Reasons Why You Should Have Your Roof Inspected By the Professionals

As a homeowner, you expect to keep up with some maintenance chores. You tackle the lawn, clean the windows occasionally, and even climb up to remove debris from the gutters. You think you’re doing everything right, but you may be forgetting something like the roof. The importance of regular roof inspections can’t be overstated.  There can be advantages of professional roof inspections vs DIY. However, sometimes, all that matters is that you’re checking your roof. If you’re not sure why you should plan on scheduling a roof inspection, here’s a look at some great reasons. Take Advantage of Your Warranty When you get a new roof put on it typically comes with a warranty. The warranty covers most types of damage like missing or curling shingles. If your roof starts sagging, there’s a good chance it’s covered by the warranty. However, the warranty has exceptions. If you ignore any damage and the problem worsens, repairs may not be covered by your warranty. Most warranties also have time limits, they don’t always last for the life of your roof. You also can’t always rely on your home's warranty to cover all damage to your roof. Since the average roof warranty lasts for around twenty years, you can take advantage of the savings by having your roof inspected every ten years or so. Avoid Issues with Aging and Weathering Even roofs made from upscale materials have a lifespan. As your roof ages, it can begin to break down, resulting in leaks. Having it inspected can help identify any potential problems due to age before water starts leaking inside your home. The weather can also do a number on your roof. Everything from exposure to sunlight to strong winds and heavy rains can degrade the roof. You should always plan on having your roof inspected after a strong storm to ensure there isn’t any damage. This can also make it easier for you to come up with a preventative maintenance plan to help extend the lifespan of your roof. Damage From Maintenance Are service technicians climbing up on your roof to repair things like an HVAC unit or install a satellite dish? Even installing solar panels can leave some damage behind. Anytime you have a service technician on your roof, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection. A roof inspection can pinpoint any damage or other potential issues that can turn into expensive repairs. Unfortunately, not all roofing warranties cover this type of damage so this may be an out-of-pocket expense. However, the inspection and taking care of any issues now is noticeably cheaper than waiting until water is dripping into your home. Leak Assessment You can’t plan ahead for every type of roof damage, especially if it’s caused by a storm. However, you can’t take steps to prevent a small leak from turning into an expensive nightmare. Whether a tiny leak shows up before or after a storm, scheduling an inspection is the best way of preventing more costly issues. During a leak assessment, the roofing specialist will look for issues like corrosion, rotting wood, wet insulation, and mold. A roofing professional has access to specialized tools that can even pinpoint unseen damage. Remember, most roofing warranties don’t cover what’s considered preventable damage. So, even a hidden problem may not be covered if you skip a roof inspection. Ensuring Adequate Drainage Drainage is vital for the life of your roof and to prevent issues like leaks. You’re probably already taking care of clearing out your gutters, at least once a year. This helps ensure water is flowing away from your home instead of finding its way inside. Cleaning the gutters is only part of ensuring your roof has adequate drainage. Someone also needs to climb up on the roof and remove any debris like leaves, twigs, and small branches. Don’t be surprised if you also find trash on your roof. Almost anything can end up on your roof if the wind’s strong enough. Since clearing debris off a roof can be dangerous, this is usually a job best left to the professionals. Besides, while the professionals are on your roof they can also perform a thorough inspection. Easier to File an Insurance Claim We’ve mentioned warranties a few times and they do cover most types of roof damage. This also means you need to go through the claim process and this can be a pain. However, if you have the paperwork from a roofing inspection, you can simplify the process. You have proof there’s damage and how it occurred. Scheduling routine roof inspections is one of the easiest ways to ensure your roof is always in good condition. Benefits and Potential Downsides of a Professional Roof Inspection The benefits of a professional roof inspection are tough to ignore. Especially when compared to the potential downsides. While there is a cost to consider and occasionally scheduling issues, these downsides are usually minor. Hiring a professional to inspect your roof means you’re getting someone with extensive knowledge and training. A professional can identify potential problems you may miss during a DIY inspection. Sometimes, early detection can help you avoid extensive damage and expensive repairs. Don’t forget about your homeowner’s insurance requirements. To successfully file a claim for roof repairs or replacement, you typically need to provide a detailed report outlining the damage. Yes, you can create a report but it’s probably not going to be accepted by the insurance adjuster. Insurance companies look for reports created by professionals who are experts in their field. Your roof may also still be under warranty. Most warranties run anywhere from 20 to 50 years. The warranty often covers most or all repair costs but only if the inspection is performed by a professional. If safety is a concern, you can relax. Hiring a professional inspector means you’re not climbing on your roof. Even though you can save some money inspecting your roof on your own, you’re not a professional. You may miss something that can quickly turn into a major roof repair.