You deserve a roof that can stand up against high winds, persistent rain, and other inclement weather. As time passes, your roof will struggle with loose shingles, bald spots, and sagging areas. Your shingles may lose their aesthetic appeal and become dull. You may even have water leaking down into your attic and home. Roof inspections are an effective way of catching structural problems before they create more expensive damage. Let’s explore how often these inspections should take place, warning signs that indicate you need an inspection, and how you can care for your roof between inspections.
Scheduling an Inspection
No matter the age or type of your roof, you should have it inspected at least once a year. Roofs older than 20 years will benefit from biannual inspections. This is because older roofs are more susceptible to significant issues that can lead to them being replaced. Only a professional roofer can catch these problems in the very early stages.
Consider scheduling an inspection appointment in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and you don’t need as much temperature control inside. You should also be completing your own roofing checks when possible so you can quickly catch any changes in the color or efficiency of your shingles.
Even if you don’t see any visible issues with your roof, you should still call in one of our professional roofers at Quality Roofing regularly. Completing a full roof inspection by yourself is a complicated process, and climbing up on your roof without the right equipment can put you at risk of falling or disturbing your roof’s weak areas. Our experts have years of experience and expertise and know how to spot a variety of roofing issues.
Warning Signs
You may not want to call for roofing care until you notice something has gone wrong. Unfortunately, by the time you spot these changes, your roofing problem has likely already worsened. Learning more about potential warning signs can help you decide the right time to call for a roof inspection.
Damaged by Storms
Particularly high winds and excessive amounts of rain will harm your roof’s integrity over time. After a big storm, you should immediately head out and check for any changes with the roof itself or the flashing around the edges. Make sure there aren’t any loose pieces of roofing material in the yard or your gutters.
If you notice anything different like a new bare spot or sagging area, call us for an inspection. It’s best to schedule one as soon as possible so that your homeowner’s insurance can work with you to cover part of the cost if applicable. Don’t forget to take photos of the roof before service to benefit your insurance claim.
Vegetation Growth
Your gutters need to be routinely cleaned to prevent harmful flora buildup. As the seasons change, your gutters can overflow with seeds, twigs, dirt, and moisture that then leads to vegetation growth. This can also allow water to seep into the eaves and rot away the shingles and roof deck from underneath. Any type of roof growth is often a sign of unsafe amounts of standing water, which should be addressed immediately before the whole roof needs to be replaced.
Poor Drainage
When it rains or storms, water should quickly run down your roof and into the gutters. There shouldn’t be any piles of leaves, tree branches, trash, or any other forgotten objects cluttering up your shingles. Allowing water to sit on your roof for days or weeks may cause mold growth as well as water damage. If you have a flat roof, make sure your gutters are always clear of debris and running as intended.
Outdated Shingles
As your home’s roof slowly ages over the decades, it will have a harder time keeping the elements at bay. Worn-out roofs often first experience integrity issues around the weakened chimney flashing. Your shingles will start to tilt, curl, buckle, or crack. They may fade in color and be more susceptible to vegetation growth. You may even begin to see light shining through your attic ceiling. If your roof has lost its aesthetic appeal, an inspection will help you decide if it’s time for a new roof installation.
Other Factors to Consider
Roof inspections can be helpful if you’ve just moved into a home or plan to sell your current property soon. A professional inspection is a great way to determine if the previous owners left any roofing damage behind. You’ll also gain a better understanding of your home’s ventilation capabilities and potential weak spots. If there is a water leak or structural problem you missed during the buying process, your roofing team will provide protective tarps until the issue can be resolved.
Don’t forget to schedule a roof inspection if you plan to put your home up for sale. Fixing damaged or old roofs before selling them increases their market value and makes your home more attractive. The cost of installing a new roof can often also be offset by the sizable increase in asking price. Be sure to keep all roof inspection and replacement documentation to present to interested buyers.
Caring for Your Roof
In between inspection appointments, you should routinely clean and check your gutters. They should be examined at least twice a year for clogs, bird nests, water leaks, and external damages. Ensure they’re still secured to your home and aren’t missing any screws. While you’re up on your roof, cut back any nearby tree branches or foliage. Violent storm winds can whip overhanging tree limbs around, leading to shingle and window damage. Trees that are too close also give squirrels and other animals access to your roof and home.
Check your attic a few times a year for any new signs of water damage. Leaks will start in the attic before running down your walls and pooling above the ceilings. Your attic also needs insulation to stop valuable heat from escaping during the colder months. This type of insulation can last for decades and is extremely effective at lowering your home’s carbon footprint.
Finally, follow all guidelines and rules associated with your roof’s warranty. You may have a craftsmanship warranty from your installer or a home insurance policy that includes roofing care. Depending on what’s covered, these policies can help you pay for repairs and unexpected replacements. However, they often come with stipulations like regularly calling for inspections or maintenance. Both self-inspections, as well as professional roofing services, are vital to preserving your roof’s durability.
Excellent Local Roofing Company
Quality Roofing has been delivering expert roofing services to families and businesses in Pensacola, FL, and the surrounding area since 2006. Our knowledgeable team strives to provide great communication, quality work, and lasting roofing results. We are BBB-accredited and have hundreds of five-star reviews on Google. We’re also members of the National Roofing Contractors Association. Our manufacturer credentials include Duro-Last Certified Installer and CertainTeed Select Shingle Master. Let us inspect, repair, or replace your residential or commercial roof today. We can also check for storm damage and offer metal roof alternatives. Contact Quality Roofing to schedule your cost-free roof inspection in Pensacola.
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