Are you concerned about the condition of your roof? If your roof collapses or leaks, it can cause extensive damage very quickly. It might be time for a roof inspection.
Given the complexity of most roofing systems, this is not the job for a home or business owner. Instead, it’s best to leave inspections to a professional roofing contractor. But how often do you need one?
In general, it’s recommended that you schedule a professional roof inspection twice a year, regardless of your roof’s age. By booking routine inspections, a roofing contractor can repair minor issues before they create bigger problems. Maintaining your roof keeps you and your family (or your employees and customers) safe.
In this article, we’re going to explain why regular roof inspections are so important:
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Why You Should Schedule A Roof Inspection
Is it time to book a roof inspection? In the following situations, call your local roofing contractor sooner than later:
It has been several years since your last inspection
How old is your roof? As time goes by, materials naturally become weaker, and there is a higher chance that you will need repairs.
After an extreme weather event
Your roof is subjected to extreme weather conditions and temperatures. Throughout the year, it is damaged by snowstorms, hail, heavy rainfall, intense sun, and strong winds. Harsh conditions like these take their toll on roofs. Even if you had an inspection in the last 6 months, it may be worth scheduling another one after an extreme weather event.
There are large trees on your property
How dense is the tree coverage on your property? If your property is surrounded by trees, your roof may be damaged from falling branches. Large branches and twigs may snap from strong winds, and can easily damage your roof.
The Benefits Of Regular Roof Inspections
Why is it so important to schedule bi-annual roof inspections? Maintenance is important for every type of roof, including:
- Residential roofs. Your home contains all of your personal belongings. If your roof leaks, it may cause water damage. You could lose items that are impossible to replace, like artwork, photo albums, or other mementos.
- Commercial roofs. A leaky roof can interrupt your business operations. If your roof is leaking or on the verge of collapsing, it puts the safety of your employees and customers at risk. By booking routine inspections, you can ensure that a damaged roof will not interfere with your business.
When you maintain your roof, you can enjoy the following benefits:
Improve the value of your property
Are you planning to sell your home or business? Most buyers want a move-in-ready building—not one that requires expensive repairs. A poorly-maintained roof may make them hesitant to purchase your property.
Any potential buyer will be happy to learn that your roof is in great condition, thanks to regular inspections and maintenance. With a solid roof, you can improve the value of your home or business.
Preventative maintenance can save you money
Imagine that you have a shingled roof. After a snowstorm, one of the shingles cracks. You start to notice a small water leak in your attic. The issue may seem minor at first, but over time, that moisture can make the ceiling rot.
Water damage may spread throughout the room until you must replace or knock down the interior walls and insulation. The cost of repairing extensive water damage will be much greater than the initial roof repair would have been.
A few signs your roof is damaged include:
- Water stains in the attic, ceilings, or interior walls
- Rising energy bills due to heat loss
- Cracked, rotten, or missing shingles
Peace of mind
Think about what might happen to your property if your roof leaked during a rainstorm, or caved in under the weight of snow. A collapsed roof would cost a lot to repair. On top of that, you’d need to replace any damaged materials or belongings. It would be a major expense and inconvenience to you.
When you know your roof is in good condition, you won’t have to worry about unexpected repairs. Regular maintenance gives you valuable peace of mind. It’s hard to put a price on something like that.
Lower your heating/cooling bills
Is your roof under-insulated? You won’t know until you have it inspected.
Roofs are one of the main sources of heat loss in a home. When you stand in your attic, do you feel a chill in the air? It’s probably due to a lack of insulation.
With a well-maintained, vented roof, you can reduce heat loss and lower your heating/cooling bills. Your inspector might find that more insulation is needed to properly seal your roof. By improving your roof, you can reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home. It also helps preserve the lifespan of your HVAC system; the unit won’t need to work as hard to maintain a consistent temperature.
Call A Reputable Roofing Company
Proper roof inspections are not the type of work that you can do yourself. For your safety, always call an experienced roofing contractor to perform inspections.
Call a roofing company that offers professional roof repairs for residential and commercial buildings in your area. The roofing contractors should have the training, credentials, and experience to inspect all types of roofs.