Here at Avery Roof Services, we are big proponents of an annual roof inspection. This is because we know firsthand the damage that can be done to your home and possessions if a leaky roof or damaged tiles are left unchecked.
Like most home maintenance issues, it is much easier to fix a small problem when it is discovered, rather than to have to mitigate the results of a catastrophic situation.
We recommend an annual roof inspection to most homeowners.
However, there are four important factors to consider which may require more frequent inspections of your roof integrity and structure.
You May Need to Conduct a Roof Inspection if…
- You Live in a Region with Extreme Weather:
Heavy rains, high winds, and punishing UV rays can all contribute to the premature deterioration of your roofing material. While a well-constructed roof will last for many decades, individual sections may need occasional repair. Tiles can crack in the sun, shingles may lose granular integrity in heavy rains, and wind can completely remove sections of material. In the Sarasota area, homeowners should inspect their roof for defects annually, as well as do a visual inspection for damage after every major storm. - You Have Overhanging Trees: Tree branches scratching your roof may not seem like they could do too much damage, but after a period of time, they can damage areas of roof. Falling leaves can also clog gutters and cause areas of mold to grow on your roof. Of course, during a storm, large portions of the tree may even fall on the roof – making a roof inspection a necessity. Homeowners who live in South Florida often choose to remove all overhanging branches, which can be especially problematic during tropical storms and hurricane events.
- Your Roof Has Had Past Damage: If you have employed a professional roofing contractor to repair your roof in the past, you can likely feel confident that your roof is sound. However, if you have hired a handyman to help patch your roof – or have done a DIY project, you may want to revisit that spot often.
Keep in Mind: When a professional roofing contractor is hired to repair your roof, they will often provide warranties both for their work, and for the materials. If the problem resurfaces, you have a guarantee in place to protect you.
- Your Roof is Near the End of Its Life: There is no reason to replace an old roof if it is still structurally intact and doing its job. However, you may want to keep a closer eye on a roof which is nearing the end of its lifecycle. These roofs should be inspected more often to determine if any areas are deteriorated, eroding, or sagging due to age and use. Keep in mind that although today’s asphalt shingle roofs may last 30 years, those installed 10 or 15 years ago may be showing signs of age.
If you are unsure of when the roof was installed, or how much functional life remains on the roof – call for an initial inspection to set a baseline for future maintenance.
It is easy to forget about the roof over our head until something happens to damage it. Annual inspections – and more frequent inspections if warranted – are the best way to make sure that you are not faced with a major, unexpected roofing expense. It is far easier to replace a section of tile, than to repair framing, insulation, and drywall damaged by a roof leak.
Call the professionals at Avery Roofing Services to schedule your first inspection. We can also discuss a plan for maintaining a strong roof which protects your family and possessions for many decades to come.
Your Local, Trusted, Sarasota Roofer
