Nothing lasts forever. But while everything eventually breaks down, regular maintenance can put off the inevitable for a while, allowing you to treasure your possessions longer than usual. This applies as well in roofing. It’s easy enough to forget about your roof but you don’t want to wait until you’re looking at a leak before checking to see how it is doing.
Why regular roof inspections are important
Many of the problems associated with roofs start out small, with little visible, outward effects. Over time, however, as the roof is subjected to the same stresses over and over again, these problems snowball to become larger ones. It is unfortunate that so many of them go unnoticed until they’ve worsened because a lot of these problems are actually easy to fix, had they been detected early.
Aside from the inconvenience of having a roof problem, the consequence of not catching a roofing issue early extends to having to pay more for repairs because the problem has grown, making it more complicated to deal with. In some cases, damage may even be too extensive for repairs that a roof replacement has become necessary.
Proper roof inspection tips
- One of the key elements of a proper roof inspection is a regular schedule. Barring extreme weather events, roof inspections have to be scheduled at least twice a year: once in spring and once in the fall. This is to ensure that roofing problems that may have cropped up during winter will be addressed once the new season comes, as well as those that came afterwards, guaranteeing that your roof is prepped and ready for the coming winter.
- Storms always bring trouble so make it a point as well to inspect your roof each time a major one comes your way. Construction activity in and around your home can also potentially damage your roof so do have it checked after you have major home improvement work done.
- Make sure your roof inspection is thorough. Exact areas inspected will vary from roof to roof but all inspections have to cover everything. At the very least, these need checking:
- Drains and downspouts – These have to be clear of debris and blockages.
- Roof penetrations and flashings – These should not have gaps or tears.
- Roof vents and equipment – These have to be properly sealed.
- Signs of standing water or ponding – These needs to be identified and eliminated.
- Signs of roofing material degradation – Affected areas have to be patched or replaced.
Value for Effort
Ultimately, you’ll get out of your roof inspection what you put into it. If you want to ensure then that your roof inspection is done right, trust only a professional to it carry out. A reputable roofing contractor has the skills and experience (not to mention tools!) necessary to thoroughly inspect your roof, ensuring that you are given a complete assessment of your roof’s condition. This will allow you to move accordingly to guarantee that your roof gets the care it needs and deserves.
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Author Bio:
TJ Krejci is has over 17 years under his belt in the construction, restoration, and roofing of different properties, commercial and residential. When not involved in his work as co-owner of JCB Roofing, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children. Check out the company blog for updates from TJ!
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