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Having a sturdy and secure roof over your head is vital to ensuring the safety and comfort of your home. It’s also the single best way to prevent costly home repairs! With that said, when was the last time you had a professional roof inspection? Or even looked at your roof? If you’re like most homeowners, it’s probably been a while! After all, it’s out of sight and out of mind! But as mentioned before, a properly functioning roof is critical to the comfort and safety of your home, especially here in Oklahoma City. High winds, heavy rain, and hailstorms are events we see every year, and they can take a massive toll on your roof. Damage often starts out small - like a single missing shingle or a crack from a hailstone. Once water enters your roof system, the damage can get really big, really fast. Even a small roof leak can cause thousands of dollars in water damage. Getting a yearly roof inspection is the best way to identify any issues before they become major problems. But what should you expect when getting a roof inspection? If you’re a brand new homeowner or if you’ve never had a roof inspection before, it’s ok if you have a ton of questions like how long will take, what will be checked, and more. To help, we’ve outlined the entire roof inspection process from start to finish. Read on to get answers and learn how to find a local roofing company. What’s Included In A Roof Inspection? A roof inspection involves a thorough assessment of the roof's overall condition, identifying any visible signs of damage, leaks, or wear and tear. A professional roofing contractor will examine the roof's shingles, flashing, vents, and gutters to ensure they are in good condition and functioning correctly. During a roof inspection, the roofing contractor will look for the following signs of damage: - Missing, cracked, or curled shingles
- Damaged or loose flashing
- Clogged or damaged gutters
- Water damage or leaks in the attic or ceiling
- Mold or mildew growth
- Warping or sagging roof structure
- Signs of pests or animals living in the roof
Once the inspection is complete, the roofing contractor will provide a detailed report of their findings, along with recommendations for any necessary repairs or maintenance. It's essential to address any issues identified during the inspection promptly to avoid further damage or costly repairs in the future. How Long Does A Roof Inspection Take? For the average-sized home, a roof inspection can take between 30 minutes to an hour. The bulk of that time is spent checking the shingles for damage, signs of wear, and any potential leaks around vents. When searching for a local roofer, ask if they provide free photo-documented reports with their roof inspections. Since you will not be on the roof alongside the technician while the inspection is being completed, having photos and video of damage can help verify what they are telling you is true. Not all roofing companies provide this report for free, so make sure you ask before you schedule your roof inspection! Keep in mind homeowners without proper training or experience should NEVER complete their own roof inspection. Falling off a roof is a major concern and leads to serious injury or death. What Happens After A Roof Inspection? If the inspection finds your roof is in good condition, then great! Keep the inspection report for your records. Some insurance companies require proof of preventative maintenance, and your roof inspection report can be used to provide proof you are taking care of your home. If the inspection finds you have damage, you’ll usually have two options: repair or replace your roof. Which one you choose is often based on a variety of factors like how much life is left in your roof, the extent of the damage, the type of material, and more. For example, if your roof is nearing the end of its useful life, spending money on roof repairs will not make sense long-term. You may be better off replacing the roof altogether. Another situation homeowners run into is finding out their roof shingles have been discontinued. This is not uncommon and happens more than you might think! If you need roof repairs (like replacing a few missing shingles) and your roofing shingles are no longer being manufactured, then you might have to go with a different type of shingle. This can mean slight color differences and may be an issue for your HOA if you have one. If you find out you need a new roof, the good news is that roofing materials made today are stronger and provide better energy efficiency than what your existing roof has. Studies show that replacing your roof is one of the best home exterior projects in terms of return on investment so that is also something to feel good about! Key Takeaways When Getting A Roof Inspection Getting a yearly roof inspection is a critical part of maintaining your home's safety and structural integrity. By scheduling annual inspections, you can catch any potential issues early and keep your roof in good condition for years to come. Spring is usually the best time to schedule a roof inspection to prepare for heavy rains and storms that occur from March - July. Make sure to choose a local roofing company and ask for a photo-documented roof inspection report!
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