Your roof plays a huge role in protecting your home against all elements. However, an extreme act of nature like a storm can damage your roof regardless of its age or sturdiness. This in turn, increases your expenses in terms of roof repairs and also reduces the lifespan of your roof. To prevent this, a roof inspection is the first step to mitigating the adverse effects of a storm on your roof.
However, note that you can’t always spot roof damage after a storm, and just because you can’t see any signs of damage on your roof, doesn’t mean it is in good condition. With this in mind, you need to contact professional roofing experts for an inspection, as they have the knowledge and experience to safely get onto your roof and conduct a thorough inspection. If you are wondering how long you have to wait before you can call a roofing expert for an inspection, this article is for you. Read on to find out how soon you can schedule a roof inspection, why it is important, and what you should expect during the process.
When Is the Right Time to Schedule a Roof Inspection?
It is recommended to conduct a roof inspection at least once a year as part of your roof maintenance and care program. However, you should also get an inspection after the occurrence of extreme weather, such as a storm, due to the risk of damage it has on your roof. If you are wondering how soon you should call a roofing professional for an inspection after a storm, the best answer is soon after a serious storm passes your area.
It’s often recommended you don’t wait weeks before you scheduling a roof inspection, because the earlier you do it, the better your chances of restoring and protecting your roof’s integrity and efficiency. Even if you can’t see any visible destruction, you still need to call in a professional as some damages may not be visible to the untrained eye.
Another way to know when to get a roof inspection is by observing your neighbors. If you notice that your neighbors are getting their roofs checked after a storm, you should also contact your roofing expert for an inspection. This is because most neighborhoods are usually developed around the same time, which makes the age of your roof a factor when deciding whether to conduct a roof inspection. The older the roof, the more vulnerable it is to damage during extreme weather.
Other signs you should look out for that may indicate your roof may have damage include loose or blocked gutters, cracked or missing shingles, and huge deposits of shingle granules in your drainage. Also watch out for roof leaks or moisture in your attic, warped or wet rafters, damaged flashing, and fallen trees on your roof.
Note that although you may not have an emergency when your home is flooded or your roof collapses after a storm, you should call your roofing contractor immediately after the elements subside. This way, you can assess the extent of damage and take the necessary action to enhance the integrity of your roof.
Why Your Home's Roof Should Be Inspected Immediately after a Storm
Whether there’s visible damage to your roof after a storm or not, it is imperative to get a professional roof inspection. This also applies if you’ve had performed an inspection prior to the storm, recently installed a new roof, or made repairs. Below are some of the reasons a roof inspection after a storm is necessary, regardless of the condition or age of your roof.
1. Identify Roof Damage
The strong winds, heavy rainfall, and even hail or snow from a storm can take a toll on your roof and cause damage. Getting a professional roof inspection after a storm helps you identify damages before they can escalate and become more costly. While identifying roof damage, you will also get an estimate for any repairs that you need, allowing you to plan adequately for them.
2. Perform Necessary Repairs
Without a professional inspection, you won’t know what repairs your roof needs after a storm, and you may end up living in a home with a deteriorating roof. Getting an inspection immediately after a storm allows you to carry out necessary repairs or damages that occurred before and during a storm. This will help save you money on future repairs and also increase the lifespan of your roof.
3. Evidence for Insurance Claims
If you are going to file for insurance claims, you need to provide proof of inspection so that you can be compensated. With this in mind, you should get a professional roof inspection whether or not your roof has been damaged during a storm to use the report as evidence. As a rule of thumb, keep all inspection records and consult with your insurance so you can get the best out of it. Your roofing expert can help you file your insurance claims for inspection or repairs, which makes the process easy for you.
Since most warranties provide for workmanship and roofing materials, only go for licensed and professional roofing contractors to keep your warranty intact.
What We Do During a Roof Inspection after a Storm
Knowing what to expect during a roof inspection, helps you determine if you are getting value. At First Quality Roofing, our roof inspections are conducted by highly qualified and well-trained professionals who investigate all aspects of your roof to give you an accurate evaluation. Our roof inspection services include the following:
Visual Inspection
The first thing we do when we come to your property, is to conduct a visual inspection of the roof from the ground. This helps us establish any visible damage and assess the severity of the damage. Here, we look for any visible signs of damage, such as shingles on the ground that may have been blown off and even debris on your roof.
Gutter System Inspection
We also conduct an inspection of your gutter system to ensure it isn’t broken, loose or blocked. We also look for fallen downspouts and shingle granules in your gutters. Large amounts of granules mean that your roof shingles are worn out and may need to be replaced. If the fascia boards that secure your gutters are loose, they will also require a replacement along with damaged gutters.
Rooftop Examination
During a rooftop examination, our team gets on top of your roof to have a closer look at the attic, shingles, flashing and siding for any damage. We also identify any structural problems that may be present. Note that climbing on the top of your roof for any reason is a dangerous affair, especially after a storm when the roof is wet and slippery. You should leave it to professionals, as they have the right gear and safety measures to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries during the process.
Roof Leaks
We also check signs of roof leaks by checking your home’s interior. We look at your ceiling for water stains and leaks. Bubbling, moisture damage or peeling of wall paint are also signs, and may indicate possible roof leaks.
After a detailed inspection, our team will then recommend appropriate action which includes providing estimates for any necessary repairs or replacements.
Your Las Vegas Roofing Professionals
At First Quality Roofing, we are committed to giving our customers only the best. In case you have experienced a storm, get in touch with us at 702-262-7847 for our roof inspection services to determine the condition of your roof, and ensure that it is in good shape.