Why The Spring Is The Best Time To Get A Roof Inspection
A yearly roof inspection is vital! For homeowners, springtime is always a welcome sight thanks to warmer weather and longer days. However, as winter is ushered out the door, it can leave behind a slew of issues starting with your rooftop. But this isn’t all bad news—spring is the perfect time to check for roof damage so you can schedule repairs and be ready for the coming year.
Springtime’s warmer weather and increased daylight helps your roof dry out so inspections can be completed safely and thoroughly. When the spring birds start chirping, it’s time to get your roof inspected.
Preventative Maintenance Is Key – How A Roof Inspection Can Help You
Not only is spring the perfect season to check for any damage on your rooftop, but it’s the best time to prevent issues from becoming worse or even appearing in the first place. Preventative maintenance is key for a long-lasting, healthy, and sturdy rooftop that can protect your home year round. As a bonus, preventative maintenance will help protect your wallet against severe and costly repairs. In the meantime, here are five maintenance routines that are done during inspection to ensure your roof in tip-top shape.
Five Things To Check During A Roof Inspection
Check the Shingles
One of the first things we’ll do as part of our maintenance routine is to check your shingles for damage. What we’re looking out for are shingles that are broken, cracked, loose, or starting to curl. If we find any that meet these criteria, then we’ll move on to replacement.
During this time, we’ll also look out for nails that are either missing, loose, or sticking up so we can fasten them down before any shingles are torn from your roof in severe weather. Proper shingle maintenance is key for rot prevention in your attic or roof underside.
Look for Water Damage
For areas that see as much rain as South Carolina does, it’s more important than ever to look for water damage. Water can seep through cracks and build-up can cause soft spots in your roof that leave them prone to even more damage, such as mold or rot.
In severe cases, water damage can lead to a rooftop collapse, so it’s best to seek professional help if you see any signs of water leakage or suspect water damage. Professional roofing contractors can take care of any repairs necessary so you won’t have to worry about your roof collapsing unexpectedly.
Inspect Flashing and Chimneys
Skylights and chimneys are always a wonderful addition to any home thanks to the character and refinement they bring. But, like rooftops, they too need to be checked because leaks commonly occur around these areas. During inspection, we’ll check for loose or cracked bricks and decaying flashing around your chimney.
For those that don’t know, flashing is the section of metal that’s applied between the roof and chimney at the seams. In these regions, water can penetrate the seams over time and lead to deterioration through mildew and mold buildup. If your flashing wasn’t installed correctly, then these issues can be detrimental to your roof’s integrity.
Check for Potential Threats from Trees and Debris
Coastal storms, combined with nearby trees and loose debris, can be a recipe for disaster. Fallen branches can puncture holes and scrape your shingles, leaving them vulnerable to leaks. Debris, including leaves, dirt, and more, can clog up your gutters and cause buildup that can lead to algae or mold growth.
In addition, water backflow can easily cause roof deterioration where damages would cost thousands of dollars to repair. As such, it’s important to clear debris from your rooftop as often as necessary and trim any branches that could wreak havoc on your rooftop.
Overhanging tree branches can not only fall on your roof, they can rub and scrap against the shingles during windy days. This can tear or lift shingles.
Document Damage for Insurance
In the eyes of insurance companies, your rooftop is one of the most important parts of your home. If your rooftop is damaged, then it’s likely that it’ll lead to other insurance claims throughout your residence. With professional inspections, it’ll be much easier to make claims with your insurance company if any damages occur down the line.
During our inspections, we’ll take detailed photos and written documentation to help protect you in the event of detrimental storms. From there, you’ll have proof for your insurance company that new damages weren’t pre-existing conditions so you can obtain any repairs that you might need.
Most insurances companies will require proof there has been damage and if left untreated may deny your claim.
A Roof Inspection Can Save You Time And Money!
If you suspect any damage on your roof or just want to be prepared for the coming year, scheduling a roof inspection is the best place to start. Here at Lowcountry Roof Repairs, we’ll kickstart your springtime cleaning and maintenance on a high note! Not only will we make sure your roof is sturdy for the coming years, but we’ll help you understand what to look out for so your rooftop remains resilient against potential threats. If you have any questions or want to schedule an inspection, contact us today!
