You likely don’t think much about your roof on a daily basis. But this essential part of your home protects you and your family from the outside elements. Knowing when to schedule a roof inspection can help you stay ahead of problems and avoid costly repairs down the road. Read on to learn why regular roof checks are so critical.
How Do I Know If My Roof Needs Attention?
If you notice any leaks, missing or cracked shingles, or corroding flashings, it’s time to call a professional. But even a roof that looks fine from the ground may have underlying issues. An inspection by a trained eye can identify them early. Some common signs your roof needs inspection are water stains on ceilings or attic beams, granules from shingles in gutters, moss or algae growth, sagging sections, and damaged or rusted flashings. Don’t ignore these red flags. Addressing problems now prevents extensive damage later.
When Should My First Inspection Happen?
Ideally, you should schedule your first professional roof inspection almost as soon as your roof is installed. This establishes a baseline to compare future exams against. It also verifies proper installation while labor and material warranties are still active. If your roof is older and you don’t know its condition, have it inspected as soon as possible. This gives you a complete report on its current state, so you know what needs attention. Don’t wait until you have a leak or other noticeable damage.
What Is Checked During an Inspection?
A comprehensive roof inspection examines all elements of your roof system. An inspector looks at the roof surface to check for damaged, loose, or missing shingles/tiles, ponding water, and debris accumulation. Shingles shouldn’t be brittle, cracked, or overly worn. The inspector also ensures proper installation of flashings around chimneys, vents, and valleys, checking for corrosion, cracks, separation, etc. Roof penetrations are examined to confirm seals are watertight around skylights, vents, pipes, and any other roof punctures. Underlayments are checked for tears, missing sections, proper overlaps, and excess wear under shingles. The attic and roof structures are inspected for water stains, rot, insect damage, or other deterioration. Gutters and drainage are checked for proper slope, debris clogs, and separation seams to ensure water flows away from the foundation. Thorough inspections check all critical elements for wear and proper functioning. Early identification of deficiencies allows for minor repairs rather than major fixes.
Why Yearly Inspections Are Recommended
Industry experts recommend professional roof examinations at least once per year. Annual inspections ensure you stay on top of your roof’s condition and make timely repairs. Reasons for yearly scheduled checkups are extreme weather, debris, and general wear cause rapid deterioration. Getting on a regular inspection schedule gives the best chance of catching minor issues before they become big headaches; inspector access to all roof areas in the safest conditions – scheduling visits over the year allows examinations from ladders and boom lifts during dry weather as safety should be a top priority, and review warranties and service records – setting up annual visits lets you check in on labor/installation guarantees and monitor service history, helping accurately budget.
While pipes, appliances, vehicles, and other home components get regular maintenance, roofs often get neglected until something goes wrong. Don’t let that happen. Protect your most valuable asset with yearly check-ins.
How Long Will My Roof Last?
With proper materials, installation, and maintenance, you should expect around 20 to 25 years from an asphalt shingle roof. Concrete or clay tiles can last 50 years or longer. The lifespan depends on roofing material quality, proper ventilation, installation expertise, routine maintenance, and exposure to extreme local weather. Following recommended care guidelines gives you the best shot at reaching or exceeding the expected lifespan. Don’t cheap out at installation and skip maintenance – you’ll pay much more down the road.
Who Should Conduct My Inspection?
You need an experienced professional examining your roof, not just a basic home inspector. Ask neighbors and friends and check online reviews to find a trustworthy local roof inspection company. Be sure your inspector carries proper licensure for your state or area, has years of hands-on roof installation expertise, provides detailed reports with repair recommendations, takes safety seriously, has insurance protection, and uses the latest tools like drone cameras to access hard-to-reach areas. Don’t let inexperienced pop-up “inspectors” examine your roof only to miss things a veteran would catch. Protect yourself by hiring a seasoned roof exam professional you can rely on year after year.
Don’t Try to Inspect Your Own Roof
While crawling around on your roof checking for issues may seem like a money-saving tactic, there are a few good reasons always to hire a professional inspector instead. You likely lack the proper safety equipment, training, and expertise to examine all areas of your roof safely and thoroughly. Professionals have years of technical knowledge and the right gear to navigate roofs safely. When doing it yourself, it’s far too easy to miss subtle but critical signs of damage. If not addressed promptly, minor flaws like lifted flashing, isolated leaks, and worn shingle sealant can lead to major headaches.
Don’t Put Off Scheduling Your Roof Inspection
Staying on top of your roof’s health with yearly check-ins is extremely important. Do not make the mistake of pushing off scheduling an inspection until you have a known issue. Identify and repair minor problems as early as possible to avoid untimely replacements or water damage headaches. Protect your home and wallet by calling a trusted local roofing company today to schedule your roof inspection. And be sure to put a yearly spring roof exam on your permanent home maintenance calendar going forward!
Call Martin & Sons LLC to Schedule Your St. Louis Roof Inspection Today!
Your roof is an essential part of your home’s structure, and protecting it is crucial in preserving the value of your property. With Martin & Sons LLC, you can trust that our team of experts will provide a thorough inspection using our experience, training, and tools to identify any issues early on.
We pride ourselves on giving honest and detailed assessments while prioritizing necessary repairs over complete replacements to save you time and money. Don’t wait until it is too late. Protect your most valuable asset by scheduling a roof inspection with us today! Contact us at 314-839-0700 or visit our website to request an appointment. Trust in Martin & Sons LLC for all your roofing needs in the Florissant, MO area.