On a normal day, you’d not think about your home’s roof. However, the roof is important in protecting you and your family from the elements. You need to perform regular inspections to keep your roof in tip-top shape and ensure it serves you for a long time. But how often should you inspect your roof?

Roof inspections should be conducted at least once a year to identify and address any potential issues. However, inspecting your roof after extreme weather events, such as hail, strong winds, and snow, is crucial. You should also be vigilant for any interior leaks, which can indicate underlying roof problems.

Why should you inspect your roof?

Professional inspections help you identify issues like leaks before they worsen. This helps to ensure the roof remains in great shape and avoid costly roof repairs down the line.

Routine roof inspections and timely repairs can significantly extend the lifespan of your roof. It also helps maintain your home’s value and curb appeal. When you fix water leaks, you prevent mold growth that can affect your respiratory health.

What does a roof inspection entail?

Roofing inspections include examining the roofing material, the underlying structure and checking for leaks or problems with the attic, windows, and chimneys. A reputable roofing contractor will start the examination with the soffits, then the fascia and drip edges to ensure there’s no water leak under your roof from its edges.

The inspection also includes examining the downspouts and gutters for blockages that could cause water leakage issues. Flashing around windows and chimneys is also checked for improper installation or damage. It’s also good practice to inspect penetrations in the roof caused by plants or hail.

While the attic isn’t part of the roof, you can find symptoms that point to serious roof issues that aren’t visible from the outside. On seasonal inspections, the following should happen:

  • Check for nail pops
  • Determine the number of roof layers that need to be removed
  • Examine the roof from the ground
  • Inspect and count the skylights
  • Check the roof for waviness
  • Note weak spots in the decking
  • Note algae or mold growth
  • Examine the ventilation
  • Confirm the condition of the pipe boots

How much does a roof inspection cost?

A roof inspection costs between $75 and $600, with the average cost being around $220. This pricing fluctuation primarily depends on the inspection process the roof inspectors use.

Using drones equipped with infrared cameras enables the detection of visible damage and less apparent issues like trapped moisture or poor insulation, which are otherwise challenging to identify. The superior accuracy and precision from drone roof inspection offers lead to higher inspection costs.

However, it is noteworthy that some roofing companies, like Dunsmore Exteriors Roofing, offer free roof inspections as a part of their repair and replacement service package. While this is a cost-effective option, ensure that these companies provide a comprehensive inspection that meets their needs.

Factors that determine how often you should have your roof inspected

As roofs age, they typically become more susceptible to damage due to materials’ gradual wear and tear. As such, a roof that’s approximately ten years old may benefit from annual inspections. Conversely, a roof approaching the two-decade mark may warrant biannual checks, typically during the spring and fall seasons when weather conditions are most conducive for thorough examinations.

However, the roof’s age is not the sole determining factor; several other elements play a significant role in ascertaining the appropriate inspection frequency.

  • Weather conditions: Roofs located in areas prone to bad weather conditions, including high winds, heavy snowfall, hail, or excessive rainfall, may require more frequent inspections to maintain their structural integrity.
  • Roofing material: Different roofing materials have varying durability and lifespan. For instance, asphalt shingles may require more frequent checks than metal roofs due to their shorter lifespan and susceptibility to damage.
  • Presence of trees: If the property is close to large trees, regular roof inspections may be necessary to check for potential roof damage from falling branches or accumulated leaves causing drainage issues.
  • Maintenance history: If the roof has a history of frequent repairs or has been subject to severe damage in the past, more regular professional roof inspections may be prudent to identify and rectify any emerging issues preemptively.

Can you inspect your roof on your own?

Yes, you can perform a basic roof inspection yourself. While this cannot replace a professional examination, do-it-yourself (DIY) inspections can serve as a valuable preliminary measure to identify apparent signs of damage or wear.

A homeowner can conduct a DIY inspection safely from the ground using binoculars, looking for any visible signs of damage such as missing or damaged shingles, curling or buckling shingles, damaged flashing, sagging areas, or an accumulation of granules from asphalt shingles in the gutters. Similarly, you can inspect your home’s interior, like the attic, for signs of leaks, water damage, or poor ventilation, evidenced by damp insulation, water stains, or mold.

Regular DIY inspections can foster a greater understanding of your roof’s condition, enabling homeowners to recognize and respond to potential issues before they escalate. It is crucial, however, to maintain safety as a priority during these inspections, avoiding climbing onto the roof without appropriate safety equipment and training.

Despite the benefits of DIY roof inspections, it is important to note that these should complement, rather than replace, professional annual roof inspections. Complex issues such as structural damage, small leaks, or inadequate ventilation may not be easily detectable by untrained eyes.

Hire a roofing professional to inspect your roof

Given the important role of your roof, you should engage the services of a professional roofing inspector. Dunsmore Exteriors Roofing possesses the knowledge, experience, and tools to conduct comprehensive, thorough assessments of your roof’s health and identify potential problems that may otherwise go unnoticed. We can provide precise solutions and preventive measures, ensuring your roof remains robust and durable.

Contact Dunsmore Exteriors Roofing services, and let us help you maintain the health and longevity of your roof, providing peace of mind for you and your family.