5 Reasons You Should Have Your Roof Inspected
Just because your roof is out of sight doesn’t mean it should be out of mind. Similar to our vehicles, we often think of having the roof inspected and maintained once something goes wrong. This can lead to serious and costly problems. Considering just how vital your roof structure is, proper care and maintenance are imperative to keep you and your family safe while avoiding expensive repairs or an entire replacement. Below, we’ll discuss when you should be having the roof inspected, and the most common reasons for getting it looked at.
How Often Should I Have My Roof Inspected?
Roof inspections should always be scheduled and performed by a roofing expert following any serious weather event or storm. But in general, we recommend having the roof inspected at least twice per year.
The Most Common Roof Problems:
- Missing, cracked or curled shingles
- Moisture leaks
- Loose granules accumulating in the gutter
- Moss growth
- Sagging roof
- Wood rot
Here are a few of the most common reasons why you should have your roof inspected:
It’s Old and Weathered
Although roof inspections should be performed every year despite its age, the older it is, the more vital those inspections will be. A roofing expert will be able to check for any potential problems that are just starting to emerge that may not be as noticeable or visible to an untrained eye. This includes vulnerable spots, abnormal weathering, opening where water could infiltrate, and any other issues. Every roof will endure natural ageing and weathering, and by getting it looked at regularly, you can have any minor defects dealt with and repaired early to prevent them from escalating into something more serious and costly.
There Was a Bad Storm
As climate change leads to more intense and sudden storms, outdoor structures – especially roofs – will become more susceptible to damage caused by high winds, hail, and even flying debris from neighbouring homes. That’s why it’s always a wise decision to have your roof inspected as soon as possible following a bad storm. Even minor damage can lead to water infiltration within the roof and home, which can cause mold, mildew, and even weaken structural components over time.
Leak Assessment
One of the most common reasons homeowners call for an inspection is when they notice water marks forming on the ceiling or walls. Your roofing expert will thoroughly analyze the entire roof structure to pinpoint where the moisture is coming from and what is required to ensure your roof and home are safe. Leaks can indicate major underlying problems and should never be ignored.
Warranty Repairs
If there’s damaged caused to your roof, your insurance might not cover all of it, depending on the associated reasons for the damage. In this case, you’ll need to hire a roofing expert to inspect the entire roof and help you figure out whether you have grounds to file a claim.
Proper Drainage
Water is the nemesis to your roof and home. But since it’s exposed to the elements on a constant basis, it’s always vulnerable to moisture. That’s why proper drainage is so important for every roof structure. If water is allowed to linger and pool on the roof, it can quickly penetrate through and lead to serious issues. Your roof inspector will pay particular attention to this and can perform cleanings as well to remove any debris that could be causing blockages to the eavestrough and downspouts.
Contact Top Hat Home Comfort Services today for all of your Ottawa home repair and maintenance needs, including any roof-related issues.
