August 31, 2022

Routine Roof Inspections Are Important

Hand holding magnifying glass over miniature house

Roofing problems are sometimes obvious, but they often go unnoticed for years. By the time a homeowner realizes there’s an issue, the situation is so serious that the roof usually requires significant repairs or replacement.


Routine roof inspections prevent this from happening.


Have your roof inspected annually, plus after any major storm or any time you suspect there may be a problem.


Regular Inspections Detect Problems Before They’re Impossible to Repair

Often, a roof leak occurs because a minor problem has occurred. Roof issues can be hard to spot from the ground. Even if you climb on the roof and look around, you may miss signs of a problem if you’re not a roof inspector. A roofing professional can quickly spot issues and recommend repairs so damages don’t worsen.


Storm-Related Damage

Storm damage can be obvious. For example, strong winds may blow large tree branches onto the roof or tear off shingles. In many cases, though, issues aren’t clearly visible immediately. A roofing contractor can detect a minor problem before water damages roofing components, attic beams and insulation.


Routine Inspections Help with Insurance Claims

Homeowners insurance covers roof repairs and replacement if damage is caused by a covered issue. Insurance won’t cover roof damage if the damage is due, at least in part, to a lack of maintenance.


If you file a claim for roof repair or replacement after a storm and you can product documents showing you regularly had the roof inspected and maintained, your claim is more likely to get approved. By neglecting maintenance, if your roof gets damaged in a storm and you file a homeowners insurance claim, the company may refuse to pay for repairs or replacement entirely.


Help Prepare for Significant Costs

A large bill for roof repair or replacement can be difficult to budget for, but it can be even more unpleasant if you don’t expect it. Knowing that your roof will need to be replaced in the next few years can give you an opportunity to save money or look into financing, as well as provide time to compare quotes from several roofing contractors. That’s much better than experiencing a major roof leak, rushing to find the first available contractor in a potentially busy roofing season, and paying a large bill you weren’t expecting.


Even a New Roof Needs Inspection

Even if your roof is only a few years old, it can still become damaged. A storm can knock a large tree limb onto the roof or loosen shingles. Those types of issues will require repairs to prevent more serious problems.

A roofing contractor may catch an issue while it’s still covered by warranty. Then you have the opportunity to get a problem fixed and prevent more serious problems down the road.


The Takeaway

Schedule your roof inspection now, before inclement weather has the chance to damage your roof. In our NY Metro region, hurricane season runs from June 1st through the end of November, so the time to act is now.

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