How Often Should I Have My Roof Inspected?

Protect your biggest investment

If you want to be sure that your home lasts for a long time, the best place to start is at your roof. A healthy roof makes for a healthy house, so it is always in your best interest to make sure that your roof is in the best shape possible.

 

The best way to make sure that your roof is doing its job properly is to have it regularly inspected and serviced. So just how often should you have your roof inspected? Unfortunately, it’s going to depend on a few different factors, all of which should be taken into account as you plan for the future.

 

Let’s take a look at some of these factors, and help you make an informed decision about roof inspections and maintenance.

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How old is your roof?

In a perfect world with all things being equal, a standard asphalt shingle roof will last about 20 years on average.  During those 20 years, you should have your roof professionally inspected at least once a year. Other roofing materials such as clay tiles, tin, and durable composites can last for much longer, in some cases up to a century, but they will still need to be inspected regularly for damage. 

 

However, as your roof ages, more frequent inspections might become necessary, perhaps in the spring and fall seasons to be sure that it is not quickly deteriorating. If you are approaching the end of your roof’s natural lifespan, it wouldn’t hurt to be extra vigilant as you prepare for the projects to come.

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Following inclement weather

Your roof takes a beating during storms. Hail, high winds, dust, and rain can all wreak havoc on your roof and cause damage that can remain invisible to the untrained eye. High winds will rip shingles off your roof and hail will pulverize your flashing around chimneys and vents, creating a situation where the structural integrity of your roof can very easily be compromised. 

 

Strong sun and UV rays are especially hard on shingles.  Over time they will deteriorate in the sun and become brittle and prone to breaking. Likewise, clogged gutters and detritus trapped on your roof can allow moisture to penetrate your shingles, causing horrific water damage over time.

 

If you’ve recently experienced extreme weather conditions, it is strongly recommended that you have your roof inspected as soon as you possibly can.

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Mold or pest infestation

Your roof can become a very welcoming place for mold infestation and uninvited guests such as termites, wasps, carpenter ants, bats, and rats. Mold in particular presents a challenge for homeowners as it can penetrate deep into the wood and drywall in your home and may remain invisible for years. Mold can be extremely hazardous to your health and should be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent further spread of spores. Regular roof inspections, especially following a treated mold infestation, should be performed in and around your roof to make sure that wherever the mold got in is properly repaired, and that no further moisture is able to penetrate.

 

Vermin such as roof rats have become an increasingly common headache for many homeowners in recent years. Roof inspections can not only reveal unwanted visitors but also reveal the places where they were able to gain access to your home.

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Regularity is key

Regular roof inspections following any type of pest infestation are vital in making sure it never happens again.

 

If a roof inspection has revealed some type of damage or area of concern, you’re going to need a team of experienced professionals to deal with the problem. Using only the best materials and practices, Hester Roofing & Gutters is here for you to address any damage that the inspector might find. Get in touch with us as soon as the inspector uncovers damage and we will be there for you to fix the problem in a timely manner and the highest caliber of workmanship.

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