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The Hidden Benefits of Roof Inspections

Date: August 5, 2023

When was the last time you got your roof inspected? Are there any hidden benefits of roof inspections? Your roof, like the wiring and plumbing in your home, is an essential part of the structure. However, one's roof is often overlooked until there is a problem.

However, just like faulty plumbing or electrical wiring, a faulty roof can compromise the safety of the building's interior and contents, putting everyone inside in danger. Over time, weather and other factors might weaken its structural integrity. Here is where the expertise in roof inspections comes in handy. 

This article will explain why it is important for every homeowner to get their roof inspected and how doing so can protect your home investment for years to come, both commercially and in a domestic setting.

Understanding Roof Inspections

A roof inspection is an in-depth assessment performed by a licensed roofing contractor on the rooftop of a home or business. In most cases, they entail:

  • Structural Roof Inspection, i.e., Sunken roof or broken framework
  • Roof Exterior Inspection, i.e., Missing shingles, vents, metals, and flashings.
  • Roof Interior Inspection, i.e., Rotting deck or damaged roof underlayment
  • Material inspection, i.e., Broken tiles or aged shingles
  • Workmanship inspection, i.e., Incorrect installations

The surface of the roof is inspected visually, and the roof's structure, drainage systems, and other critical components are also examined.

How does a roof certification differ from a roof inspection?

A roof inspection is performed by an experienced roofer to determine if there is any damage to the roof's surface or flashings that could shorten the roof's lifespan. A roof certification is a document completed by a licensed roofer attesting to the continued excellent condition of the roof and all of its components for a certain period.

When a house inspector finds problems with the roof, the buyer or seller may ask for a roof certification. 

Hidden Benefits of Roof Inspections

When a house inspector finds problems with the roof, the buyer or seller may ask for a roof certification. Identifying and addressing potential issues with your roof, roof inspections also offer hidden benefits that can positively impact your home and overall well-being. Here are some hidden benefits of roof inspections:

infographic illustration on the hidden benefits of roof inspections
  • Early Problem Detection: Roof inspections allow for the early detection of minor issues before they escalate into major problems. By identifying and addressing small leaks, damaged shingles, or other issues promptly, you can prevent further damage to your roof and avoid costly repairs down the line.
  • Extended Roof Lifespan: Regular roof inspections and maintenance help prolong the lifespan of your roof. By identifying and addressing issues early on, you can prevent structural damage, preserve the integrity of roofing materials, and ensure that your roof lasts longer.
  • Energy Efficiency: A well-maintained roof can contribute to improved energy efficiency in your home. During roof inspections, professionals can assess the insulation and ventilation of your roof. Proper insulation helps regulate the temperature inside your home, reducing the strain on your HVAC system and potentially lowering your energy bills.
  • Enhanced Indoor Air Quality: A damaged or leaky roof can lead to moisture intrusion, which can promote the growth of mold and mildew inside your home. Mold spores can negatively impact indoor air quality and pose health risks. Roof inspections can help identify and address areas of potential moisture intrusion, preventing mold growth and ensuring a healthier living environment.
  • Increased Property Value: A well-maintained roof adds value to your property. If you plan to sell your home in the future, having a documented history of regular roof inspections and maintenance can boost buyer confidence and potentially increase your property's market value.
  • Insurance Claims and Peace of Mind: In the unfortunate event of severe weather damage or unforeseen incidents, having a documented history of regular roof inspections can make the insurance claims process smoother. Insurance companies often require proof of regular maintenance to ensure coverage. Moreover, knowing that your roof is in good condition provides peace of mind and reduces stress related to potential roof problems.
  • Compliance with Warranty Requirements: If your roof is still under warranty, regular inspections are often a requirement to maintain warranty coverage. By adhering to warranty guidelines, you can ensure that any potential repairs or replacements are covered by the warranty, saving you from incurring unnecessary expenses.

