The roof is one of the major components of a home. It protects everything inside the house, including the belongings and homeowners, against external elements such as the sun, wind, and rain. Your roofing can last for at least 20 years, depending on the materials used and the amount of care provided. However, with the changing weather conditions and the daily wear and tear, your roof can experience issues like leaking and loose shingles.
Did you know that the most common small roofing problem could cost you about $150 to $400? Put in the equation the labor cost, and you will get an amount that will hurt your pocket.
When does my roof need an inspection?
As a responsible homeowner, you should protect your property by performing regular roof inspections. So, how often should you get a roof inspection? According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, it is essential to perform roof inspections at least twice a year — before fall and spring start to help identify roofing problems.
Here are the three important instances that require you to get a roof inspection:
- After a major storm
Major storms typically bring a lot of heavy rain, strong winds, and even hails, which can wreak havoc on your roofing system. Do not wait for your roof to start leaking. Check the condition of your roof whenever it gets safe to climb on the top. Better yet, call a professional to perform the necessary inspection. The good thing about getting help from professional roofing contractors is that they can also assist you with your insurance claims.
- The roof that is a decade old or more
While most roofs can last for about 20 years or more, an already decade-old roof has already seen better days and should be inspected regularly for issues. You may like to consider investing in a newer roof if there are more problems popping up during your inspection, and fall or spring is coming.
- Vegetation damage
Sometimes, if the roof isn’t maintained well, weeds and plants can start growing on the gutters and other parts of the roofing system. Problems happen when the roots of these plants and weeds begin to penetrate the roof membrane causing leakage.
Roofing inspection checklist
So it is already settled that you must perform roof inspection at least twice a year. You can either go up close with your roof using a ladder or call a professional roofer for a thorough inspection. During the inspection, pay close attention to the following:
- Flashing – check for any rust spots or cracked caulk
- Shingles – strong winds and heavy rains can get the shingles loose and even break them. Inspect the roof shingles for any signs of breaking, buckling, curling, or blistering.
- Vent pipes are another roofing feature that needs to be checked well especially the rubber boots as it can get worn out or crack.
- Gutter – moss and algae can grow on your roofing structure. Twigs, dry leaves and other debris that has accumulated in the gutter can also clog it and even encourage early damage.
