The Importance of Roof Inspections and Maintenance

You likely don’t think about your roof all that often. That is, of course, unless you recently had to have it repaired, replaced, or inspected. Roofs do important work day in and out, but without regular attention, they could be hiding a potential issue. Whether you are a homeowner, property owner, or if you’re looking to buy or sell a home, roof inspection and maintenance can help you to get ahead of potential problems and ensure that your roof is always in good shape, ready to protect and preserve your home.

At Keystone Home Inspection, we are licensed home inspectors in Cleveland, Ohio and we are proud to offer thorough home inspection services to individuals involved in real estate transactions. As part of our work, we’ve done many a roof inspection and here we offer our hard-earned knowledge about the importance of roof inspections and maintenance. If you’re selling or buying a home and need an inspection, please contact us!

Why Regular Roof Inspections Are A Must

No one really thinks too much about their roof, until they have to, whether because of obvious damage, water intrusion, or another similar reason. But it pays to think about your roof regularly. Just like a routine physical exam, a regularly scheduled roof inspection is key to ensuring that everything is as it should be. You don’t really want to find anything wrong, but if you do, it’s easier to fix a small issue before it gets out of hand.

So what are some of the things that roof inspections uncover? There’s quite a list. 

Roof damage is sometimes obvious, but it isn’t always. A thorough roof inspection will allocate dedicated time and attention to ensure that every facet of a roof is in good shape and working as it should. Whether the damage in question is from a recent storm or just the effects of time, a roof inspection can uncover damage that can lead to moisture issues and compromised structural integrity. Once a damaged area is located, it can be repaired. Damage left for too long could merit an entire replacement, which is a far more expensive project–all the more reason to keep up a regular inspection schedule.

Beyond aesthetics or moisture issues, remember that the roof of your home protects everything inside–that includes your beloved family and pets. Potential hazards and accidents waiting to happen can be spotted and dealt with when you opt for regular roof inspection. Another practical consideration centers around weather events–best to have an inspection done as a matter of course following a weather event should you end up needing to file an insurance claim. It is far more difficult to track down evidence months later, when you finally notice the effects of the storm-related damage.

More than anything else, and like all preventive measures, regular roof inspections give homeowners peace of mind. You can still be vigilant going forward, but just knowing that an expert has had their eyes on your home’s roof can help you to cross one thing off of your worry list. It may also be necessary to protect any warranties on your roofing materials. Roof inspections can also make it easier to plan–an inspector can alert you to even very minor issues and give you an idea of next steps, along with a ballpark timeline of when you should act.

What some may see as a fringe benefit, but can be truly impactful depending on your situation, is that a properly installed and functioning roof can help your home to be more energy efficient. Energy prices aren’t getting any more affordable, so any small step in this direction is worth taking.

All that said, the bottom line of why regular roof inspections are important is that they can serve to extend the lifespan of your roof. That protects your home’s value, improves curb appeal, and is vital if you ever choose to sell. Those are benefits that every homeowner should be able to get behind.

The Roof Inspection Process

The length of time to set aside for a roof inspection will vary based on the size of your home and the complexity of your roof. It is typically easily done within several hours. While a homeowner may want to accompany the inspector throughout a general home inspection process, this really isn’t necessary when it comes to the roof itself. Though it is a good idea to be at home so that you can discuss the results with the inspector while their findings are fresh in their mind. They may document their inspection using videos, photos and notes, which will be valuable for future reference.

When a roof inspector is doing the inspection, they are looking to assess the overall condition of the roof while also pinpointing any current or potential problems. When our Cleveland home inspectors work with folks buying or selling a home, we look at the following features when we handle the roof portion of the inspection:

• shingles
• flashings
• chimneys
• vents
• trim and gutters
• drip edges
• skylights
• downspouts
• other visible roof related items

A dedicated roof inspection should take into account both the exterior and interior parts of your roof, since both areas can show signs of damage or wear. While outside, inspectors are looking for visible signs of damage, inside they may look for visible signs of water getting through. They can also check to ensure that ventilation and insulation are adequate. Finally, they can verify that your roof’s structural integrity is what it should be.

Some common roofing issues include:

Exterior 

• Damaged or missing shingles
• Gutter and downspout issues
• Flashing failures
• Tree or storm damage
• Standing water
• Ice dams
• Blistering
• Punctures
• Granule loss
• Moss and algae growth

Interior

• Roof leaks
• Poor ventilation
• Water damage

Roof inspectors may also make note of a general lack of maintenance, faulty repairs, or poor initial installation. All of these may be related to other concurrent issues.

How Often Should You Schedule a Roof Inspection?

Once a year is a good general timeline for planning a roof inspection. However, twice a year–often spring and fall–can help you to quickly act on needed repairs before the harsh weather of summer or winter settles in. It can also clue you in to any damage sustained during the previous season. If your roof is older, has a history of damage, and depending on your local climate and other factors, it may be best to increase the frequency of roof inspections. As a general rule, a professional roof inspection after a severe weather event is a must to ensure that the roof did not sustain damage. If the inspector does find evidence of damage, your quick response can help to streamline insurance claims.

Two more mandatory times to schedule a roof inspection are surrounding real estate transactions, and if you are seeing evidence of leaks. Ideally you want to be able to make needed repairs as a seller or be aware of what you are getting into as a buyer. And if you see leaks in your attic, do not take a chance–ensure your safety and peace of mind and schedule an inspection right away.

The Risks of Not Inspecting Your Roof

We’ve touched on these a bit, but it’s worth mentioning again. Lack of maintenance and regular inspections could void manufacturer warranties on your roofing material or a workmanship warranty from the installers. If you put off inspection after a weather event, your insurer may deny a claim once you do start to notice damage. They may also deny a claim if it is obvious that your roof hasn’t received regular care and maintenance, something regular inspections can help to prevent.

Then there is the very real risk of not noticing damage until it becomes a serious structural problem that needs to be addressed immediately–many families need time to plan for such expenses. Mold growth from excess moisture could lead to health issues and the need for expensive mold remediation, on top of roof repair or replacement. A compromised roof can also invite pests and rodents into your home, and you may find that you have an infestation in your attic. All of these preventable, secondary issues are expensive to fix. The way to prevent all of these worst-case scenarios is to schedule regular roof inspections and then act on the inspector’s findings.

Roof Maintenance Tips

Apart from roof inspections, there are some simple maintenance tasks that homeowners can do on their own, between visits. These can include:

• Keeping gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris
• Removing overhanging tree limbs or vegetation
• Ensuring proper attic ventilation
• Checking for rain penetration during a storm
• Removing moss and algae
• Gently cleaning the surface of the roof
• Removing debris 
• Checking for general signs of damage inside and outside

Your Local Home Inspector in Cleveland, Ohio

Your home’s roof does hard work, every day of the year. Show it some appreciation and take time to schedule regular roof inspections. You’ll be aware of repair and cleaning opportunities and can take action before problems develop.

If you’re planning to buy or sell a home and you need a reliable home inspector in Cleveland, Ohio, Keystone Home Inspection is here to help. A home inspection ensures that sellers and buyers are on equal footing and is vital to a smooth real estate transaction. We offer convenient online scheduling in Cuyahoga, Geauga, and Lake counties and are ready to help you learn everything you need to know about your home. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services, to see what our customers are saying, and to plan an inspection of your own.