Your roof is the single most valuable part of your home. If you want it to last, you need to look after it and fix any issues before expensive and dangerous problems start.
But a DIY approach isn’t the way to go. It takes an experienced roofing professional to assess the condition and safety of your roof, make repairs as needed, and ensure it will last its full lifetime.
Keep reading to learn why cost-conscious homeowners schedule regular roof inspections (and why you should do the same).
How often should you schedule an inspection?
We recommend scheduling a roof inspection once every year. If between visits your home takes the brunt of a storm or you notice a potential problem, an additional inspection is a good idea.
1. Identify hard-to-spot leaks or other issues
Not all leaks are as obvious as dripping water or large puddles. It’s possible that your roof may have a water intrusion issue you don’t even know about!
Left untreated, water leaks can lead to big problems for your home, including:
- Rust and mold
- Cracked walls
- Clogged outdoor drains
- Foundation issues
A roof inspector has the training to spot “invisible” trouble spots on your roof that could be causing leaks into your home. Here in rainy Hillsboro area, making sure your roof is watertight is very important.
Tips for taking care of a leaky roof
2. Make sure your roof can weather the weather
Here in the Pacific Northwest, you need to think about more than just rain. From hot and sunny summers and ice and snow in the winter — your home has to stand up to a lot.
A roof inspection is a great way to measure how well your roof is holding up to weather fluctuations. There are a few things the inspector will be looking for and considering:
- Age of your roof and materials used
- Quality of the installation
- Punctures to the membrane
- Pipe and curb penetrations
3. Expose fire hazards
Every roof has a fire rating. Roof materials with an A rating are the most fire resistant. Metal tiles or sheets prevent fires while materials like wood shakes are highly flammable. That is, unless they have been soaked in fire retardants.
Beyond roof materials, an inspector will also identify other fire hazards such as:
- A roof lacking sufficient insulation around the vent pipe for generators
- Leaks, which could cause electrical wires in the ceiling or attic to malfunction
- Debris and flammable material inside the lining of the chimney
Fires are very dangerous to your house, family, and surrounding neighborhood. You must ensure your roof will never be the cause of a fire disaster.
4. Ensure proper installation and materials
An unstable roof is a dangerous roof. If your roof is old or was installed improperly, it might not be as stable as you think.
A professional roof inspector will look at the types of materials on your roof, evaluate their overall condition, as well as whether or not the roof was installed per roof system manufacturer instructions.
5. Reveal hidden pest problems
Although a pest control company is the best person to call if you suspect a pest problem, roof inspectors are often the first people to identify a hidden issue. After all, you probably aren’t up on your roof very often (nor should you be!)
From bees, hornets, and wasps, to raccoons, bats, and squirrels — many creatures may be hiding in your roof and causing expensive problems. More than that, many of these creatures carry disease or can bite and sting.
6. Limit debris and drainage system blockages
A roof inspector can provide you with very valuable information and advice — especially when it comes to maintaining your roof.
For example, an inspector may notice clogs in your gutters, moss growth, or maybe a section where leaves are piling up. Not only is it good to know about these problems, but the inspector can also provide you with advice on how to handle these issues and avoid them in the future.
In this case, maybe it’s making sure trees are trimmed away from your roof, cleaning your gutter regularly, or applying a moss retardant.
By avoiding what seem like small issues, you’ll be preserving the lifetime of your roof and lowering your risk of big problems down the road.
7. Facilitate insurance claims processes
If your roof suffers damage that may be covered by your insurance, a roof inspection will help you identify all the problems and provide a quote for the cost of a repair or replacement. This information can provide your insurance company with everything they need to approve your claim.
Additionally, regular roof inspections create a record of roof health that may come in handy during insurance claims processing. If your insurance company doubts the connection between an incident and the roof damage, a solid inspection record may strengthen your claim.
8. Enhance your sense of security
If you’re concerned about the safety of your roof, a roof inspection will help ease your fears. Once you know for sure that your roof is in good condition (or after necessary repairs have been made), you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re protecting the investment of your roof and the safety of your family.
We care for your roof!
At Fivecoat Roofing, there’s no better reason to “raise the roof” in celebration than our free, no obligation roof inspections. If you live in the Hillsboro area and it’s been a while since your roof has been checked out, don’t wait — schedule your complimentary inspection today.
