6 Reasons to Consider Getting a Roof Inspection

When you think of a roof inspection, you probably envision a roofing professional in safety gear up on your roof, taking pictures and making notes on a clipboard.

While this does accurately describe one kind of roof inspection, there are actually many types of roof inspections performed today, such as:

• Visual inspection
• Drone roof inspection
• Infrared roof inspection
• Structural inspection
• And more!

What’s the purpose of all these roof inspections, and how do you know when you need one? Keep reading for six reasons why you should schedule your next roof inspection.

1. Winter Is Coming

Winter can be a season full of joy. End-of-year holidays bring friends and family together, the nights get longer, and the weather makes it easy to prioritize staying inside and being cozy.

What’s not so easy to prioritize, though, is scheduling a roof inspection before the chill sets in. While it may not seem obvious, a professional roof inspection in the fall is a must.

If you live in an area that gets winter snow and ice, a roof inspection can help you find flaws in your roof. Seeing where these weak points are lets you get them repaired before snow and ice can work their way through your roof and into your attic.

Even if your area doesn’t experience sub-freezing temperatures, cracks in your roof can let drafty air into your home, causing you to pay steep prices on your monthly energy bills. Re-upping the integrity of your insulation and your exterior roofing layer can keep your energy costs low throughout the cold season.

2. Insurance and Warranty Inspections

For certain kinds of roof damage, you’ll want either your warranties or your insurance to pay for the repairs.

Reasons to utilize your warranty coverage:

• You believe that faulty materials manufacturing caused damage either on your roof or in your home.
• You believe that improper materials installation caused damage either on your roof or in your home.

Reasons to utilize your insurance coverage:

• Wind damage
• Hail damage
• Fire damage
• Leaks caused by heavy rain or other storm damage

To get your roof system repairs covered by your roof warranty, you’ll likely need to submit documentation of the damage as determined by a professional roof inspector. They’ll accurately assess the cause and extent of the damage, giving the manufacturer or the roofing company assurance that they’re paying out the warranty under appropriate circumstances.

The same is true of your insurance company. Without corroborating evidence from a professional exterior and interior inspection of your roof, the company is likely to deny your claims for coverage.

3. Routine Maintenance

Even without suspected damage or faulty installation, you should prioritize getting roof inspections at least once per year. In an ideal world, you would even get your roof inspected twice per year: once in the spring and once in the fall.

Routine inspections allow you to find small signs of wear and tear before they lead to major damage. Reinforcing these areas of your roof requires spending a little money now, but it helps you avoid more costly repairs in the long run.

A reputable roofing contractor will have a roof inspection guide or checklist that they follow when you don’t have any specific concerns you want them to look for. Your roof inspection cost could range anywhere from no cost to about $150, so check with your roofing inspector to find out whether they charge for their services.

4. Keep Storm Damage from Worsening

Storms can wreak absolute havoc on your roof, and not all signs of damage will be visible to the average homeowner.

Left unrepaired, small issues caused by a storm can lead to much larger further damage, such as:

• Water stains on your ceilings and walls
• Mold and mildew growth in your home
• Destroyed attic insulation
• A sagging roof
• Threats to the structural integrity of your home’s foundation

After major weather events, get a local contractor to come and take a look at your roof. Let them know if you had any hail or other debris fall on your roof during the storm. Follow their instructions for completing any necessary repairs as soon as you can.

5. Check Out Your Roof’s Drainage

Fallen tree limbs, leaves, seedlings, and other forms of debris tend to accumulate on roofs throughout the year. These pieces of debris present obstacles for moisture as it tries to roll down your roof and into your gutter system.

This can lead to standing water that can saturate your roofing materials and enter your home via your attic. The lower the slope of your roof, the greater the risk this poses to your roof’s condition.

A simple visual inspection will help you identify debris on your roof. Depending on the height and slope of your roof, you might even be able to clear the debris on your own. If you choose to handle it yourself, be sure to use proper safety equipment and have someone else around in case you need help.

6. Catch Signs of Aging

Even the best upkeep of your home’s roof can’t stop it from aging over time. A thorough roof inspection will show you the warning signs that your roof is nearing the end of its usable lifespan. This advance notice can help you plan ahead for your full roof replacement, both in terms of financing and timing.

Schedule Your Next Roof Inspection

The next time you’re debating whether you actually need a roof inspection, keep these six considerations in mind. From natural aging to specific damage-causing events, there are several circumstances in which it’s vital to get a professional roof inspection to prevent further damage and preserve the health of your home and roof for years to come.

Here at ARCH Exteriors, we aim to be your go-to contractor for all your roof repair needs. As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, you can trust that we have the skills to help you with your repair job, no matter how big or small.

Ready to get started? Connect with us today to schedule your roof inspection!