Importance Of Roof Inspections In Home Maintenance

To maintain an outside appearance and keep up with tasks inside, most homeowners conduct thorough cleanings of their homes and property at least twice per year. Unfortunately, the most integral part of home maintenance is typically overlooked, even during these annual resets. We’re talking about the roof, your home’s biggest defense against the elements. It’s easy to overlook, but the consequences of skipping regular roof inspections pose significant risks to your safety, health, and home integrity.

Risks of Skipping Roof Inspections

While it’s true that the average lifespan of most roofs can extend from 25 to 50 years, many factors play a role in those numbers. Whether you’ve got a tile, slate, or asphalt roof, the age, the weather, and other factors like if it is flat, gabled, or hipped impact its efficiency. How the roofing was installed and when, building codes at the time of construction, the number of layers, and other features like skylights can change the durability and lifespan as well.

Ignoring signs of damage from a leak or skipping roof inspections can lead to:

• Skyrocketed Energy Bills
• Structural Damage
• Electrical System Damage
• Critter Infestation
• Uneven Roof Surface

What Is A Roof Inspection?

Simply put, a roof inspection evaluates the condition of your roof. When roofing inspections are included in home maintenance, you’ll get an estimation of the lifespan, a detailed report of current or potential damage, and recommendations about the best course of action. Think of it like a check-up for your home.

Another reason it is important to include roof inspections in your home maintenance plan is because roofing is installed in several different layers. Only the outside layer is visible, leaving the other layers vulnerable to more damage if there is an issue. During the inspection, your roofer will examine:

• Exterior – They’ll look for cracked, blistering, peeling, or missing shingles, inspect the flashing, and check for other signs of wear and tear.
• Interior – Including wet or damp insulation, mold or mildew, decking that is sagging, ventilation, and sheathing.
• Structural – The integrity of the rafters and trusses is inspected, ensuring the strength and functionality of your roof remains in good shape.
• Gutters, Downspouts, & Landscaping – Gutters and downspouts play an important role in keeping excess water off the roof. During an inspection, your roofer will ensure they are working properly and are free from clogs. They’ll make recommendations about trees or branches that are or could pose a significant risk to your roofing.

In addition to inspecting each layer of your roof, a comprehensive review of other elements is completed. It includes ensuring the ventilation of the roof is adequate, checking the attic space, and inspecting vulnerable areas like skylights.

Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a report detailing the roofing company’s recommendations for repairs, lifespan, and potential future issues. Not only are roofing inspections important for regular maintenance, but they are required for some insurance claims and in the case of buying or selling a home.

Benefits of Roof Inspections

Sometimes the damage to your roof is subtle and unnoticeable to the untrained eye. There are no obvious signs inside, leaving the damage to build up over several years. That’s where a professional roofing inspection becomes essential. A professional roofer has the skills, experience, and training to identify existing and potential damage before it’s too late.

Regular inspections provide many benefits beyond leak repair or extensive damage control. When it comes to home maintenance, an inspection offers:

1. Early Detection of Problems
2. Extended Lifespan
3. Code Compliance
4. Insurance and Warranty Compliance
5. Energy Efficiency
6. Safety
7. Property Value and Curb Appeal

Early Detection

What can present as a minor issue can quickly become a major issue when it comes to your roof. Identifying any problem early will prevent potentially catastrophic damage in the long run, saving you time, money, and headaches.

Extended Lifespan

Not only is your roof the most essential part of protecting your home, but it’s also a significant investment and you’ll want to preserve it for as long as you can. Roofing inspections help extend the lifespan of your roof by identifying any damage or issues, allowing them to be addressed quickly.

Code Compliance

Building codes are sometimes updated and do change over time. What worked for roofing a decade ago may not be up to code now. While it may seem like this only matters if you are buying or selling your home, that isn’t the case. Some insurance policies can be voided if they aren’t up to code. By including an inspection in your annual home maintenance plan, you’ll always have peace of mind.

Insurance and Warranty Compliance

While some insurance policies require the roofing is up to code, they may have other requirements that can be voided because of other factors like condition of the roof or type of material. The same is true for warranty compliance.

Energy Efficiency

Did you know your roof plays the most important role in the energy efficiency of your home? The roofing system is designed to help regulate and maintain temperature while keeping moisture out of the insulation. A properly maintained roof can keep your energy bills low all year round.

Safety

A damaged roof can lead to damaged rafters, trusses, and beams, or significant water damage that can lead to mold or mildew. Without a strong, sealed, up to code roof the integrity of your home’s structure and your family’s safety are at risk.

Value and Curb Appeal

Even if you are not planning to sell your home, maintaining its value or trying to increase value can pay off. Higher-value homes can help in refinancing for lower mortgage rates, lowered property taxes, and homeowners insurance rates and coverage. Curb appeal can add up between 5-7% in property value.

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