A professional roof inspection is an excellent way to find out about any issues your roof is facing so they can be addressed before they become an even bigger and more expensive problem. In addition to getting a yearly roof inspection, it may be necessary to have your roof inspected after a big storm involving high winds or flying debris. Here is a look at what roof inspections entail and why they are so valuable.
What Is in a Roof Inspection?
During an inspection, your roofing professional will look for problems that could compromise the strength and safety of your roof. The specifics will depend on the materials. For example, with a shingle roof, roofing professionals will look for signs of water damage, shingle deterioration, clogged gutters and mold. With metal roofs, some areas of concern are loose seams, rust and damaged flashing.
Roof inspectors are trained to spot even the most subtle signs of roof damage both on the roof and inside the home, such as in the attic or on the walls and ceilings. After they have completed their inspection, they will provide you with a list of the issues they have identified and how they can be addressed.
Warning Signs You Need a Roof Inspection
In addition to yearly roofing inspections, there are some warning signs that it may be time for an inspection outside of your regular schedule. One of the biggest causes for concern is water leaks, whether you can visibly see water leaking or you observe stains and dark streaks on your ceiling. Any of these issues can allow moisture to get into your home and cause damage.
Another problem that calls for a roof inspection is the presence of cool drafts. Although these are not always caused by a roof issue, faulty roofs do sometimes impact air circulation and ventilation, which can lead to an increase in energy bills.
Exterior and Interior Roof Inspections
The most thorough roof inspections will involve exterior and interior checks. As you might expect, an exterior roof inspection involves having a professional climb up onto the roof and look for flashing issues, leaks, damaged shingles and chimney issues. An interior roof inspection will look at factors such as insulation in the attic, moisture and mold in the home, and ventilation.
1. Detect Damage Before It Can Get Worse
If you suspect that your home has been damaged by a storm or strong winds, a roof inspection is the best way to detect damage before it gets worse. If you find signs of roof problems after bad weather, such as broken or missing shingles on the ground, heavy debris on your roof or divots, an inspection can save you significant money in the long run.
2. Increase Your Roof’s Lifespan
Different roofing materials have specific theoretical lifespans, but the conditions outside your home can impact how long your roof actually lasts. Although it is not always possible to prevent a roof replacement, an inspection may point to situations where a partial roof replacement can be enough to increase the roof’s lifespan and postpone the need for a costlier full replacement.
3. Home Safety and Security
Although it is possible to observe some signs of a damaged roof yourself, climbing onto the roof can be a very dangerous prospect. Professional roofers are experienced in walking across a roof without falling and possess appropriate safety equipment to carry out this important task without injuring themselves or damaging the roof.
They are also experienced in spotting signs of roof degradation so they do not inadvertently walk across a weak spot of the roof and fall through it, creating further damage. These weak spots can also put your home’s security at risk, making inspections valuable from a security standpoint as well.
4. Compliance With Home Insurance
A roof inspection is also an important part of complying with homeowners insurance, with some policies specifying that roofs need to be inspected after damaging weather-related events.
An inspection will also be needed when filing a claim for roof-related damage. It can also protect your roof’s warranty, as many specify that homeowners must obtain a yearly inspection for their warranty to remain valid.
5. Save on Energy Bills
Having a roof inspection can help you save money on your energy bills by identifying minor leaks that are causing your HVAC system to work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home.
6. Increase Your Home’s Market Value
A roof inspection can increase your home’s market value by providing potential buyers with proof that the roof has been checked by a professional for potential problems. A full roof replacement can be very expensive, and those looking to purchase a home often value this type of reassurance.
7. You Need Roof Improvements
Regular inspections can identify improvements that can be made to the roof to prolong its lifespan. For example, it may highlight the need for lightning protection, gutter updates or new flashing. Small repairs like replacing a worn-out shingle or metal strips can help avoid the need for replacing larger sections of the roof that have failed.
Contact Adelphia and Book Your Roof Inspection Today!
At Adelphia Exteriors, our trained and experienced Northern Virginia roofing contractors can carry out a thorough inspection and identify issues before they get out of hand. Contact us today to book your roof inspection.