The Advantages of a Professional Roof Inspection

advantages of a professional roof inspection

1. You'll be informed of any hidden roof damage.

Damage to your roof isn't always obvious, and you can't always see it from the ground or even with a pair of binoculars. Professional roofs are trained to spot signs of roofing damage that homeowners may miss. When roofers examine your roof, they look for dented, damaged, or corroded roofing materials and missing ones that may have fallen from your roof. 

Once the roofer completes the inspection, they will give you a detailed report on the findings, verbally explain any damage they found, and answer your questions.

HVAC equipment, for example, still needs holes  punched in the roof to run their pipes and ducts. Equipment may become loose or unstable as a result of wear and tear in certain places.
Short cycling of your HVAC system is another possible consequence. When your heating and cooling system short cycles, it turns on and off frequently to keep the building at a steady

The conditioned air you're paying for could be escaping via cracks in your commercial building's roof if it is damaged and in need of roof repair. The HVAC system's lifespan is shortened, and its wear and tear are increased when it is used frequently.

2. You'll have an easier time filing an insurance claim after a storm.

The importance of having a professional roofer evaluate your roof after a strong storm cannot be overstated. Professional roofers have an interest in warning homeowners about any issues that can compromise the roof's ability to keep out water so that repairs can be scheduled in a timely fashion. 

If you hire a professional roofing company, they will provide you with a full report on the state of your roof and any issues that may arise. You'll be able to take preventative measures to ensure your roof's continued health thanks to the pictures, recommendations for repairs or maintenance, and cost estimates that will be included in the report.

Your roofing provider will coordinate with your insurer to make any necessary repairs or replacements to your roof during a storm, and the total cost to you may be less than your deductible.

3. You'll know how much life is left on your roof.

Have you had enough of the creaking in your home? Worried that your roof will collapse? You can rest easy knowing the age of your roof and whether or not it needs repairs after a thorough inspection.

If your roof is getting on in years and showing some wear and tear, having it inspected by an expert may tell you how long it has left and whether or not you should invest in repairs to make it last longer.

By attending to these concerns without delay, you can keep from having to replace your roof too soon and save money. Rain, wind, snow, and ultraviolet radiation are just some of the elements that your roof is constantly exposed to. 

The cumulative effects of these factors can shorten its useful life over time. Roof examinations by professionals might reveal flaws invisible to the naked eye.

4. You'll be able to make timely repairs before they result in water damage to your home.

Water damage can wreak havoc on your property, causing structural issues, mold growth, and compromising the overall safety of your home. Often, water damage originates from roof leaks that go unnoticed until the problem becomes severe.

Professional roof inspections involve a thorough examination of your roof, including the detection of water damage or signs of moisture intrusion. It takes a trained eye to spot many minor roofing issues before they become major repairs.

water damage causes to roofs

Water damage can be caused by:

  • Damage to the roof deck
  • Improper flashing
  • Structural issues
  • Ice dams
  • Deteriorated shingles
  • Poor workmanship or installation
  • Gutter or downspout damage
  • And more!

5. You won't have to replace your roof as often.

Most roofs have a lifespan estimate of 20-50 years, with routine maintenance like inspections that look for signs of damage and small leaks. Although no roofing material can last forever, the rate of deterioration can be slowed by ensuring adequate ventilation, promptly replacing damaged or missing shingles and finding and fixing concealed leaks. 

This is due to the fact that even minor defects can soon escalate into major problems if left unchecked, including rotted decking, structural damage to your roof, and compromised attic insulation. Cost-benefit analysis shows that getting an inspection and fixing small problems before they become big ones is the best course of action.

6. You'll rest easy knowing that your roof is doing its job.

Having your roof checked once a year and after every big storm will give you peace of mind. This is so because you can monitor the condition of your roof constantly.

A professional assessment is required to evaluate the stability and security of your roof. Your expert roofer will provide you with an estimated timeline for when your roof should be repaired or replaced, or the longest time you can safely go without repairs, if either is necessary.

