Replacing your roof can cost several thousand dollars, even if you live in an average-sized American home . However, regular roof inspections and a little preventative maintenance could put that expense off for years. A roof inspection conducted by a qualified and experienced professional will identify trouble spots before they turn into major problems, and it will cost far less than a roof repair or replacement. Having your roof professionally inspected every fall is a good idea, but you should definitely contact a roof inspection company if you notice signs of damage, your roof starts to leak or your neighborhood experiences a severe weather event like a hurricane or tornado.
How Long Does a Roof Inspection Take?
If you have an average-sized home, it will take a professional about an hour to perform a thorough roof inspection. The inspection will begin inside your home as the inspector checks areas like the attic and garage for signs of leaks and water penetration. While in the attic, the inspector will also check rafters and joists for pest infestations and mold. The inspector will then move outside your home to check your roof from the ground for obvious damage and indications of rot. Once the perimeter inspection has been completed, the inspector will climb a ladder to visually inspect your roof. They should provide you with a written roof inspection report in a day or two.
What Will the Roof Inspector Look For?
The most important part the inspection takes place when the inspector climbs a ladder to get a close-up view of your roof. During this stage of the process, a qualified roof inspector will pay particular attention to:
- Roofing materials: The roof inspector will make a note if any shingles are missing, and he or she will check the shingles that are in place for signs of cracking splitting or curling. They will also look for moss or algae buildup as these are indications of water damage.
- Frame and decking: Your roof’s wooden frame and decking are especially susceptible to water damage, so they are checked carefully during an inspection for rot or spongy areas. Catching this kind of problem early can prevent expensive repair bills.
- Points of penetration: Roof penetrations for things like chimneys, skylights or ventilation pipes are surrounded by thin metal flashing. This flashing is checked during a roof inspection to make sure that it is not damaged and causing leaks.
- Gutters: The final step of a residential roof inspection is checking gutters and downspouts for cracks, broken seams and blockages.
Roofing Professionals You Can Count On
Regular inspections can make your roof last longer and help you to avoid costly repair bills. If you live in the Fargo-Moorhead area and think it may be time to have your roof inspected, the certified professionals at Fargo Roofing & Siding are ready to help and have over 100 years of roofing experience.
