[There are many reasons you should get your roof inspected, not just because there’s water pouring through your ceiling. Having your roof inspected should be a top priority for a conscientious homeowner, especially if you live in an area that suffers from snow or heavy storms. Your roof isn’t just what you see on the top layer and component of your roof should be inspected to avoid severe damage down the road.
What’s Underneath
There’s more to your roof than meets the eye. In fact there’s a whole lot more. Your roof is a set of trusses that make up it’s shape and frame. Metal or wooden sheets are laid on top of those trusses to seal it. Then a base layer is placed on top of that, which the shingles or tiles are then placed onto. These things will still need to be inspected and if you have access to your rafters then you may be able to do a spot inspection on your own, but it’s always a good idea to use professionals. The base layer however, is much harder for a homeowner to inspect themselves and will almost always require the eyes of a professional. The base layer tends to need replacing more often the the shingles or tiles, so it’s important to use routine inspections. Repairs can be made by a local roofing contractor as well as recurring maintenance.
What’s on Top
Even though you should be thinking about your roof as a whole and not just what’s covering it, some materials do last longer than others and therefore don’t require frequent inspections. The average home should have a roof inspection once or twice annually in normal circumstances, but it can vary depending on what coverage you’re using. Shingled roofs such as asphalt and wood will need to be periodically inspected and repaired every two to three years or so. Tile roofs will need an inspection around every five years. These inspections should be done by a professional. If repairs are needed you should call a roofing contractor. However, even though your roof may not need an inspection for half a decade, you should still keep an eye on your roof as often as possible in an effort to make sure nothing seems damaged. Sometimes a heavy storm can pull shingles from your roof or tiles can come loose. Most professional roofing contractors will come out and repair these damages, but only if you spot them first.
Why You Should Have Your Roof Inspected
Beyond the obvious answer that there’s a hole in it or water is leaking, having routine inspections can help make your roof last. If you don’t care for your roof then it will have a shorter lifespan which means it will eventually be a roof in need of replacement rather than a roof in need of repair. Shingled roofs can last up to 20 years without having to be replaced and a well maintained tile roof can last up to a century.
