Why get a roof inspection?
Sometimes it’s obvious that you should get a roof inspection done, but other times it’s less clear. In all cases, getting an inspection sooner is always better than later. Detecting damage or leaks early can prevent future problems and save costs on a larger fix.
Below are instances when you might consider booking a roofing company to complete an inspection.
There is known damage to the roof
If you know or strongly suspect there is damage to your roof, a professional inspection is an excellent idea. Not only will it help you understand the extent of known damage, it can also identify other issues that may be lurking.
Signs of roof damage include:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Leaks, pooling water, or moisture buildup
- Banging, rattling, or other frequent sounds
Regions with more extreme climate conditions will be more prone to sustaining damage. Lethbridge often experiences high winds that are known for tearing shingles from roofs. Cold regions face different concerns, such as ice damming.
Professional roofers use years of expertise to identify problems and propose solutions that are suited to each unique case.
New home purchase
Roof inspections are not part of typical home inspections and will need to be done separately. Inspecting the roof of a potential new purchase will give you a better picture of the building’s integrity.
Nobody wants to be surprised by issues down the road. Since roof inspections are often a free service, getting one done before a major purchase is a surefire way to protect your investment.
Proactive roof assessment
Regular inspections are an option if you want to keep consistent tabs on the state of your roof. In regions with frequent weather changes, such as Southern Alberta, a yearly inspection can help you keep a pulse on any damage that needs to be fixed.
If you have an older building that hasn’t been inspected in a while, it is an especially good idea to have a professional check it out. Aging is a major source of roof-related problems, and it’s always better to catch them earlier.
The roof inspection process
So, you’ve decided to go ahead with booking a roof inspection. What does that actually entail?
The process of getting a roof inspection will vary from roof to roof, depending on factors like roof size, roof materials, time of year, and specific roofing concerns. That said, you can expect a similar series of events each time you get an inspection done.
Contact a reputable roofing company
The best place to start is by reaching out to a professional roofing company that you trust to get the job done right. Doing your research and finding a reputable roofing business sets the stage for the rest of your experience. Don’t skip this part!
There are a number of signs you can look for that a roofing company is trustworthy:
- Positive company reviews show that customers have been satisfied with past work
- A high volume of reviews shows that the company has a lot of experience in the industry
- Larger teams are a sign that the company is properly equipped to address your roofing concerns
- The team doesn’t pressure you to make a decision. Instead, they educate you and provide informed recommendations for the next steps.
Share details about your roof
After you’ve gotten in touch with a quality roofing company, you can share why you’re looking for an inspection. Providing the roofing team with the context behind your request will help them do their job.
You might share details about:
- Why you are requesting an inspection
- The type of material on your roof
- The size of your roof
- Any concerns you have
Set up an appointment for the inspection
Once the roofing company has all of the information they need, they will work with you to schedule a time to send someone over to look at your roof. Inspections vary from roof to roof, but a solid inspection complete with photos should only take approximately 15 minutes.
What comes after the inspection?
Now that the inspection is done, the roofer will make recommendations based on what they found out. The type of recommendations they provide depends on the materials, size, and concerns of your roof.
Getting a professional opinion on your roof is so important. Professionals have years of experience that help them connect the dots on the larger picture of your roof’s health and maintenance.
