the attic – flashing, decking, the drip edge, the soffit, and other areas that can easily get overlooked. Without proper maintenance, deterioration of any roofing component can contribute to the damage of other parts. Over time, it will diminish the life of your roof and shorten it by as many as 15 years or more. Whether you have a gable roof with dormer windows, an asymmetrical roof, a mansard or gambrel roof, a flat roof, or a cathedral ceiling with no attic, a good inspection will educate you on what, if any, issues you are facing on and around your roof.
How often should you get a roof inspection?
It’s always a good idea to have a roof inspection done, especially if your roof is more than ten years old. An inspection can pinpoint problem areas that can be repaired to endure the longevity of your roof as a hole. Having an inspection will also give you an idea of how much life your roof has left, so you can plan ahead to replace your roof when necessary. There are, however, some specific situations in which you would need a roof inspection:
- When selling your home
If you’re thinking about selling your home, get a roof inspection. In this case, a roof inspection can add tangible value to your home. An inspection that relays to potential buyers that your roof is in good condition may also help close the deal. As a selling point, it shows that you’ve taken care of the roof and that the buyer won’t need to worry about replacing it anytime soon. It will also send the message that if you have taken care of your roof, you have probably been conscientious about taking care of other parts of your home.
- After a storm
Many homeowners feel it is necessary to get a roof inspection following a severe storm to check if there was damage done to their roofs. Hailstorms can especially leave room for worry. Also, severe thunderstorms in which high winds and lightning caused damage nearby may mean that your home could have suffered damage as well.
- When you find a leak
If you have a leak inside your home, you know how frustrating it can be to have to continuously remove water from inside your home. Also, those water rings that appear on the ceiling following a leak are very unsightly. Furthermore, you don’t want to neglect a roof leak because water and moisture can get trapped inside your roofing structure. It is impossible to detect, but – if left unchecked – it can spawn algae growth as well as mold growth.
- If you have deck issues
If you notice that your deck seems abnormally wet or rotting, it may be a sign you have roof trouble. Furthermore, if your deck is wet and never dry, it may be because your roof is leaking. This can quickly cause structural damage that will be very expensive to repair. A routine inspection will catch these types of damages and leaks before it causes more damage to other parts of your home.
- If you suspect defective shingles
If you think something might be wrong with your existing shingles, a roof inspection will back up your claims when you contact the point of sale to request a refund. An inspection report is beneficial in an attempt to file an insurance claim on your roof.
- When you want a second opinion
If you’ve already gotten a roof inspection in the recent past, the results might not have been convincing. If this is the case for you, it can’t hurt anything to have a second company take a look and see if they recommend the same repairs or provide a similar analysis of the condition of your roof.
- When the neighbors get one
Keeping up with the Jones’ may not motivate you to get a new roof, but
When your house is right next door to a home with a brand-new roof, it has the effect of making yours look outdated. Often, when one homeowner gets a new roof, it inspires neighbors to do the same. A brand-new roof really does make a home look so much more appealing.
- To ease your mind
If you’re considering getting a roof inspection, then you probably should. A roof inspection is a valuable tool for assessing your roof if you are at all concerned with its condition. Also, if you haven’t had a roof inspection in a long time, it’s probably time to update your records. You are already thinking about it, so getting an inspection will help put your mind at ease.
What you will learn
A roof inspection can reveal a number of things about your roof. First, you will get a good idea of how many, if any, roofing shingles are missing, damaged, or flapping due to storms. You may also learn that you have a loss of granular, which leads to unsightly algae growth.
The bottom line
If you believe you might need a roof inspection, then you probably do. Able Roof can provide you with a detailed write-up of what’s going on up there and help you make a decision regarding repair. We have licensed inspectors, which is an essential requirement for a legitimate roof inspection. Contact us today for your free inspection.
