One of the most overlooked home maintenance tasks is roof inspections. Many homeowners only think about their roofs once something goes wrong or a storm hits.
That’s why it’s essential to take care of your roof as soon as you notice a problem so that it doesn’t become worse and cost more money to fix.
Prevents Damage
The roof of your home is crucial to keeping your house safe from the weather. If it gets damaged or neglected, you could face structural damage, mold, and other problems that may cost you much more money in the long run.
Regular roof inspections and repairs help to avoid these problems. They can prevent minor leaks, loose shingles, or other minor damages from becoming significant issues.
The best time to have an inspection done is during a period when the weather is not too hot or cold. During these times, the inspector can spot any potential issues and recommend the best repairs for your particular roof type and age.
Prevents Insurance Claims
Regarding insurance coverage, your roof is often the deciding factor between getting a check for the cost of a new roof or paying out of pocket. A solid inspection record can help you get the best deal on a roof replacement and bolster your claim if an unfortunate incident is the cause of a leaky or missing roof.
A top-notch roof inspection from professionals like Daytona Beach Roofers should include material and structural evaluation. Besides the usual suspects like shingles, the inspector should look for other materials in play, like flashing, rubber boots, seals, and perhaps most importantly, your roof’s gutters. The good news is that most roofing materials can be inspected from ground level, making it easier and safer to get the job done.
Prevents Leaks
Fortunately, regular roof inspections and repairs can help prevent leaks from occurring. They are a vital component of any roofing maintenance plan and can save you money in the long run by catching potential weaknesses before they become expensive to repair problems.
During a roof inspection, the inspector will look for damage to shingles, flashing and fasteners. They also want to ensure that shingles are straight, flat against the roof, and free from stains and moss.
They will also check the seals around attic vents, chimneys and skylights. Any gaps or rotting seals should be re-caulked to prevent water from entering the building.
Prevents Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions, so it’s essential to keep moisture levels low. Use a dehumidifier in areas of your home prone to moisture build-up, like bathrooms and basements, and ventilate the space regularly.
Regular roof inspections and repairs can also prevent the growth of mildew. Look for water stains, rust and moss on your shingles, and check for cracked or curling shingles.
Mildew also grows in dark, damp places, such as closets and crawl spaces in houses that don’t have basements. It can discolor fabrics and eat into leather, paper, and clothing.
Prevents Aging
Even the best roofs will show signs of aging after a few years. That’s why it’s so important to inspect your roof regularly. A good roof inspection includes visual observations, thermal imaging, and other methods to find problems like cracks, missing shingles, moss, and stains on the roof.
Beyond the shingles and tiles, the structure of your roof is composed of trusses, rafters, sheathing material, and underlayment that protects the coverings from deterioration. This underlayment will degrade more quickly than shingles or tiles, so it’s essential to have it inspected every three to five years, depending on your roof type. This means you’ll be able to make necessary repairs sooner rather than later. Then, you’ll enjoy your roof for many more years.
