Here in New Jersey, and in many other states with cold winters, Summer is truly a thing to celebrate. It’s also one of the busiest times of the year for homeowners, as various cleanup and renovation projects get underway. Some of those projects – such as kitchen or bathroom renovations, for example – are more exciting than others. In fact, certain vital tasks often get lost in the shuffle.
Is your roof one of those forgotten projects? It’s easy enough to overlook the condition of your roof, or to assume that everything is alright when it really isn’t. So – as a homeowner who wants to maximize the long-term value of your property, and minimize surprise expenses – how often should you have your roof professionally inspected?
The specific answer will depend on what kind of roof you have. The majority of Americans have composite or asphalt shingles, other types of roofing are enjoying a surge in popularity – including wood, tile, and other materials. If you’re in the majority, and you have composite or asphalt shingles on your roof, professionals generally recommend a professional inspection at least once every three years. The same goes for wooden shingles, but tile roofing can go longer between inspects (five years, on average).
Keep in mind, however, that these guidelines assume you’re performing a DIY roof inspection about twice a year.
Signs of damage
Inspecting your own roof is something you should do very carefully. For many homeowners, actually getting up on the roof is neither safe nor necessary. A visual inspection from the ground can be very helpful, and an ordinary pair of binoculars can give you a closer view of the individual tiles or shingles.
What should you be looking for? Obviously, if certain shingles are damaged or missing altogether, you could have problems that need to be addressed. Sagging areas of the roof, as well as dark spots that look water-damaged, are also warning signs. Inspecting your roof from the inside is also important. Any kind of water damage, mold, or dry-rot in the attic or crawlspace is indicative of roof damage.
If you notice any of these problems, the next logical step is to call a professional for a full roof inspection. You shouldn’t have to worry about this, or be nervous that a contractor is going to suggest repairs that aren’t really necessary. Always find a reputable roofing specialist with a strong reputation in the community – you should always be able to trust that the advice you get is correct and accurate.
Has it been awhile since your last inspection?
As a homeowner, letting roof damage get away from you is not a good turn of events. Over the long-term, the repair-and-replacement costs of a damaged roof can put a huge strain on the budget. Staying ahead of the game with regular roof inspections – including professional inspections at least once every three years – will allow you to identify and address problems early, before they turn into major headaches. Give a little extra thought to your roof this Summer – and if it’s been awhile since your last inspection, call a reputable professional to make sure everything is on the up-and-up.