The Benefits of an Annual Roof Inspection
Quick question, reader: have you had your roof inspection done lately? If the answer is no, you may want to get on that sooner rather than later.
See, that roof over your head isn’t a passive feature. It’s a complex system that protects you from the elements, keeps your house warm, and allows air to circulate. If you want it to stay reliable, you need to return the favor.
The best way to keep your roof healthy is to invest in a roof inspection. Here are the nine main reasons why annual inspections are well worth your time.
Fast Damage Detection
To an untrained eye, minor roof damage is often tricky to identify and fix. Unfortunately, all roof issues become worse over time. Shingles become weaker, mold starts to multiply, holes get bigger, and so on.
It’s worth noting that some roofing issues may not involve roof components. For example, if your chimney’s in poor condition, it may cause problems for your roof later. The same applies to things such as skylight windows.
If these issues aren’t dealt with on time, they can lead to bigger problems. A professional roof inspector can identify and solve these issues right away. They can also recommend some tips to prevent future damage.
Health and Safety
Thinking of inspecting your roof yourself? If you don’t have basic roofing knowledge and experience, this isn’t a good idea. All it takes is a single step on a loose shingle, and you could suffer a life-threatening fall.
The best way to prevent accidents is to hire a qualified roofer for the job. With their expertise, they’ll be able to identify issues much faster. They’ll also use specialized equipment to avoid damaging the roof in the process.
Proper Drainage
The drainage system, including gutters, is an essential part of any roof. Its purpose is to divert any water or debris off the roof. If this system isn’t working well, it may wear out the roofing material and cause leakage.
Many drainage issues are easy to identify. If you see standing water in your gutters or loose downspouts, you’ll know something is wrong. Other times, you’ll need to hire a professional roofer for a closer inspection.
Increased Value
We know what you’re thinking: “How can an inspection save money if I have to pay for it?” Well, it’s all about guarantees. A DIY inspection is cheaper in the short term, but it may lead to secondary damage down the road.
A licensed roofer will also spot issues you may not even know about. They’ll inspect every part of the roof, from the vents to the flashing. If they find something wrong, it won’t take them long to determine the cause.
Not convinced this type of expertise is great value? Take a closer look at the report to see what goes into a typical inspection. You can also ask the inspector some questions about your specific roof.
Easier Maintenance
There’s a lot that goes into roofing maintenance. You need to keep the gutters clean, trim back trees, remove moss, and more. And if you fall behind, you end up having to do a lot of the above at once!
One way to simplify the maintenance process is to consult with a roofer. After they inspect your roof, they may help you come up with a schedule that will make it easier to take care of smaller tasks throughout the year.
Simplified Insurance Claim
Extreme weather conditions like thunderstorms can damage any roofing material. In some cases, though, that damage may take a while to reveal itself. If that’s the case, filing your insurance claim may get challenging.
To avoid this issue, have a professional inspect your roof after a storm. They’ll write a detailed report stating the extent of the damage and the repair costs. This statement can be great supporting evidence in insurance claims.
Performance Check
All roofing materials have an estimated lifespan. This is the main piece of information that allows homeowners to plan their roof replacement. That said, this estimate doesn’t include other factors that affect a roof’s lifespan.
These factors come in many forms, from sun exposure to inadequate ventilation. The one thing they all have in common is that they increase a roof’s wear and tear and may cause a premature replacement.
The solution: invest in an annual roof inspection. Doing so will let you know all about your roof’s lifespan and the factors that influence it. That way, you’ll never be in the dark about your roof’s performance.
Warranty Protection
If your roof is relatively new, you may not see the need for an inspection. Well, one good reason to do it is to keep your roof warranty valid. Most warranties require homeowners to invest in an annual inspection.
Keep in mind that your warranty may contain other requirements as well. For instance, it may include specific maintenance recommendations. To be on the safe side, check your warranty to see what’s expected of you.
Peace of Mind
Roofing issues can get stressful, especially during the storm season. Dealing with leaks, broken shingles, and other issues takes time and effort. Even with that, you may think you’re not doing enough to keep your roof healthy.
For some people, letting an expert deal with this can bring tremendous peace of mind. They can inspect your roof and let you know about potential issues. With this information, planning roof repairs will be much easier.
Schedule a Roof Inspection Today!
At the end of the day, a roof inspection comes with many benefits. On top of practicing roof safety, annual inspections save you time, money, and effort. Of course, this is only true if you hire the right company for the job.
Looking for a reliable roofing contractor in the Michigan area? Our licensed experts at 180 Contractors can take care of all your roofing needs! Contact us right here for a free roofing estimate or other inquiries.