When it comes to roofing inspections, not many homeowners put it on their priority list. We often take roofs for granted – that is until there’s a leak. But a little regular attention can go a long way.
Truth is, shingle roofs typically last from 15 to 25 years, but that lifespan can be cut short drastically if early damage signs are missed or ignored.
Roofs are the first line of defense, protecting your home from weather damage, and can take a significant beating with changing seasons. Sun, wind, rain, snow, lichen, trees, and everything in between will lead to your roof deteriorating over time.
Quality of materials and installation is an important factor as well. Regular inspections will ensure that the roof is taken care of properly and early damage is dealt with swiftly, allowing you to repair small problems now rather than having to replace a neglected roof entirely later.
As with most roofing contractors, we suggest having your roof inspected twice a year, in spring and fall.
Do I Need a Roof Inspection?
Roofing inspection is an integral part of preventative roofing maintenance. When you have your roof inspected, you will gain critical insight into the condition of your roof.
Specifically, a roof inspection will answer those and many more questions about the state of your roof:
- Is the roof installed properly?
- Has the roof been damaged by recent hail or wind storms?
- What is the true condition of the roof or its life expectancy?
- Is the roof leaking?
- What repairs, if any, are needed?
Roofing Inspection – What’s Involved
A thorough inspection will include an interior and exterior evaluation of the roof’s structure.
Here are 3 basic steps your roofing contractor will take:
Step #1 – Interior Inspection
First, your inspector will examine the interior of the house, including ceilings, walls, and attic areas for internal evidence of wind, water, or hail damage. Leaks inside your house are an obvious sign of damage and need attention immediately, especially those around skylights and chimneys.
Step #2 – Exterior: Roofing Inspection
Next, the contractor will walk the perimeter of your home, noting the location and state of chimneys, gutters, vents, and flashing points. At the same time, the home’s siding and eaves are checked for external water stains, hail dings, and indications of dry rot.
Next, the roofer will ascend the roof to examine its construction, flashing, vents, and chimney. He will check for common roofing problems such as missing, broken, cracked, or cupped shingles, and broken shakes or tiles. He will look closely for granules in the gutter and downspout—an indication that shingles may be approaching the end of their life (shingles stripped of coating granules are vulnerable to UV radiation, and will crack then break off, allowing water to penetrate the surface).
He will check for cupped shingles, an indication that the attic is not vented properly, and evaluate your attic ventilation, insulation, and moisture levels as needed. He will check for cracked, damaged, or missing flashings, damaged chimney bricks, open seams or wear from extreme sun exposure, and note any algae growth on the shingles (unsightly though not usually damaging black stains).
Step #3 – Exterior: Gutter Inspection
Lastly, the condition of your gutters will be examined. The inspector will look for problems such as improper installation, debris buildup, or warped material. He will check for missing sealant, holes, and leaks, paying special attention to hangers, aprons, pitch, and any signs of sagging.
Always Hire A Professional
While many homeowners are perfectly capable of checking their roof for damage–with binoculars, walking around the perimeter of the house–a professional inspector has the skills, tools, and knowledge necessary to spot obscure problems a layperson will miss, including any structural, sub-surface damage.
Not all roofing issues are obvious, and the absence of drafts or leaks doesn’t necessarily mean your roof is structurally sound. A professional will offer a thorough evaluation of the state of your roof/gutters, backed by experience, and provide that peace of mind so you’re not caught off guard when the damage is eventually discovered later.
If your roof is older, hasn’t been inspected for a while or you simply suspect damage, call All Roofing Solutions, your local roofing repair contractor. We’re a family-owned business with nearly 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing and can handle all types of roofing, siding, and gutter repairs if needed.
Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania to request your free estimate. Don’t forget to ask about our discount of 15% off any roofing repair job!
Why Choose All Roofing Solutions
Family-owned and operated Delaware & Pennsylvania roofing contractor.- Fully licensed and insured.
- Over 20 years of experience with roofing & siding installation and repair.
- A+ rated BBB member
- Complimentary Extended Material warranty
- 30-year workmanship guarantee on full roof replacements
- Lien Waiver to protect the homeowners from material liens
- Own crew—no subcontractors!
- Full-service roofer handling all types of residential and commercial roofing, windows & siding projects.
- Most re-roofing projects are completed in one day.
- Because we are efficient we are able to offer very competitive prices compared to large contractors with bigger overhead.
- Each roofing/siding project includes a meticulously performed, post-roofing inspection. We want to make sure that your roof replacement is done correctly and that it meets your complete satisfaction.
- The company owner supervises all projects to ensure high-quality workmanship.
- Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed!