Roof Inspections: The Ultimate Guide For Homeowners In 2023

When it comes to managing your home, one essential element to maintain is your roof. Not only does it protect the inside of your house from the harsh weather elements, but it also keeps you warm and cool during the various seasons. Though, every now and then, to keep the elements from breaching inside, you must always inspect your roof. 

Even though it’s a hassle to do, it’s crucial to check your roof regularly to ensure that nothing is amiss or damaged. Several examples include loose or curdled roof shingles, loose leaves, algae, leaks, etc. You can inspect your roof yourself, but it’s recommended to seek professional help from a roofing company. Below, we will provide information on roof inspections, what to expect, and more. 

What Are Roof Inspections? 

Your roof protects your home and keeps you and your belongings safe from potential damage. So, with this in mind, it’s essential to check it periodically. Typically, roof inspections consist of checking the roof’s components, ensuring that nothing is damaged, and preventing potential risks. A roof inspection determines if your roof is in good shape or if it might need touch-ups. 

When Should You Inspect Your Roof? 

When inspecting your roof, you should always check it periodically or, at the very least, every two months. Though, there are other factors to consider when doing so

After It Storms

Inspecting your roof after it storms is one of the essential factors in determining when doing so. This is to ensure that your roof wasn’t significantly damaged. Roofing companies advertise roof inspections after a great storm has passed, just in case there are those whose roof succumbs to this. Also, if you were to file a storm damage claim, your insurance company would require your roof to be inspected by a professional.

During the Springtime or Fall

When it comes to figuring out when to inspect your roof, the ideal time to do so would be during the springtime or fall. One of the reasons is that if you were inspecting your roof on your own, you’d want to do it in warmer weather versus attempting to do it during the harsh winter. This way, you can clean your gutters, check your shingles, and more. 

If You’re Selling Your House

If you’re looking to sell your home, one of the factors you have to consider when getting it appraised is ensuring that everything is pristine and in excellent condition. You want to ensure that your roof is devoid of flaws that lead to potential issues for new homeowners. We will review what to consider when inspecting the roof or hiring a professional later in this article.

Why Are Roof Inspections Important? 

Your roof is the most vital component in your home, so it’s essential to inspect and maintain it now and then. Here, we will review several reasons roof inspections are imperative.

Preventing or Fixing Storm Damage

As previously mentioned, storm damage can lead to potential issues with your roof. This can be due to hostile winds, heavy rain, or various elements. Problems vary depending on how significant the damage is. You may or may not need to file a claim with your insurance company for storm damage.

Strengthens Your Home Security

Surprisingly, your roof acts as a security blanket for your home, so it’s essential to inspect your roof for any potential blindspots or ways that burglars can sneak in. By regularly checking your roof, you can avoid damage and security threats that might pose a threat. Examples of blindspots or weaknesses can be small holes, loose shingles, or a broken skylight.

Taking Care of Minor Issues

Another essential factor to consider is taking care of any minor issues you might encounter when inspecting your roof. Several examples of this would be vegetation damage, which consists of seeds or loose plants growing in your gutters and loose shingles. Taking care of minor issues prevents them from becoming severe, which might lead you to replace your roof altogether.

3 Tips for Inspecting Your Roof (DIY)

If you want to inspect your roof, even though it’s recommended to seek professional help, you can do this yourself. Though, if you want to check your roof, there are a couple of factors to consider. Several of those include the following

• Check for any loose elements (Leaves, small twigs, algae, etc.): Sometimes, loose parts can pile up on your roof or in your gutters. Leaves, twigs, and algae might start as minor issues, but removing them is essential to avoid moisture damaging the structure of your roof.
• Look for Damaged or Curdled Roof Shingles: Damaged roof shingles can cause water to seep through your roof, potentially damaging the interior of your home. It also causes poor ventilation.
• Always Check your Attic: If your roof is damaged, the attic is the first place to look for any issues. This consists of water leakage, mold, moisture, and rot. 

Inspecting Your Roof (Hiring a Professional) 

Hiring a professional to inspect your roof involves a thorough checkup and identifying key findings. They follow the guidelines of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). When conducting their inspection, they typically check the following: 

• Gutters
• Chimney
• Roof Penetrations
• Flashing
• Skylights
• Downspouts
• Vents

What Does a Roof Report Entail?

Lastly, after inspecting your roof, they will write a report based on their key findings, determining what needs to be fixed or covered regarding your roof. Sometimes it can be minor issues like minor shingle damage or something major like significant water seepage.

Conclusion

When it comes to maintaining your roof, one of the primary solutions in doing so is through a roof inspection. Whether doing it yourself or seeking a professional from a roofing company, this helps prevent any severe damage that might cause you to get your roof replaced. Always check your roof after storms, before the winter season, or if you’re selling the house.