The roof protects the house from elements and extreme weather like rainfall and scorching sun unless you have a sunroom. However, when compromised, the roofs begin to wear and tear. The wearing can cause severe problems like water leaks and reduced insulation.
Homeowners carry out roof inspections to spot any potential roofing problems. During a roof inspection, the experts check for missing shingles and any leaks and cracks that cause significant damage. Note that roof inspection increases the roof’s life span.
Before we look at what to expect in the roof inspection process, let’s first see why your roof needs an inspection.
Reasons to schedule for a roof inspection
Most homeowners assume that it won’t need more attention after purchasing a durable and sturdy roof. Roofs have a lifespan, but how you care and maintain them determines if they will last the years they should. Some roofs will begin to leak before the expiry date due to poor installation or damage from storms and sun rays.
Check out some of the reasons homeowners carry our roof inspection.
1. Adjust your repair request list
Homeowners schedule home repairs after a specific time. Some make a list of the things to be inspected and repaired like doors and kitchen windows, floors, and roofs. It is unwise to include a part of the house for repairs without checking.
Scheduling a roof inspection allows the owner to know the condition of their house and roof. They will also see the degree of the damages to approximate the cost of repairs. Without a roof inspection, you won’t know the exact type of repairs the roof needs.
2. Prevent extended damage
The most common sign of a damaged roof is leaking. However, minor damages like warped or dented shingles will not cause leaking immediately. If not checked, the water will weaken the other shingles and start sipping through.
Water causes more damage to the walls, ceiling, and the rest of the roof. In addition, the wood will start swelling and rotting. Roof inspection enables the roofer to see the minor dents and repair them to prevent more water damage that could replace the roof.
3. Proper drainage
Flat roofs are more prone to poor drainage than sloping ones. Having blocked drainage or one that is not well functional can lead to leaks which cause mold and rotting.
A roofing technician checks for water pools, dysfunctional gutters, and drainages blocked by debris and trash. The homeowner will also know the gutters that need repairs or replacement. In addition, it prevents more water damage and discoloring of the shingles.
4. Peace of mind
Worrying if your roof is good or not during rainy seasons is mentally draining. Lousy roofs cause a lot of anxiety and can lead to property damage. Scheduling a roof inspection confirms that it is in the right shape, giving the homeowner peace of mind.
What roof inspectors check during a roof inspection
You can schedule roof inspections after harsh weather like hail storms and strong winds. This is important because most roofs suffer much damage after the storms. Shingles fall, and branches fall on the top, causing other damages.
You should also schedule inspections when the season is calm. For example, the Fall season is calm and has moderate temperatures. This makes it easy for the roofers to climb up the roof for inspection. On the inspection day, expect the technician to check the following;
1. Signs of water damage
Most roof damages are due to water leaks. Broken and loose shingles, clogged gutters, and broken seals are some causes of water leakage. The inspector will look for brown or yellow patches on the ceiling because they indicate water leaks.
The roofer also checks for musty and moldy smells and any water puddles in the roof. When left unchecked, minor water damages can spread, leading to more damages.
The installer can then schedule shingle repairs or roof replacements, depending on the extent of the damage.
2. Structural inspection
The roofing technician will check the roof’s construction to see if it is well done. They check for uneven roof planes and any signs of sagging. They also inspect the chimney area for caulking problems and the fascia and soffit.
The inspector checks the attic for any damages and improper ventilation that can cause condensation. A lot of condensation leads to higher energy bills. Also, moisture build-up in the attic lowers the lifespan of the roof.
Knowing if the ventilators and the caulking around the chimney area are working perfectly ensures proper functioning of the top.
3. Material damage
After strong winds and other harsh climatic factors, homeowners schedule roof inspections to inspect curling and missing shingles. Also, houses along the coast with metal sheets for roofs rust faster because of high salt and moisture concentration.
The inspection will also enable the roof masters to spot missing fasteners and rotting wood. The roofer can carry on roof repairs and replacements when they spot these problems earlier.
Get a qualified roof inspector
Many roof inspectors are making it challenging to choose a qualified one. When hiring, some of the factors to check for are;
- Essential documents like license and insurance: License shows that the inspector is eligible to be operating. The insurance cover protects the homeowner from incurring losses if an accident happens during a roof inspection.
- Customer reviews on their website matter a lot. Many customers will enjoy a good roofer’s services and give high ratings. On the other hand, an unqualified roof inspector is likely to do shady work and get negative reviews.
- Duration of operation: The longer the inspector has stayed in the market, the more experienced they are. They have more experience dealing with roofs and know better. Hire a roof inspector with over five years of experience.
Final words
Roofs are an important feature of a home, and they require the homeowner’s attention and upkeep in order to last. A roof inspector knows what to check out for. Homeowners can also ask for a more detailed inspection to keep the roof longer.
