How often should you have your roof inspected?

by Maddy Smith Content Writer

Homeowners need to keep an eye on the condition of their roofs, gutters, downspouts, and any other areas that may need attention. Regular inspections can help detect problems before they become serious, and can also help you budget for necessary repairs. In addition, it's necessary to inspect your property for wear and tear signs such as clogged gutters. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take action to address them as soon as possible. If you think that it may be time for a roof inspection, then review the following information.

Four reasons to conduct a roof inspection

Even if you aren’t aware of it, one problem from your roof can lead to other problems as time goes on. These issues can become dangerous for your home.

1. Initial Storm Damage

With extreme weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rain, and wild hail, your roof can be in jeopardy. Repairing or even filing an insurance claim may be the next step if your home gets damaged during the storm. After a natural disaster, many people wonder how they can make sure their roofs are safe. Does the roof need minor repairs? Is it time to do major renovations? In either case, you should get your roof inspected. You may need emergency repairs in some cases, so getting an expert roof inspection is the smartest way to handle this situation.

2. Tree and Plant Damage

It's not uncommon for impassable, low areas on a roof to be planted with vegetation. If plants are growing inside gutters, that is a sign that the area has been neglected and is unclean. You might also find that birds can nest in your tree and deposit seeds, which can lead to further damage to the vegetation for the birds. One downside of this process is that it can penetrate your roof membrane. If the infiltration is large enough, you may have leaks throughout your room which will cause damage from the inside to the outside of your home.

3. Home Security

The roof is the last place homeowners think to look when they want to protect their homes. If you leave a window or vent open 90 degrees to the ground, anyone could soon be in your home. There is a strong chance that someone would get into your home if the access was easy for them to see from the ground. Someone can access your home without you knowing with a small hole in part of the roof or even a loose skylight. Routine roof inspections can prevent that incident.

4. Aging

Most low-slope roofs will last for about 20 to 30 years. If your roof is single-ply, you can anticipate it to survive for 15 to 20 years. No matter what, your roof will get old with time. This is just a part of weathering and ageing and eventually, you'll need to replace the roof. As your roof gets older, problems may need to be fixed before they become more severe and require emergency replacement. For this to happen, the problem must be addressed right away.

How Often Should a Roof Inspection Be Performed?

Completing a roof inspection regularly is going to be the best way to prevent damage that could lead to other problems, like leaks or interior damage. In general, you need to have your roof inspected at least twice a year. When inspecting your roof yourself, be sure to check for things like water leaks that might not be spotted by your local professional only. There are two suitable time periods for roof repairs – spring and fall. These make the most sense since you know the roof is ready for each season before it actually happens. There are many technical factors involved with roof materials, these may vary based on the province or where you live. Reinforced concrete and metal roofs are often time efficient because of their longevity and structure.

Should you try it on your own?

A roof inspection is a time-consuming task, but it can be done incorrectly and result in more costly damages later on. It’s a good idea for you to check your roof on your own a few times each year, but you may also need someone with proficiency when problems surface that remain unnoticed. Including a professional is the best idea because they have more experience, skill, and expertise. They not only know what to look for, but they have done it so many times that they know what is easy to miss. An inspection checklist is a good idea. You get insight into what needs to be done for your roof during its assessment by starting in person and later using the checklist to guide you through the process

Final Words

It is always important to have your roof inspected by a professional every few years, to ensure that it is in good condition and doesn't need any repairs. By doing this, you'll be taking steps to avoid costly repairs down the road and keep yourself and your family safe from potential damage. If you're ever unsure if your roof needs inspection or not, don't hesitate to contact a professional roofer for an estimate.

For the best roof restoration, you can contact King Group Australia, they evaluate your roof completely.

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