Roofers can be helpful even if you don't need storm damage repairs. They can assess the condition of your shingles and warn you of any potential problems that may arise.

7. You'll stay safe.

You might be tempted to slap on those Converse shoes and take a look at the roof yourself. However, it's considerably safer to have a professional roofer evaluate your roof than to try to do it yourself. 

You could hurt yourself or others if you try to assess the damage without knowing where it is. Roofing professionals can safely cross your roof without risking injury thanks to their training, experience, and specialized gear. 

They are also familiar with the warning signals of roof deterioration, so they won't hurt themselves if they step into a weak place. Keep in mind that the majority of roofs are built with materials that degrade with time and become extremely slippery when wet. Avoid harm by using the services of a professional roofing business.

8. You'll save money.

Be prepared to shell out cash if you decide to forgo a professional roof assessment following a severe storm or delay making even basic repairs to your roof. Small or invisible issues may not seem like much now, but they might cause a plethora of complications later on.

Professional roofing inspections will greatly increase your roof's lifespan and provide you the opportunity to respond swiftly to any issues that are discovered, which is especially important because tiny repairs may quickly snowball if left ignored. The greatest approach to ensure that your roof has a long and healthy life is to practice preventative maintenance.

Keeping your home's energy efficiency in check is dependent on many factors, one of which is the condition of your roof. Due to air leakage and temperature variations, your heating and cooling systems may have to work harder if they have cracks, holes, or insulation that isn't up to standards.

As a result, not only does energy usage rise but so do costs associated with keeping the lights on. Having your roof inspected regularly can help you find these energy leaks, so you can fix them and cut costs.

9. Roof Inspection and Certification When Selling or Buying a House.

The roof is one of the first things a potential buyer would notice about your home, and it can have a significant impact on the property's marketability. Homebuyers will have no complaints about a roof that is either brand new or in outstanding shape. 

On the other hand, if the roof is old or broken, potential buyers may likely raise objections and ask for repairs or a lesser price. If you plan on selling your property in the near future, you should have a professional roofing company check it and perform any necessary repairs. 

We also suggest getting a certificate of roof inspection from a licensed roof inspector so you are prepared for any potential objections from buyers.

10. Compliance with Insurance and Warranty Requirements.

Regular roof inspections are required by insurance and warranty companies to ensure the owner is taking good care of the roof. Regular checks are a form of preventative maintenance that might reveal issues before they worsen.

Insurance and warranty companies have an interest in the roof's upkeep since it lowers the probability of costly claims and replacements. Your insurance policy probably requires that you have professional inspections of your roof performed at set intervals.

How Often and When Should You Inspect Your Roof?

Most roofers recommend having inspections done twice a year, once after the winter and once after the summer, for building owners. Roofers can inspect the roof for problems like ponding or blistering, clear away debris from bad weather, and clean the roof's drains and gutters.  

If you want to make sure your roof is in good shape and will continue to do its job, you should have it inspected often. In the aftermath of severe weather like a windstorm or hail storm, it's important to get your roof inspected by a professional roofer as soon as possible so that any necessary repairs can be made right away.

The Key Takeaway

Having a professional roofing company come out and look at your commercial roof regularly is key in preventing roof problems and repairs in the long run. By having an inspection performed regularly, you can catch any issues that may arise before they become too serious or expensive to fix.

This will help you avoid major damage, save money on repairs down the road, and extend the service life of your roof. In some cases, a maintenance program will also help you meet your roof warranty requirements. In need of commercial and residential roof inspections? Reach us today to schedule an inspection.

About Mikku & Sons
Mikku and Sons red repair track with its logo painted on its side- roofing company track wraps
Our roofing company was founded in 2001 by Michael Riutta, who is still part of the ownership and management team. Between Michael, his two sons and co-owners, Devin and Joshua, and our crew members, we have many years of experience to handle any type of roof repair or roof installation solutions you may need.
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