Your roof is one of the most structurally important features of your home. It is there to protect you and your family from all kinds of inclement weather and ensure your home’s structural integrity is not compromised. However, it’s easy to assume everything is fine with your roof as long as water isn’t dripping from the ceiling. Placing blind faith on your roof can lead to larger problems down the road.
If you want to make sure your roof stays in good shape and continues to protect your property for years to come, then regular inspections need to be performed. But how often should roofs be inspected? The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends roofing systems be inspected twice a year, preferably in fall and spring.
Why Fall and Spring Are the Best Times to Get a Roof Inspection
Spring
Once spring hits and the rough winter weather is behind us, it makes a lot of sense to have your roof inspected. Ice, snow, and wind can leave behind a slew of issues on your roof, including:
- Loosened, broken off, or torn off roofing materials
- Leaks, creaks, and sags
- Wood rot and mold
- Damaged shingles and gutters
The warm weather and increased daylight of springtime help your roof dry out, allowing roofing contractors to conduct thorough inspections of your roof system. Any roof damage or issues can be fixed as soon as possible before they get out of hand and become expensive to repair. Plus, your roofer will clear out debris and prepare your roof for the blazing heat of summer.
Fall
The extreme summer heat and humidity can break down your roofing materials and cause them to lose their waterproofing properties. That’s why you need to schedule an inspection in the fall to see if anything needs to be fixed before ice, snow, and cold temperatures damage your roof. A roof inspection in the fall will ensure your roof is ready to prevent drafts and leaks during the cold winter months.
Unlike winter and summer, fall is known for sunny skies and pleasant temperatures, making it easy for roofing technicians to work on your roof. If your roof needs repairs or replacement, the mild temperatures of fall help facilitate better thermal sealing of the roofing materials, ensuring they adequately bond to the roof before winter weather arrives.
Extra Roof Inspection
Even with bi-annual roof inspection and maintenance, you may need to call for an extra roof inspection after a hailstorm or other significant weather event. A thorough roof inspection can help determine whether your roof has been damaged, especially given roof damage may not be apparent right away.
What a Roof Inspection Entails
A roof inspector will conduct structural, material, interior, and workmanship inspections to determine the condition of your roof. Some of the things they will be looking out for include:
- Unusual wear and tear
- Leaks
- Organic growth issues
- Damage caused by windblown debris
- Missing, loose, buckling, or cracked roof coating
- Blocked gutters and downspouts
- Improper venting and gaps around vent pipes
- Signs of sagging and uneven roof planes
- Damaged, loose, or missing flashing around chimneys, vents, and other areas
- Signs of water damage on your ceiling, interior walls, or the attic
If repairs are necessary, schedule them as soon as possible so you can have a great, cozy summer or winter.
Don’t wait until winter or summer to have your roof inspected. Contact us at S&S Roofing to schedule your roof inspection and maintenance. We can help keep your home free from pesky damages, reduce your costs on roof repairs, and extend the life of your roof.
