How Often Should You Have a Roof Inspection?

There are many things present in our lives that we understand need to be regularly maintained. For instance, we are taught from a young age that regular visits to the dentist are vital to ensure healthy teeth and gums. When we purchase a vehicle, we become aware of the importance of regularly scheduled oil changes to protect the engine. These are two commonly known examples that most people are aware of, however, a lesser-known but extremely important maintenance concern is your structure’s roof.

Save Money on Roof Repairs

Whether it covers your family home or a commercial business, the roof is critical to providing protection from the elements. Roofs are often not considered for maintenance until major damage occurs. Routine roof inspections can save you thousands of dollars by catching problems early on. Left undetected, these issues can lead to major and expensive repairs. Just as you entrust your oral health care to a professional dentist, your roof inspection should be left to the experts. The professionals at Freeman Roofing have decades of experience in residential and commercial roofs. Having a qualified professional perform regularly scheduled roof inspections can save you from costly and unnecessary repairs.

Best Times for a Roof Inspection

Knowing the importance of roof inspections and having reputable, licensed experts perform them leads to the next question … How often should I schedule a roof inspection? Most industry experts agree on semi-annual inspections for both residential and commercial roofs. Fall and spring are the preferred times of year for inspections as they fall before the more extreme summer/winter seasons. This ensures if any issues arise, they can be caught and repaired before significant damages occur. Other factors such as age and materials can fluctuate the recommended period between inspections. Additionally, extreme weather may cause damage that needs addressing outside of the typical inspection period. Lifted or missing shingles, hail damage, flying debris and tree limbs are all cause for concern. Anytime you can visibly see that areas of your roof have been compromised, it is imperative to call a professional immediately. Storm damage can allow water intrusion and needs to be addressed right away to avoid further complications.

What to Expect During a Roof Inspection

Once you have selected a reputable roofing contractor to perform the inspection, what should you expect? They will first perform an inspection of the home’s interior. Leakage is one of the biggest concerns so they will check ceilings for any areas of water intrusion. They will also go into the attic to search for evidence of mildew, mold and leaks as well as openings where light from the outside shines in.

Once the inside of the structure has been thoroughly examined, the professional will walk the perimeter of the home looking for any issues at the eaves and gutters. Following this, they will climb atop the roof. While on the roof, they will be looking for a variety of things that could indicate damage including missing shingles, compromised flashing, leaks and caulking that has cracked. Vents, chimneys and skylights will also be closely examined.

The contractor will take pictures of any areas of concern. They should then provide you a detailed report (including pictures) and their recommendations to address needed repairs and the cost estimate for these repairs, taking time to answer any questions you may have.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

Despite being one of the most important and costly elements to a home or business, roofs generally receive little thought or attention. This is why regularly scheduled inspections are so critical. A damaged roof can impact the entire structure. If ignored, small issues can lead to major and expensive repairs. Having semi-annual roof inspections can save you money and protect your biggest investment. Call Freeman Roofing today and let our experts provide a professional inspection and peace of mind.