How Often Should You Have Your Roof Inspected
Most homeowners only think about their roof when something goes wrong. By that point the small problem that could have been a quick fix has often turned into a major repair. A regular inspection schedule is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to extend the life of your roof and avoid expensive surprises.
Here is how often you should have your roof inspected and what an inspection actually covers.
The General Rule: Once a Year
For most homes, a professional roof inspection once a year is a smart baseline. Yearly inspections catch the small issues that develop slowly. Cracked pipe boots, lifted shingles, failing flashing, blocked gutters, and early signs of rot all show up clearly to a trained eye long before they cause leaks inside.
Spring or fall is usually the best time. Spring lets you assess any winter damage and prepare for storm season. Fall lets you address summer damage and prepare for winter weather.
After Every Major Storm
Any time a significant storm passes through your area, you should have your roof inspected. That includes hail, high winds, tornado warnings, or major thunderstorms. Storm damage is not always visible from the ground, and most insurance policies have a one year time limit for filing claims from the date of the storm.
A free inspection takes about an hour and could save you thousands.
Before You Buy or Sell a Home
If you are buying a home, get a roof inspection beyond what the general home inspector does. A roofing specialist can identify issues that a generalist may miss and can tell you the realistic remaining life of the roof. This affects negotiations and what you are willing to pay.
If you are selling, knowing the condition of your roof in advance lets you address issues proactively or price the home appropriately. Surprise roof problems during the buyer's inspection often kill or delay deals.
If Your Roof Is Older
Roofs over 15 years old should be inspected every six months. Older roofs fail in more places and more quickly than newer ones. The closer you get to the end of the roof's life, the more often something can go wrong.
What an Inspection Covers
A thorough roof inspection looks at several things.
Shingle condition. Are shingles cracked, curling, missing, or losing granules.
Flashing. Around chimneys, walls, vents, and any place the roof meets another surface.
Pipe boots and vents. Are the rubber seals cracked or pulling away.
Valleys and ridges. The high stress areas where water flow is concentrated.
Gutters and downspouts. Are they secure, draining properly, and showing signs of granule loss.
Fascia and soffit. Any signs of rot, peeling paint, or animal damage.
Attic. Daylight through the deck, water stains, signs of mold, ventilation issues.
Penetrations. Skylights, satellite dishes, and anything else mounted on the roof.
What to Expect From the Report
A good inspection ends with a written or verbal report describing what was found, photos of any concerns, and a recommendation. Sometimes the report says everything looks great. Sometimes it identifies a few small repairs. Occasionally it identifies issues serious enough to recommend replacement.
A reputable roofer is honest about what is needed. If there is no real problem, you should be told that. We turn down work all the time when an inspection shows the roof is fine.
Why Inspections Are Worth Your Time
Inspections are usually free, take about an hour, and can prevent thousands of dollars in damage. They also create a record of your roof's condition that is useful for insurance claims, real estate transactions, and warranty purposes.
Most homeowners regret skipping inspections, not getting them.
Schedule Your Free Inspection
Roofing Georgia offers free roof inspections across North Georgia and the Atlanta metro. We come out, do a thorough job, and give you the truth about your roof.
Call Roofing Georgia at 770-874-7663 or visit roofinggeorgia.com to schedule yours today.