The roof is arguably one of the most important parts of your house, but most of the time, homeowners don’t even give it a second thought. That is until they realize they have a problem. Just like the many other critical components of your house, such as the electrical or plumbing, it is best to inspect the integrity of your roof from time to time.
A roof that is not properly maintained can have serious implications for your house, both structurally and aesthetically. For these reasons, it is critical that you perform a regular inspection of your roof. You might think, “I’ll just inspect my roof when I clean the gutters or put up the Christmas lights,” but you might want to think twice. As we will see, a proper roof inspection is not to be left up to just any novice.
If there’s one thing you should remember about roofs, it’s that they are highly sensitive to the elements and weather changes. Many homeowners don’t realize this simple fact until they notice a trickle coming from the ceiling during heavy rain. Unless you live in a region of the country that never experiences rainfall (certainly not here in the Inland Northwest), you should take steps to avoid such a critical situation.
This is why it is recommended that you thoroughly inspect your roof on a regular basis, simply to check for water damage and other problems that may not be obvious during a quick look. Never assume that “it’s not raining today, so the roof is probably in good condition.” This kind of attitude is sure to cost you a fortune down the line.
The Eye Of An Expert
So, you’ve got your safety gear, and you’re determined to do an inspection of your roof without the help of a professional. You’re up on the roof and you see…a whole lotta roof. Most laymen would not even know the first thing to look for! A professional roofer knows how to identify problem spots and diagnose even the most minor issues. Anyone who is not trained in how to find these problems could easily miss them, which could cost a bundle of cash down the line. This leads us to the next major benefit of hiring a professional to perform your roofing inspections…
Save Yourself Some Moola
When it comes to issues with your roof, a tiny problem can become major pretty quickly. If a problem goes unnoticed, or worse, gets ignored for too long, you might find yourself and your bank account in a world of hurt. That’s why we recommend using a professional roofing contractor to conduct routine investigations of the integrity of your roof. These professionals are trained and equipped for the job and will know exactly what to look for. They can also advise you on strategies that can help your roof last longer, such as insulation and ventilation.
True, these contractors cost money (a lot), but if a small problem becomes a big one in the future you’ll be glad you didn’t put off the inspection. There are also plenty of free resources available for those that want to inspect their own roof, but they often assume you know what you are looking at. This is not a safe bet, and in fact, can lead you to miss critical problems.
If the idea of saving yourself thousands down the road appeals to you, then it is definitely time to call up your local contractor and make an appointment for a professional inspection of your roof!
Increase The Lifespan Of Your Roof
Of course, we all wish that we could just put on a new roof and it will last forever. Unfortunately, that’s just not how the world works. One day, the roof is going to have to be replaced. However, you can make sure that day is far off into the future by giving your roof the care and attention it deserves.
Regular checkups performed by your local roofing company can help to make sure your roof lasts a long time. A roof that is maintained properly will last longer, and you’ll get more years of use from it.
If your roof isn’t getting the maintenance it needs, then you might be in for a surprise when the first big storm comes along. Proper maintenance of your roof will keep these problems at bay. If you’re lucky enough to have a trustworthy roofer in your area, you can look forward to enjoying your home for years to come without unexpected expensive repairs.
Estimate How Much Time Is Left On The Clock
An expert roofer will be able to help you estimate how much time is left until it is time to replace your roof. Knowing how much longer you can safely hold out will both help you get the most value out of your existing roof, and also allow you to plan and save for the expense of installing the new one. This is the most helpful piece of information you can get from a professional roof inspection.
Sometimes, homeowners are surprised when they find out that there are still several years left before they need to replace their existing roof.
Other times, it’s not such good news—maybe your roof is already past its prime and needs to be replaced sooner than you’d like.
The latter case is what makes this information so important to have. A professional roofing contractor will be able to give you a better idea as to how long your roof will last before it needs replacement and act as a guide for you along the way.
This knowledge can help you make decisions about the future of your home and ensure that you have a roof on it for as long as possible.
One thing is certain—when the time comes, choosing the right contractor for the job will be critical to getting what you need!
When was the last time your roof was inspected?
What about by a professional?
We’ve seen how employing an expert roofing contractor can be invaluable. Call Inland NW Roofing and Repair today and schedule a consultation!