When you own a home, it's important to not just take care of problems as they come up, but also to be proactive. By taking the time to help maintain your home, you can help to save yourself time, money, and energy in the long run. In the case of your roof, the you should never wait until a problem occurs. Instead, get your roof inspected on a regular basis.
Know Your Roof
In order to take proper care of your roof, you need to know what material it is actually made of. Especially if the roof was already in place when you moved in, that might not be obvious knowledge. It may be comprised of asphalt shingles, composite shingles, wooden shingles, or even tiles. Once you know the materials used, you can determine the best plan for your roof.
In addition, it makes sense to take a periodic look at your roof. Don't expect to be the only authority on it. But if you notice that any shingles have shifted or are missing, a roof inspection should be the next item on your agenda. Also, when you are cleaning out your gutters, you might notice a lot of debris from your shingles. That debris, called granules, then is another sign that your roof can benefit from a professional inspection. Informal checks on a regular basis help you better understand when you need to consult professionals.
Timing Is Key for Roof Repairs
When something is wrong with your roof, a professional should take a look as soon as possible. For regular inspections, however, you can make sure you get the timing just right - before or after the harsher seasons. Floridians, for instance, are familiar with hurricane seasons. Storms can pose a significant threat to your roof, making it even more important to get a professional inspection regularly.
In that case, it makes sense to have your roof inspected before and after the hurricane season to detect any potential damage. On the flip side, if your roof receives an inspection before hurricanes can strike and you detect some damage, it can be repaired before anything worse can happen. Finally, the hot sun during summer, and its ultraviolet radiation followed by cool summer rains, can do damage to your roof. Plan your roof inspections around the hottest days to get the best possible evaluation.
How Often Do You Need to Inspect Your Roof?
Composite, asphalt, or wooden shingles should be inspected every three years. This time interval is a great way to make sure that your roof and the shingles are in good shape on a consistent basis. Of course, it makes sense to turn to a professional more frequently if you suspect damage, or simply want to assure yourself about the roof's health. But as a general rule of thumb, an inspection every three years will help to maintain the life of your roof. An asphalt shingle roof should last for 20 years, which is more than achievable with regular inspections and repairs as needed.
What About Tile Roofs?
Tile roofs need to be inspected every five years. Although they are a very durable material, it's important to have your roof checked to make sure that both the shingles themselves and the underlying material is still in good shape. Of course if you notice broken tiles, mold forming, or even discoloration, don't wait until 5 years are over, and instead call for an impromptu inspection.
If you don't get your roof inspected on a regular basis, you run the risk of allowing it to let water in. Especially when you live in an area that gets plenty of rain, the last thing you want to do is let your home be susceptible to water damage, which could end up very expensive. By being proactive and having your roof inspected on a regular basis you can prevent that water damage, while also keeping your roof in good shape for longer. To schedule an appointment for your next roof inspection, please contact us.
