Roof inspections are one of the best ways to spot developing issues early. There are people out there, though, who are a bit skeptical about them. Their general idea is that if they get a roof inspection, the contractors are always going to tell them something is wrong. That’s going to lead to a repair, and that’s a cost they don’t want to have to deal with.
What’s better, though, to know something is wrong and fix it then, or to not know and have a small issue ruin your entire roof? One of the best things about a timely roof inspection is that it can minimize your repair costs. If you allow the problem to grow until you have water leaking into the house, the repair project is going to be lengthy and expensive. To give Annapolis, MD, locals more peace of mind about roof inspections, we thought we’d talk a little bit about what they can expect when they book one.
Visual Roof Inspection
The first thing that goes on in a roof inspection is a visual recognition of the area. That sounds fancy, but it’s really the roofers getting up there and actually looking at everything. Some companies today want to do this with drone footage, particularly in commercial buildings.
Nothing beats being up there, though, and not only looking at everything but touching the different elements. That way, even if shingles aren’t currently falling off the roof, roofers can get a sense that they’re about to. Another thing they look for, particularly in places like Annapolis, MD, where we get a lot of rain, is the presence of mold.
Infrared Technology
Some companies have incorporated different technological elements into their roof inspection method. We’ve mentioned some use drones, but arguably, infrared technology can be way more effective. This is one of the best ways to check for leaks and cracks in different parts of the roof.
Even the most experienced roofing professionals can miss some cracks here and there. With this type of technology, it’s even easier to spot developing issues. As mentioned, it’s always going to be preferable to catch a problem early on and provide light repair work.
Using Water to Test for Leaks
This is a very traditional tactic, but it’s still very effective, particularly in places like Annapolis, MD. First, if you’re soliciting an inspection just as a preventive measure, you’ll want to do so in late February. Statistically, that’s the month when we get the least amount of rain or snow. That means that roofs tend to be dry during this time. Traditionally, one of the best ways to check for leaks was to actually pour water on the roof.
There are other reasons why you may see professionals use water in roof inspections. They want to see if water flows naturally through the roof into the gutters. If that’s not the case, then it’s likely that there’s some type of obstruction in the gutters. Sometimes, clogged gutters are clear for anyone to see.
Experienced roofing professionals will spot them right away when they get up on a roof. When they remove all the debris from the gutters, they may still want to see if water flows naturally as it should through the roof and down the drain. Another reason why they may want to use water is to see if puddles form in certain areas. That could also be a sign of a roofing problem.
Presenting the Findings to the Homeowner
Without a doubt, this is the hardest part for the roofing company and the homeowner. That’s especially the case if the homeowner is just doing this as a preventive measure. When they know they have leaks, they’re actually expecting the bad news. Most roofing companies are now able to provide pictures that can serve as evidence of their findings. Sometimes, they even bring along rotting pieces of the roof itself to prove a point.
Once these findings are presented, homeowners are given a run-down of what the company feels the next steps should be. This is where budgets and homeowner’s insurance can come into play. Insurance companies can be tough negotiators when it comes to roofing. They’ll cover clear-cut accidents. Suppose a tree falls on the roof, and that causes part of it to break off. You’re definitely going to be covered for something like that. Yet, most of the issues that are deemed part of the natural wear and tear may be outside the coverage.
When Should Homeowners Start Thinking About a Roof Inspection?
If you’re really proactive, yearly inspections are a great idea. With roofs older than 20 years, that could even be bumped up to once every six months. In a place like Annapolis, you really want to make sure you can pick the perfect dates for a roof repair procedure. Of course, that’s impossible in emergency cases. Unfortunately, in those situations, the repairs sometimes have to take place in the middle of some pouring rain or snow. Since you want to avoid that, it really pays off to be proactive when it comes to roofing!
Do you have any questions about roofing in general, or you want to schedule your next roof inspection? Prime Roofing & Siding is your best option in the Annapolis area. Give us a call or contact us so that we can get roofing professionals moving your way right away!
