One of the most important things you can do to keep your home protected is to take care of your roof, which is why you need to schedule regular roof inspections. You can catch simple problems (such as shingles that have been broken or blown away) before they get worse, but they can also help you to identify issues that aren’t so obvious. Taking this preventative step can save you a lot of money in the long run. No matter what kind of roof you have, you should always hire a professional roofer to do the inspection. You should have one scheduled at least once a year, but it’s never a bad idea to get one done after a storm.
Here are some reasons why you should hire a professional to perform a roof inspection.
#1: Weathering and Aging
Depending on the material, your roof might last up to 70 years. But, most shingle roofs will last between 20 and 30 years. Over time, age and climate will have an effect on your roof’s materials. This can create gaps and spaces that may allow water to get through. But, before you start to panic, you should know that this kind of weathering is common. Regular roof maintenance can keep most of the effects of aging and weathering under control. If your roof needs to be repaired or replaced, it’s better to find out sooner than later because it will keep your home from suffering any damage.
#2: Storm Damage
Severe weather can damage any kind of roof. This is especially true for strong winds and hailstorms, which can wreak havoc on your roof. Shingles make up almost 80% of all American homes and can get damaged during strong winds. It’s not uncommon to find shingles lying in the yard after a strong storm. You should get a roof inspection after one of these weather events in case it has gotten damaged. Even if the roofing contractor doesn’t find anything, you’ll have some peace of mind in knowing that your roof isn’t in danger of collapse.
#3: Leak Assessment
Seeing a roof leak after a period of heavy rain is the most common reason why homeowners schedule a roof inspection because for many of them, it’s the first sign that there’s something wrong. While the leak could be the result of heavy rainfall, it’s likely to be a symptom of a larger problem. By the time the roof starts to leak into your home, the wood under the roofing materials may already be starting to rot. You could have a serious mold problem. A roof inspection will not only figure out where the leak is coming from but will also allow you to determine how extensive the damage really is. That way, you can plan your next step.
#4: Warranty Damage
There could be many reasons why your roof is damaged, and some of them may be covered under its warranty. However, the first step in making a claim is to get a roof inspection done by a professional. Roofing contractors will have the experience to know if the damage will be covered by your warranty. Once you have filed the claim, either the contractor or the manufacturer responsible for the warranty will come out to your home to perform their own assessment. And if they determine that it’s covered under the warranty, they will take care of it. Just make sure you keep your warranty documents handy in case there are any problems.
#5: Proper Drainage
One of the main functions of a roof design is to keep water away from your home so it won’t do any damage. But, if your gutters are clogged with leaves and other debris (or even if there’s some other issue with your drainage system), water can back up and seep through your roof (which can cause extensive damage). Once standing water has affected your roof, its lifespan will be drastically shortened. But, doing a regular roof inspection can help you to identify any possible issues (such as a gutter system that isn’t working properly or areas on your roof where water can pool). Taking care of these issues early on will extend your roof’s lifespan and can help you to protect one of the most important parts of your home.
If you’re looking for one of the best places for roof repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with B. Ramirez Roofing.