When to Schedule a Roof Inspection
Your home is an ecosystem unto itself, and when one element of your home is in trouble, it can have a ripple effect that impacts everything else. For example, a damaged rain gutter can lead to foundation damage and roof damage that in turn leads to siding and insulation damage. Likewise, a broken window can cause your home to develop a serious mold problem that leads to health problems for your family.
That’s why it’s so important to stay on top of your regular home exterior maintenance with occasional inspections from a trusted contractor when you need them. But how do you know when it’s time to schedule a roof inspection? We’ll break it down in this post from Powers Premier Contracting. To schedule your roof inspection, give our Twin Cities siding contractors a call today.
Scheduling Your Roof Inspection
One of the most important reasons to prioritize regular roof inspections when you need them is cumulative damage. Anytime you let roof damage go unrepaired for any amount of time, you are inviting the problem to worsen, and this can lead to even more costly repairs down the road. In some cases, it can even lead to a need for premature roof replacement or extensive damage inside of your home.
Worse, if you experience a roof emergency down the road and your insurance company determines you’ve been negligent with roof repairs, there’s a good chance they won’t pay. Most insurance policies and warranties consider it the homeowner’s responsibility to keep up with regular roof maintenance as needed.
Follow these guidelines to know when it’s time for a roof inspection:
- Schedule an inspection after major storms pass.
Storms can be rough on your home anywhere, but we get some of the worst here in the Twin Cities area. A winter storm can bring high winds, heavy snow, and ice, all of which can do a number on your roof. But thunderstorms can be even more devastating to your roof, especially when they bring straight-line winds that pelt your siding and roof with debris, hail, and powerful rain.
Sometimes, rooftop storm damage is obvious from the moment the sky clears with signs like errant shingles strewn across your lawn. But just because you can’t easily spot post-storm roof damage doesn’t mean it’s there. If you’ve experienced significant hail, ice, or winds, it’s always the safest bet to schedule a professional roof inspection with your friendly local contractor. This also save you the trouble of having to climb up onto your roof, which can be dangerous without the right professional roof inspection equipment.
- Schedule a roof inspection anytime you have a roof leak.
If you notice discoloration on your ceiling or you end up having to grab a bucket during a heavy summer rain, the problem is coming from your roof. Anytime you find water stains on your ceiling, you should schedule a roof inspection as soon as possible, since once water gets into your home, it will cause untold damage to your home’s structure. This type of roof leak can easily lead to deterioration of your insulation as well.
More significantly, any point of moisture infiltration into your home means you’re at greater risk of mold proliferation that can lead to significant health problems for your family and costly mold rehabilitation services. The good news is that if you catch the source quickly, the cause of these types of leaks is often fairly minor and can be easily repaired.
- Schedule an inspection if you spy missing shingles or granules.
Chunks of shingles on your lawn are always a bad sign and should be addressed right away since missing shingles leave your roof vulnerable to the elements and can easily lead to leaks. But missing shingles are not the only thing you have to worry about. If you notice missing granules on your roof, you should also contact a roof contractor since missing granules expose your roof to solar radiation damage.
- Call a roofer if your roof is more than a decade old.
Even the best roofs have an expiration date. But that expiration date gets extended when you prioritize regular roof inspections, something you should make a priority when your roof has seen a few turns around the sun. Scheduling regular roof inspections means you’ll catch roof damage sooner and nip it in the bud so your roof will perform better longer.
- Make roof inspections part of your seasonal home maintenance.
Even if your roof seems to be in pretty good condition, you should consider adding roof inspections to your seasonal maintenance to-do list since not all roof damage is easily identifiable from the ground. Many roof contractors believe fall is the best time to schedule your roof inspections, since the weather tends to be fairly pleasant and it’s a good chance to get on top of roof repairs before winter hits, bringing ice dams with it..
- Get your new home inspected before you sign on the dotted line.
A new home purchase is one of the most exciting investments you’ll make. And part of the home buying process includes getting your home inspected before closing. During the pre-closing inspection, you’ll get an opportunity to find out everything you need to know about your roof including its age, condition, and life expectancy. If any problems should arise during this process, you will have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price accordingly before you close the deal.
Schedule Your Twin Cities Roof Inspection Today
How long has it been since you’ve had your roof inspected? To extend the lifespan of your roof, call our contractors at Powers Premier Contracting and schedule your roof inspection today. Give us a call at 612-710-7283 or contact us online to schedule your inspection and talk to our residential roofing contractors about your home maintenance questions.