Most roofing contractors provide roof inspection services to examine your roof’s condition and keep it i?n good shape. Experienced contractors will create a detailed roof inspection report stating what needs to be repaired and how much it will cost. Many homeowners wonder how often they should have their roof inspected? Does a new roof need to be inspected? These are some significant concerns most people have. If you are also wondering the same, this article answers all the questions you may have.
At Trusted Roofing, we take time to educate property owners about the roofing industry, and about the best way to extend the life of their roof. Our experts have years of experience in the roofing industry, and we give back to our community by sharing our knowledge. Today, we will explain how often you should have your residential or commercial roof inspected. The best way to extend the life of your roof is to have it inspected regularly and make sure any repairs are completed before the damage gets worse. The follow blog will explain everything you need to know about roof inspections.
How Often Do You Need A Roof Inspection?
Budget will always be an important factor that goes into any decision, but there are some indicators that let you know when it is time to have your roof inspected. Three common factors will tell you when to call a local roofing contractor: The roof installation date, your region’s climate, and the type of roofing material you have. We will explain each factor in detail to help you understand better.
#1 When Was Your Roof Installed?
The roof installation date is crucial in deciding how often you should have your roof inspected. Did you buy a new property or replace your old roof recently? Or was it 15 years ago?
New Roof Inspection
How often does a new roof need to be inspected? For a brand-new roof, you need a roof inspection right after replacement to make sure everything is perfect, and you don’t need any changes or additions to your new roof. After that, you don’t have to worry about your roof for five years.
If Your Roof Was Installed 5-10 Years Ago
After five years, you need to begin with regular roof maintenance, including one roof inspection and cleaning service each year. Generally, the best time to schedule a roof inspection is during the spring or fall, on a day that’s not too hot, rainy, or windy.
Most roofing contractors are busy in summer because it’s the ideal time for roofing jobs. Shingles and flat roofs seal correctly when the temperature is warm and dry. So if you live in a snowy area, now is the right time to call a local roofing contractor you can trust. Experienced roofing contractors are usually booked in advance, and busy seasons can also increase labor costs in some areas.
However, if the winters are mild in your area, you can also opt for a roof inspection in winter. This will help you prepare for the upcoming hail, rain, wind storms, hot temperatures, etc. In humid areas, it’s challenging to repair a roof when it’s too hot, or when thunderstorms are about to strike. However, if you feel something’s not right, you must get your roof inspected as quickly as possible, as the experts will find the right solution for the time being.
If Your Roof Was Installed Over Ten Years Ago
Roofs begin to show signs of withering and damage after 10 or 15 years from their installation date. So, if your roof is old, you should call a roofing company for an inspection twice a year for a thorough assessment, and immediately after a storm if you notice any damage. Similar to how you would never ignore a problem inside your home, you shouldn’t forget about your roof’s condition, especially when it’s the first thing affected by the weather.
#2 How Is Your Local Climate?
If you live in a region where humidity, precipitation, and storms happen every season, you’ll need a professional roof inspection twice a year– at the beginning of summer and just before winter. A complete roof inspection is the only way to know that your roof is ready to protect your home and building against heat, moisture, tornados, hail, or snowstorms before they arrive. You also need a storm damage roof inspection after a storm hits your area to ensure that your roofing system is still in good shape.
If the condition of your roof and gutters has been compromised by a storm and you don’t get an inspection, the damaged roof components can lead to water leaks and pooling, rot, mold, algae, and other damage. Such damage weakens the roof quickly, leading to cracks, water leaks, and severe damage to your property.
If you live in an area that is not too hot or cold, and storms aren’t an issue, then it may not be necessary for you to have a roof inspection every year. According to experts, you may only need it once in 3 years depending on the weather conditions and the age of your roof. However, the frequency of roof inspection differs according to your roof type.
#3 What Type Of Roof Do You Have?
As a rule of thumb, every property needs an annual roof inspection. But it’s not the same for every type of roof– Commercial and residential roof inspection requirements are very different.
Shingle roof inspection: Shingle roofs need a thorough inspection once a year. You can ask your roofing contractor if they can do an infrared or drone roof inspection to detect issues that human eyes can miss. A complete roof inspection should include an assessment of the attic, shingles, gutters, and wooden roof components, as they are prone to moisture and impact damage. Also, you need a shingle inspection immediately when you spot missing or damaged shingles or too much granule loss.
Metal roof inspection: Metal roofs require a general inspection once a year as part of their maintenance. It includes visual inspection and cleaning (if needed). Debris collection, blisters, oil canning, dents, cracks, and rust are common issues with metal roofing systems.
Commercial or flat roof inspection: It is necessary to get a commercial roof inspection twice a year (every 6th month). Flat roofs such as TPO, PVC, and BUR are less durable than architectural shingles, metal roofs, tile roofs, and other residential roofing systems. That’s because commercial activities involve more labor, machinery, fumes, foot traffic, etc., which puts more stress on the roof– not to mention the environmental effects that are already active 24/7.
October is the driest month in Tennessee, and November marks the end of the fall season with calm weather. This is one of the best times to get a roof inspection for your home or building.
Do You Need A Free Roof Inspection?
Trusted Roofing is a full service roofing company that specializes in commercial and residential roofing services. If you are looking for skilled and reliable roof inspectors in Middle Tennessee, call us at (615) 714-4300. We will be happy to offer you a free roof inspection. Our experienced professionals deliver comprehensive roof inspection reports and suggest the best ways to maintain your roof for years to come.
