Just like you go to the doctor for regular check-ups, even if nothing seems to be wrong, the same concept applies to different areas of your home. Your roof, in particular, can benefit from regular inspections to help prevent more serious issues from developing. If you’ve been putting off your roof inspection for a while, the best time to get back on track is now.
Below, you’ll learn more about what to expect during a roof inspection along with the many reasons it’s important to schedule regular inspections. When you’re ready to have our professionals come to take a look at the state of your roof, we’re more than happy to help. Simply call us at 425-881-9771 or contact us online.
What to Expect During a Roof Inspection
When you hire a roof inspection company like Larry Haight’s Residential Roofing Company to come out to look at your roof, you’re taking a proactive step toward prolonging your roof’s lifespan. During the inspection, we’ll examine every component of your roof, looking for signs of damage, checking the structural stability, and more.
Here’s a closer look at what the inspection will include:
Material Inspection
We will take time to check your roofing materials like the shingles and flashing to see if there are signs of damage. This includes checking for rust, moss growth, missing shingles, leaks or cracks in the flashing, etc.
Structural Inspection
We’ll also use this time to evaluate how well your overall roofing system is holding up. This includes checking for signs of a sagging roof, identifying areas of concern like damaged rafters, damaged collar or rafter ties, and tilting exterior walls.
During the structural inspection, we’ll look at the condition of your gutters, soffit, and fascia as well.
Interior Inspection
Another important part of the roof inspection process is checking the interior of the home for signs of roof failure. During this time, your inspector will check your attic and ceilings, and even interior walls to see if they notice warning signs like the following:
- Wood rot
- Mold
- Light coming into the attic from the ceiling
- Water stains
- Holes in the ceiling or walls
10 Reasons It’s Important to Get Regular Roof Inspections
Still not convinced that you need to schedule a roof inspection sooner rather than later? Here are 10 surefire reasons why it’s crucial to get regular inspections on your roof.
1. It’s Necessary for Most Warranty Claims
Most roofs come with manufacturer and/or installer warranties. Getting regular roof inspections helps to ensure you remain compliant with warranty requirements, as some warranties may stipulate that the roof needs to be inspected periodically to remain valid.
By adhering to these inspection requirements, you can feel confident that you’re maintaining your warranty coverage and take advantage of potential repairs or replacements covered by the warranty in the case of defects or failures.
2. Help Prevent Mold and Mildew Growth
A neglected roof can more easily become infiltrated by water, creating an environment prime for mold and mildew growth. Mold can compromise indoor air quality and pose health risks to occupants. Fortunately, roof inspections can help identify areas where water has infiltrated, allowing for prompt repairs which can prevent the development of mold and mildew.
Since mold growth often starts in hidden areas of the roof, it’s challenging to detect without a thorough roof inspection. By scheduling regular roof checks, it’s easier to maintain a safe and healthy living environment.
3. Prevent Future Damage From Developing
We often think of a leaking roof as the first sign of a problem. However, there are usually smaller warning signs that develop before your roof starts to leak. These can be caught by a professional during a roofing inspection, but are usually not obvious otherwise.
When you hire a roof inspector regularly, they’ll be able to identify these problem areas and address them before they get worse, which can help you save money on future roof repair costs.
4. It Can Help Prolong the Lifespan of Your Roof
The key to a long-lasting roof is proper maintenance over time. Regular inspections allow professionals to assess the condition of roofing materials, identify signs of wear and tear, and address potential issues before they escalate. By preventing minor problems from turning into more serious issues, you can preserve the integrity of your roof so it lasts as long as possible, which is around 20-30 years for asphalt shingles.
Roof inspections also provide an opportunity to evaluate the overall health of your roof, including the condition of the shingles, flashing, gutters, and other components. Regular inspections are a proactive approach that can pay off in the long run.
5. Identify Leaks
It’s not uncommon for roofs to develop leaks, but it doesn’t have to mean full-scale damage in your home. Professional roof inspectors can identify subtle signs of leaks like discolored ceilings and water stains in order to help prevent future damage.
If any issues are identified, they can make prompt repairs to help save you money in repair costs and prevent potential damage to other areas of your home. Roofing in the rain is dangerous, so many repairs can’t take place until after rain subsides, leading to more leakage into your home.
6. Assess Damage From a Storm
We’re no strangers to storms here in Washington, and roof inspections are crucial after severe weather events. Storms can cause significant damage to your roof such as missing shingles, dents, and structural issues.
Scheduling a post-storm roof inspection allows professionals to assess and document any damage, so you can initiate timely insurance claims and repairs. Remember that storm-related roof damage is not always apparent to the untrained eye, and even though you might not notice damage, it’s best to err on the side of caution and schedule an inspection to be safe.
7. It Can Help Identify Pest Infestations
Roof inspections help detect signs of pest infestations that may compromise the integrity of your roof. Pests like carpenter ants, termites, or rodents can cause damage to your roof materials and insulation, leading to water intrusion down the line.
During an inspection, professionals can identify evidence of pest infestations and recommend next steps to help prevent extensive damage and structural issues within your home.
8. Ensure Proper Drainage
Effective roof drainage is crucial for preventing water damage and maintaining the integrity of the roofing system. During a roof inspection, professionals assess the condition of gutters, downspouts, and other drainage components. They check to make sure they are free of debris, securely attached, and properly channeling water away from the roof and foundation of your home.
Poor drainage can lead to pools of water sitting on your roof, which can cause leaks to develop and your roofing materials to deteriorate. By addressing drainage issues through roof inspections, you can feel more confident that your roof will be resilient against future rain and snow storms.
9. Help You Maximize Your Home’s Resale Value
If your roof is in poor shape when you go to sell, potential buyers may try to get you to replace it before they’ll agree to the purchase. If you’d rather avoid that, ongoing maintenance is important. Regular roof inspections, accompanied by documentation of maintenance and repairs, can provide assurance to potential buyers when they view your home.
Addressing any issues identified during inspections before listing the home for sale can be a strategic investment. It also allows you to present your home in the best possible condition so you can have a smooth sales process.
10. Keep Your Home Energy Efficient
When your roof is well maintained, it contributes to the overall energy efficiency of your home. Damaged or aging roof materials, like deteriorating shingles or ineffective insulation, can compromise the home’s ability to regulate temperature.
During your inspection, our professionals will assess the condition of insulation, ventilation, and roofing materials, identifying areas that may contribute to energy loss. Addressing these issues promptly can result in energy savings, lower utility bills, and a more comfortable living environment for your family.
How Often Should You Schedule a Roof Inspection?
As a good rule of thumb, you should schedule a roof inspection at least once a year. As your local roof inspection company, we recommend scheduling in the early spring or fall to help catch potential issues before periods of heavy rain and snow.
If it’s been more than a few years since your last inspection, don’t wait any longer for small areas of damage to develop into more serious issues. Instead, make sure your roof is in good shape with the help of a professional.
The Top Choice Roof Inspection in the Redmond Area
Now that you know more about what to expect during the roof inspection process and the importance of keeping up with regular roof maintenance and checks, it’s time to get your inspection on the books! At Larry Haight’s Residential Roofing Company, we offer comprehensive inspections to give you the ultimate peace of mind.
To schedule your roof inspection in the Redmond area, please call 425-881-9771 or contact us online today.