The roof in your Charleston home is your first line of defense against the harsh elements. It protects your family and property from rain, snow, storms, and winds. Additionally, your roofing system enhances ventilation. Yet, many Charleston homeowners neglect their roofs entirely until the first sign of damage appears. Routine roof inspections are integral to the performance and longevity of your roofing system. Read on to discover how often you should get a roof inspection.
Why Are Roof Inspections Important?
It is almost impossible to determine the actual condition of your roof from its looks. That’s why you should schedule regular roof inspections to catch issues early and prevent costly repairs or replacements. With regular roof inspections, Charleston homeowners can be made aware of missing shingles, cracks, mold growth, granules in gutters, curling shingles, and storm damage. Moreover, a roof inspection helps identify these issues and can also help you prioritize your home improvement projects.
How Often Should Your Roof Be Inspected?
We advise Charleston homeowners to have their roofs inspected at least twice every year. Having your roof inspected in the fall and the spring makes it easy to catch issues early. Moreover, a roof inspection in the fall and spring is the best way to stay ahead of common roofing issues throughout the year.
A roof inspection in spring allows you to prepare for the high temperatures, UV light, summer storms, and thermal shocks. When you have your roof checked before the summer, you can become aware of potential problems before they become a headache.
Getting a comprehensive inspection in the fall is also essential to prepare your roof for the cold winter months. Your roof can be exposed to strong windstorms, hurricanes, attic condensation, and sags. Fortunately, you can prevent these issues by inspecting your roof in the fall.
You should also have a comprehensive roof inspection performed before buying or selling your home. A roof inspection before you move in will help you detect roofing problems that require immediate attention. This might prevent unnecessary repairs down the line.
Having your roof inspected immediately after damage or a devastating weather event is also advisable. A professional roofer will inspect your roof thoroughly before the damage gets out of hand.
Other factors that will determine how often you should have your roof inspected include:
- The roofing materials
- Age of your roof
- Tree coverage
- Weather conditions
DIY Roof Inspections Vs. Professional Roof Inspections
Under certain circumstances, it is advisable to inspect your roof on your own. However, a DIY roof inspection should only be performed to identify issues that require immediate attention. When inspecting your roof, remember to check for patches of lichen, debris, rusted gutters, cracked gutters, missing shingles, and cracked sealant. Additionally, check for peeling plastic rubber boots, a missing chimney cap, a missing chimney motor, and signs of leaks in your attic, ceiling, and rafters. Remember to use a ladder when inspecting your roof. You can also use an aerial drone or binoculars to check the condition of your roof. Never step on weak spots and angled roofs since doing so might void the warranty or result in injuries.
If you notice any damage during your roof inspection, it would be a good idea to schedule a professional roof inspection. Professional roofers have the expertise, technology, and tools to perform a thorough inspection. They can use their expertise and technology to identify issues that might go unnoticed. The good news is that many roofing companies in Charleston and the surrounding areas offer a free inspection.
What Is Included in a Professional Roof Inspection?
A professional roof inspector will use the latest technology and deep roofing knowledge to check the condition of every roof component. During your roof inspection, you should expect the roofer to assess the state of the drip edges and the soffit material. In most cases, the roofer will use a ladder to determine if leaking water has made its way behind the drip edges and soffits. After that, your roofer should inspect your downspouts and gutters to ensure they are firmly attached and free of standing water.
The roofer should also check the condition of the roofing materials to determine if your shingles should be replaced.
Roof penetrations, including the vent pipes, media installations, and roof vents will also be checked to ensure they perform as expected. The roofer will inspect the seals and flashing to ensure they are free of standing water. Additionally, the penetrating items will also be checked to catch problems early.
Your roofing contractor will also look at the flashing to ensure it is up to code. If it’s not, you can expect the contractor to make recommendations to bring your flashing up to code.
The condition of the chimney and windows should also be checked for any signs of damage. The roofing contractors will also check the attic for signs of water damage.
So, how can you tell if your roof was inspected correctly? We advise customers to physically watch the roof inspection to ensure every roof component is checked. You should also ask the roofer to provide a written roof inspection report for your preview. Your contractor should also answer all the questions you have regarding their assessment.
How Long Does a Roof Inspection Take?
The length of your roof inspection will be influenced by several factors, including the size of your house, accessibility, type of roof, and other add-ons. Generally, roofing contractors will need more time to inspect a larger home thoroughly.
When it comes to accessibility, your roof inspection will be quick if the roofing contractors can access all the components of your roof quickly. Similarly, some roofing designs might take longer to inspect than others. In most cases, frame roofs will naturally take longer to examine than other roof designs.
Work With the Trusted Local Roofing Company
The best way to ensure your roof is in good shape is by working with the trusted local roofing experts in Charleston. The National Roofing Contractors Association encourages property owners to get a comprehensive roof inspection at least twice yearly. It’s best to schedule your professional roof inspection right after extreme weather events. Additionally, it is also advisable to schedule a roof inspection before buying a new house. With periodic roof inspections, Charleston residents can catch roofing issues early to prevent further damage and keep their loved ones safe.
Here at Charleston Roofs + Windows we take great pride in being the trusted local roofing company in Charleston, SC, and the surrounding areas since 2012. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff strive to ensure that our neighbors in South Carolina’s Lowcountry region enjoy uninterrupted comfort and safety. Whether you need a professional roof inspection, repair, or replacement, we have got you covered. You can also count on our experts to help you recover your property after storm damage. Charleston residents also turn to our dependable full-service window installation or replacement services to enhance energy efficiency in their homes.
Contact us today for more information or to schedule a service appointment.