There are various factors that influence when to get a roof inspection, including the conditions your roof has been exposed to over the course of the year and the materials your roof is composed of. If there are clear signs of damage, then it is important that you repair the roof as soon as possible since failing to act fast may cause the roof to incur more damage. However, when it comes to roof inspection, the National Roofing Contractors Association recommends that you perform a roof inspection at least 2 times a year on top of professional inspections. Listed below are a few recommendations about roof inspection:
Benefits of inspecting your roof:
- Increases your roof’s lifespan
- Definitely more cost effective than replacing your roof
- Only takes a few short hours for peace of mind that there are no major concerns
It is Not Only The Shingles You Need To Worry About
Most people think that they only need to worry about shingles when it comes to their roof, but that is actually not true. In fact, the roof features a structure made of rafters and trusses which support it. On top of this, you are also going to find a sheathing material that is usually made of sheet boards or metal that completes the roof’s structure and also cover the rafters.
On top of this lies the base layer on which the tiles or shingles are laid. If you are a homeowner that wants to personally inspect his roof, then you should know that this is the most difficult part of the roof to inspect. It is also the part that usually degrades the fastest, usually requiring repairs more often. The gutters and flashing will also wear over time, so that is why they have to be taken care of properly in order to keep the roof in tip top shape.
What You Can Do When Your Roof Is Damaged
It’s important that you check the roof after each storm, to ensure that it was not damaged as a result of it. In general, the damage will be visible through leaks in your ceiling that cause water stains which are easy to detect. There are also other signs you can look out for, such as granules of shingles in the drainage and gutters system, damaged or missing shingles.
Another indication of roof damage is daylight showing in crawl spaces of the attic. Mold and mildew, also dry rot can greatly endanger the health of those living in the house. That is why you should keep an eye out for them, but also for sagging in the roof, dark streaks and spots. If you notice any of these things, then it’s clear that you need a roof inspection by a professional, reliable roofing company such as Acord Roofing as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage.
The Materials Your Roof Is Made Of Impact Its Lifespan
One of the most important factors that determine how often you need to inspect your roof is the roof covering itself. Each material decays and wears off at different rates, so it is recommended that you check the lifespan of your roof materials
Even though asphalt or composite shingles are quite common, wooden or shake shingles are also used in roofs.
If you have composite or asphalt shingles, you need to ensure that you schedule a roof inspection by a professional roofing company every 3 years or so. However, if you have a tile roof, then you can hold off on a a roof inspection to once every 5 years. These materials are a bit stronger, but that does not mean that other structural components and the underlayment will not degrade faster.
Regular Roof Inspections Are Very Beneficial For You
If you know how to take good care of your roof and know the signs to look for if there are problems, then your roof is going to last for many years to come. In fact, it can last for up to 2 decades if you take good care of it, while if you have a tile roof, then it can last up to 100 years.
It is essential that you have a roof inspection by a professional roofing contractor every few years in order to reduce the chances of greater damage that would cost a lot more money to fix.