How Often Should You Look at Your Roof?

Ensuring the lifetime and safety of your house depends mostly on regular maintenance of the roof. Not only can a well-kept roof improve the general look of your house, but it also shields your family and possessions from the weather. "How often should you check your roof?" is one of the most crucial queries homeowners have.

Frequent roof inspections will help you find possible issues early on, saving you money on expensive repairs or perhaps the need for a whole roof replacement. But just what does a roof inspection consist of, and how often should one undertake it? From the frequency of roof inspections to the indicators your roof may require care, this article will walk you through all you need to know.

Define a Roof Inspection

An inspection of your roof is a complete assessment of its state. Examining several elements—shingles, flashing, gutters, and more—helps one spot possible faults that can cause leaks, structural damage, or other expensive difficulties. Professional roofing contractors can do roof inspections; alternatively, you could do a do-it-yourself assessment to find typical wear and tear indicators.

Roof inspections fall mostly into two categories:

Visual Inspection: Usually a surface-level examination for obvious problems such as missing shingles, broken tiles, or drooping sections.
Expert Inspection: A professional roofer will more closely examine your roof in search of underlying problems possibly not immediately obvious. They might check your roof using drones, infrared cameras, or moisture meters.

Why is a Roof Inspection Crucially Important?

For several reasons, including these, roof inspections are quite vital:

Regular roof inspections help you identify small problems early on, preventing major ones. This helps to stop leaks, water damage, and mold development within your house.
Regular maintenance helps your roof last for as long as it should. Early identification and resolution of issues help to postpone the need for expensive repairs or a roof replacement.
Many house insurance policies and roof warranties require evidence of routine roof inspections. Ignoring your roof could lead your insurance provider to reject claims for roof damage.
A well-kept roof appeals to potential purchasers as a feature enhancing home value. Frequent roof inspections and repairs help to maintain the best possible condition of your roof, improving the market appeal of your house.

How often ought you to check your roof?

Several elements might affect the frequency of roof inspections: type of roof, local climate, age of the roof, etc. For consistent roof inspections, there are, however, overall rules to follow.

Twice a year—spring and fall

Usually in the spring and fall, most properties have the perfect schedule for roof inspections twice a year. This lets you check your roof before the hot summer and following the hard winter conditions.

Following the winter, you should check your roof for damage brought on by snow, ice, or freezing conditions. This covers looking for ice dams, damaged shingles, or other damage from the winter.

Examining your roof will help you ensure it is ready to resist the approaching winter. Look for broken or loose shingles, clean gutters, and places where water could collect.

Following Extreme Weather

Apart from routine inspections, after any significant storm—heavy rain, strong winds, hail, or snowfall—you should check your roof. These kinds of storms could really damage your roof, so you need to take quick care of problems.

Look for:

Missing or fractured shingles
Trash perhaps gathered on the roof
Damage to gutters
Dents from falling branches or hail

If you can't safely get to your roof, think about paying a professional roofer a post-storm visit.

Before and After Significant Residential Renovations

It's a good idea to check your roof both before and after any significant house repairs. For example, the building process may unintentionally harm a roof if you are putting in new windows or an extension. Examining your roof ahead of time can help you identify current problems and ensure no new ones develop throughout the renovation.

Indicators Your Roof Needs Inspection

Even if you're not due for a scheduled roof inspection, several indicators point to the need for contacting a professional or checking the state of your roof. Watch out for these red flags:

Water stains on walls or ceiling often point to a roof leak. Should you detect any signs of moisture within your house, you should look for possible leaks on your roof.
One obvious indication of roof damage are curled or missing shingles. While curling shingles could show age or damage, missing shingles leave your roof open to water intrusion.
A sagging roof is a major problem demanding quick care. It can be evidence of structural degradation brought on by decay or moisture buildup.
If you find granules from your shingles in the gutter, your shingles are degrading and could have to be replaced.
While some moss or algae growth is normal, too much growth on your roof may point to either poor drainage or stored moisture. More major issues including decay or leaks could follow from this.
Visible Daylight in the Attic: You should get an inspection right away if you find daylight streaming through your attic roof, suggesting a probable compromise of your roof.

DIY Steps: Inspecting Your Roof

You can do a basic roof assessment yourself if you have the correct tools and feel comfortable with heights. In this manner:

Get ready by ensuring you have a sturdy ladder capable of securely reaching your roof. Make sure the ladder is on solid ground always, and have someone close for help.
Look for absent, cracked, or curling shingles. If you find damage, designate the area for repairs.
The metal or other material around vents, chimneys, and skylights is called flashing. Look for degradation, holes, or corrosion.
To stop water damage, clear the roof of any trash, leaves, or limbs. Look for indicators of either mold or algae development.
Make sure your gutters are clean of trash and in good operating order. Water accumulation brought on by blocked gutters might compromise the roof.
Search your attic's interior for evidence of moisture, mold, or water damage. Look for places on the roof where daylight is streaming in.
Look for any indications of structural problems, drooping, or uneven spots on the roof.

Should an Inspection Call for a Professional Roofer?

Although do-it-yourself roof inspections are a terrific way to find obvious problems, occasionally it's best to call on a professional. Professional roofers have the knowledge, tools, and experience to do a comprehensive check and find hidden problems likely missed during a do-it-yourself inspection. In addition, a qualified roofer can suggest required repairs or maintenance and offer you a comprehensive report of their results.

At Last

Maintaining the lifetime and condition of your roof depends on routine roof inspections. Twice a year and following significant storms, by looking over your roof, you might find minor problems before they become major ones. You should have your roof professionally inspected if you see indications of damage or if its lifetime is almost over.

Remember, it will be more affordable to fix possible problems the sooner you find them. Whether you're doing it yourself or paying a professional, a roof inspection is an investment in the lifetime and safety of your house.

Q&As

A roof lasts for what length of time before requiring inspection?
Although most roofs only last 20 to 30 years, you should routinely check them to make sure they remain in good shape all over their lifetime.
Could I see over my roof personally?
While you may undertake a preliminary check on your own, it is advised to call a professional roofer for a comprehensive assessment.
Should a leak develop in my roof, what should I do?
Should you discover a leak, you have to act fast. See a qualified roofer to evaluate damage and stop more problems.
Should my roof need replacement, how can I find out?
Your roof might have to be replaced if it is over twenty years old and shows major damage from missing shingles or large leaks.
Should I look over my roof in winter?
Although winter inspections are rare, by looking for possible ice dams or broken flashing, you can make sure your roof will survive the next cold months.
Why should one give their roof regular maintenance top priority?
Regular roof maintenance guarantees your house is weatherproof, helps to extend the life of your roof, and helps to prevent expensive repairs.

How Often Should You Inspect Your Roof?