Roofing is a multipurpose component of a house, providing shelter from the outside world, thermal insulation and protection from the sun, wind, and rain – and of course, improving the look of your home. Since the roof is constantly exposed to the elements, it is prone to damage and needs regular maintenance.
How Often Should a Roof be Inspected?
Many homeowners are unsure of how often to get their roofing inspected by a professional. The general answer, according to insurance and inspection companies, is every three to five years; the exact frequency depends on several factors like the type of roofing material, the climatic conditions, and the age of the house. A roof made of asphalt composite or tiles should be inspected once every three years, while a once-in-five-years inspection is sufficient for a shake roof.
Roof Inspection Indicators to Watch Out For
Three years is a long time, and it is recommended that you keep a close eye on your roof’s performance between inspection dates. Sometimes, homeowners may need to call a roofing professional for an inspection and possible repairs even before the next visit is due. This is true in the following cases:
- Water or insulation leak in some part of the house could indicate wear and tear to your roof.
- Missing or loose pieces of the outer roof covering.
- A few homes in your immediate neighborhood of about the same age as yours are having their roofs repaired, especially if due to weather damage – the weather could have affected your roof too.
What You Should Do In Between Inspections
While inspections will typically uncover problems with your roof before they cause significant damage, there are still several things you should be doing to maintain the life of your roof:
- Clear all gutters, downspouts, and drains of debris at least once a year. Debris prevent water flow which increases the break down of your roofing material.
- Remove branches from over your roof. Branches can break in storms and damage your roofing materials in the process.
Why an Annual Roof Inspection is Ideal
For larger homes, you can get your roofing inspected when carrying out annual maintenance for the rest of the house, even if there is no obvious problem with it yet. This is especially helpful for slate or tile roofs, which are more delicate than standard roofing materials.
Actual roofing materials are quite sturdy and durable; most roof damage occurs to the various roofing components such as flashing, valleys and gutters. Annual inspection may cost you some money, but it will be much cheaper than carrying out extensive repairs once a small leak becomes substantial and damages the interiors of your home.
Benefits of Regular Roof Inspections
With regular roof inspections, you can avoid health hazards from musty furniture and in-house mold caused by water leaks. You can also keep your utility bills under control by preventing thermal insulation leaks. Your home will look as attractive from the outside as it is from within.
Robert Anderson
