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Roof Inspections 101

We get it. Roof maintenance and upkeep might not be at the top of your to-do list. But did you know that a routine roof inspection could mean the difference between needing a few repairs and needing a costly roof replacement? Roof inspections are essential to ensuring your roof and its systems are performing safely and effectively and that there aren’t any issues that could damage your home. Issues like roof leaks tend to have a domino effect, and ignoring minor problems with your roof could lead to much bigger ones. But what all goes on during a roof inspection? Let’s go over the basics.

How Often Do I Need a Roof Inspection?

First, let’s discuss the most important question you might have. How often do I need an inspection? The answer isn’t as concrete as you might think, and it can depend on the age and condition of your roof, as well as weather conditions in your area. When a brand new roof is installed, it won’t need an inspection for years. After three or four years, we recommend an inspection once every two years. And as your roof ages, a yearly inspection is your best bet. Of course, if a yearly inspection earlier in the life of your roof will give you peace of mind, go for it. However, there might not be any issues for the first several years.

Another factor to consider is the weather in your area. In the Triangle, we see some heavy wind and rain during hurricane season though they typically don’t result in significant damages. Our friends near the coast might have a completely different experience. If your roof regularly endures harsh weather conditions, an annual inspection is a good idea.

What Happens During a Roof Inspection?

When your home or building is ready for a roof inspection, contact your roofing team to schedule a time. We’ll send a team member out to your address to check for things like:

  • Overall condition of shingles
  • Overall condition of flashing
  • Overall condition of walls
  • Overall condition of pipes
  • Exposed nails
  • Holes
  • Rust
  • Stains
  • Organic growth issues/ moss
  • Other damage

Sure, you would probably notice missing shingles from your roof, but it takes a trained eye to identify the less obvious issues. Once we’ve checked for visible damages, we’ll move on to inspecting for structural issues. This includes examining uneven roof planes, signs of sagging, and the condition of the soffit, fascia, and gutter system. At this time, we’ll also inspect your chimney for structural damage, cracks, crumbling mortar or grout, and damage to the chimney caps.

Want to know the best way to avoid these damages? With a regular roof inspection and maintenance. Determining how often you need one can be tricky, and our team is here to give our best advice. Contact the Bond team to schedule your roof inspection today, or chat with a team member about any of your roofing needs.