Like everything else, your home is subject to the Second Law of Thermodynamics – meaning, gradual deterioration, depreciation, eventual loss of functionality given enough time without intervention.

That, of course, is true of every component and area of your house. But it is especially important when it comes to your roof. Your roofing, after all, is all that stands between you and everything inside of your home and the weather.

The best way to take care of your roof and get the most out of it during its lifespan is to periodically monitor it – to give it an annual or semi-annual “checkup” to make sure it is still in “good health.”

How Often Should I Have My Roofing Inspected?

It’s probably best to have a professional roof inspection done twice a year, one just before hurricane season and one right afterward. But in any case, at least an annual inspection should be done. And you may also be wise to order an “extra” roof inspection just after you get hit by a major storm.

Finally, be sure to have your roofing inspected if you notice any problems like a slow leak or that you are seemingly losing too much energy out the top of your house. If you see a shingle or two lying on the ground, there may be additional problems up on the roof out of sight. Better to get it inspected than to just hope it’s OK.

What Should I Expect Out of a Roof Inspection?

Sometimes, you may have a specific issue that you are looking into when you schedule a professional roof inspection, or you may be doing it for insurance reasons. But most of the time, it’s simply a matter of checking up on the general well-being of your roof.

What will the roofing contractor look for? First of all, he will examine your roof for any missing, broken, loose, or bubbled-up shingles. He will see if there are any likely leakage points like where some roof flashing might be out of place or where some roofing caulk may have cracked.

The roof inspector will be especially careful to check likely trouble spots such as around vents and chimneys, along the eaves, on the ridge cap at the roof’s peak, or in the roof valleys (which can become badly eroded over time.) A report will show any problems discovered – and if necessary, he may recommend a repair.

Whom Should I Trust to Take Care of Inspections & Repairs?

There are a number of important points to make as to whom you should trust to do your regular roof inspections on your home. Here are the key takeaways, in brief:

• Choose a contractor that your homeowner’s insurance company will approve of so you get all the coverage you possibly can.
• Look for a local contractor with a long and overwhelmingly positive reputation.
• Plan on likely using the same contractor to make repairs on your roof as you use to inspect your roofing every year. That can save you money and it means your roofer is already familiar with your roof.
• Find a roofer who puts safety first and has all the necessary credentials, including licenses, insurance, and training certificates.
• Make sure your roofer allows you to conveniently schedule your roof inspections (and repairs). Also, be sure you can call for an emergency repair on short notice if it becomes necessary in the future.

When Is It Time For Full Roof Replacement?

Another reason to keep up on regular roofing inspections is so that it won’t be a surprise to you when it finally becomes necessary to replace your old roofing. 

When you monitor your roofing from year to year, you know where it’s at. Your roofer will be able to give you an idea on how much longer it is likely to hold up and perform adequately.

Timing is everything when it comes to roof replacement. Too soon, and you waste money; too late, and you risk roof leaks that can do hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interior damage to your home. Regular roof inspections are one thing that helps you plan for re-roofing long before its time to actually do it.

Every roof should get a regular “checkup” to ensure it is functioning at full capacity and poses no safety hazard. One-time inspections right after a storm are also important so you can know whether or not your roofing was badly damaged.

To learn more about how to take good care of your roofing or to schedule a professional roof inspection in Central Florida, contact us at Sheegog Contracting today!