How Often Should My Roof Be Inspected?
Why Roof Inspections Are Important
A well-maintained roof act as a shield and protects your home from rain, wind, sun, and other possible damages. Even with roof, with time roof might get issues, for example there might be leaks, missing shingles, or structural wear damage. Hence it is essential for homeowners to get roof inspections. Roof inspections ensure one is able to diagnose small issues before they become big and costly to fix. If someone lives in Vancouver, for example, with frequent rains and season storms, doing inspections ensure that home does not have structural issues.
Recommended Roof Inspection Frequency
Professionals suggested that homeowners get their roof inspections done in Spring and Fall. Spring and Fall is ideal for roof inspections and after the winter snow and ice as well as summer heat. Spring inspection would help in making sure that the home is protected from the cold and storms, while the fall inspection helps the home prepare for the rainy season.
After a Major Storm or Severe Weather
In addition to specialized inspections, a roof check needs to be undertaken following severe weather events, such as storms. These weather events, such as hail or heavy rainfall, often lead to high winds which can potentially damage roofing materials. These roof damages are not always visible from the ground, particularly if there are no clear missing shingles or leaks. However, some underlying roofing issues may still be present. Documentation of damages post-storm inspections can be quite beneficial in claiming insurance and enabling early repairs to prevent further damages.
The Role of Professional Roofing Inspections
Professional roofers often provide deep assessments of the rooftops, in comparison to homeowners who are often content to simply check for sump pump clogs and the obvious shingle damages. Roofers certified for such tasks often extend their checks to the roof fixtures such as the flashing, vents, and chimneys, as well as the more remote areas of the house like the attic. These areas would be checked for moisture, mold, or any indicators of sagging. This extensive check guarantees no areas are skipped, which enables minimization of potential roofing leak issues, as well as collateral damages and the deterioration of roofing materials.
Indicators That Your Roof Requires Immediate Attention
The more serious problems with your roofing system may be signaled by water stain marks on the ceiling, the presence of missing or curling shingles, algae or moss, or even granules in the gutters. If ignored, these problems would cause additional issues such as structural damage or worse insulation problems. Addressing these problems quickly will mitigate more extensive damage as well as repair costs in the long run.
How The Age Of The Roof Affects The Frequency Of The Inspections
When it comes to the frequency of roofing inspections, the age of the roofing system is the predominant factor. In the absence of severe weather, shingles on new roofs could be inspected as little as twice a year. However, roofs more than 15 or 20 years old should be inspected much more frequently. Aging roofing materials are more susceptible to weather damage, sustained wear, and water infiltration. Scheduled inspections help you manage and mitigate the overall expenses and time spent on aged roofs while proactively replacing them instead of doing it reactively.
Seasonal Changes and Roofing Risks
Your roof is perhaps the most crucial external component of your house, and it sustains different sorts of bruises at different times of the year. For instance, we have ice dam formation in the winter, storms in the spring, extreme heat in the summer, and debris during autumn. In places such as Vancouver, spring and fall are good times for assessing possible damage and for the cleanup of debris such as last autumn’s leaves or moss. An inspection done at this time can further make sure your attic is not suffering any stagnation of air, thus preventing moisture and mold in your roof and attic.
Preventive Maintenance Saves Money
Roof inspections help in preserving the roof and the house in general, and are in essence, a form of preventive maintenance to the house. Further, they are cheaper than performing a full or partial replacement and even major repairs, and help in the preservation of the house’s value. When these inspections reveal issues that are dealt with at the right time, performing minor procedures such as sealing up a presented crack, or replacing a few moved or damaged shingles, can save the homeowner a lot of money in the future. Regular inspections are one of the best measures a homeowner can undertake in protecting his investment, particularly for those who seek to shield their investment.
Conclusion
Maintaining your home’s roof requires looking after it throughout the year, as it is your home’s first defense against the elements. It is advisable to inspect your roof at least twice a year during spring and fall and after severe weather events. Inspections can be performed on new as well as aging roofs, as routine checks can ensure the identification and maintenance of minor issues, preventing costly damages and extending the life of the roof. Keeping your home leak free relies heavily on regular inspections, so ensure your home is protected for years to come by scheduling an inspection today.