Your roof is undoubtedly one of the most vital—and expensive—parts of your house.
It shields everything under it, from your loved ones to your personal belongings. However, most people only think about their roofs when they see a leak or notice shingles falling from the roof. At such times, the damage is already done.
Roof inspections may appear to be an unnecessary expenditure. But in reality, they can save you a lot of money in the long run. That’s especially true if you live in an area impacted by weather systems like the recent generational snowstorm. More than 200 million people across the United States were affected, and many likely had to clear tons of snow off their roofs.
Here are five reasons why regular roof inspections from a reputable company are worth it.
1. Identifying Small Problems Before They Become Expensive Repairs
One of the biggest financial advantages of regular roof inspections is early detection. Without inspections conducted by a qualified professional, it’ll be easy for problems to go unnoticed. Small issues like cracked shingles, loose flashings, small leaks, or worn-out sealants can be easily fixed if identified early. That’s one reason to prioritize route inspections.
If not identified early, small problems can cause significant damage to your roof. Water can leak into the roof structure, causing the wood to rot, insulation to be damaged, mold to grow, and more. What could have been a small repair can turn into a costly renovation project.
Regular roof inspections will save you money as a homeowner since fixing small problems is less costly than fixing big problems.
2. Increasing the Lifespan of Your Roof
Changing your roofing system won’t be a cheap project. It’ll likely cost at least five figures.
While assessing your roof ahead of a roof replacement project, the professional roofing company will check your roof’s general condition. Getting routine roof inspections means you’ll get an expert’s assessment. If there’s any damage due to natural aging, weather conditions, or wear and tear, you’ll get the details and learn what options are available to you.
3. Prevention of Interior Damage and Hidden Costs
In most cases, roof damage doesn’t only affect your roof. Once your roof is damaged, it can also damage your ceiling, walls, floors, and electrical system. You can potentially avoid such costly complications by conducting regular roof inspections.
While it’s good to get them done annually, once a year might not be enough. After a major weather system, it might be a good idea to call a roofer to conduct a roof inspection.
4. Warranty and Insurance Claims
Most roofs have a manufacturer’s warranty that requires homeowners to ensure regular roof inspections and maintenance. If you fail to live up to the terms of the warranty, the warranty can become null and void. And that’ll leave you paying out of pocket for any repairs.
In addition, roof damage claims are not always covered by insurance firms. If your roof is damaged, your insurance company might reject your claim if it finds that it has not been well maintained.
5. Improving Energy Efficiency and Reducing Utility Bills
A well-maintained roof is essential for energy efficiency. Poor ventilation and damaged roofing materials can cause heat loss during the winter and excessive heat gain during the summer.
During routine roof inspections, professionals can identify problems that affect energy efficiency and make necessary improvements. Going this route will help you attain consistent temperatures inside your home and save money on heating and cooling bills.
The long-term benefits of lower energy bills can help offset the cost of routine roof inspections.
How Often Should Roof Inspections Be Done?
Most experts suggest that homeowners get their roofs inspected at least once a year. But, as was mentioned previously, it’s also a good idea to book service calls after major weather occurrences like heavy storms, high winds, or hail.
Roof inspections are a good investment, even for new roofs, since early detection of problems can be nipped in the bud right away and safeguard against costly issues.
While roof inspections may not seem like the most critical issue, the benefits far outweigh the costs. They can save money in the long run, especially since early detection can extend the lifespan of the roof and maximize your investment.