How Often Should I Inspect My Roof
Checking your roof regularly for damage and maintenance is a non-negotiable. But thanks to the many professionals out there, it doesn’t have to be a chore. By following the guidelines here, you can make sure your roof stays in good condition and keeps protecting you and your family for years to come.
How often should I check my roof?
A roof is one of the most important parts of a house. It protects you, your family, and your belongings from the elements. And yet, many homeowners forget that their roof requires regular maintenance and inspections to ensure it’s in good condition.
So, how often should you check your roof for damage and maintenance? Well, the answer isn’t as clear cut as one might think. It depends on several factors such as the age of your roof, the weather conditions in your area, and the type of roof you have. Check out a few of our guidelines you can follow:
Inspect your roof twice a year.
A good rule of thumb is to inspect your roof at least twice a year – in the spring (early September) and in autumn (early March). These are good times as they typically come before and after harsh weather conditions. It’ll give you enough time to identify any potential problems and fix them before they become more serious.
Keep an eye on the weather.
With the weather in mind, when you do experience severe conditions such as heavy rains, hail, windstorms, and the like, check your roof for damage right away. It’s also a good idea to do a quick inspection of your roof once a major storm has passed. This will help you identify any damage that may have occurred during the storm. And, if you’re one of the lucky ones who have solar panels installed, it’s a good idea to perform a visual check on those panels especially after hail.
Look for signs of damage.
Apart from the obvious severe weather conditions, you should still keep an eye out for signs of normal wear and tear damage. Signs of this can include any of the following:
- Missing or cracked shingles. Missing or cracked shingles can be a sign of aging, storm damage, or wear and tear.
- Curling or buckling shingles. This could be a sign that your shingles aren’t properly attached or that they’ve been damaged by heat or moisture.
- Leaks or water damage. This is a big one. Watch out for water stains on ceilings or walls, or mold and mildew growth. Any of these can indicate a leak in your roof.
- Sagging roof. A sagging roof can indicate structural damage, such as a weakened roof deck or supports.
- Visible holes or punctures. While this may seem obvious, any visible holes or punctures in your roof can allow water to seep into your home, causing water damage and mold growth.
- Debris and vegetation. Finally, keep an eye out for any debris or vegetation on your roof, as this can damage your roof over time. This is especially the case if there are tall trees with overhanging branches close to your roof.
Hire a professional.
Let’s face it, not many of us want to inspect our roof ourselves. It’s therefore a good idea to hire a professional roofing contractor to do the job. Here are some things to look for when looking for a reputable contractor:
- Experience and expertise. It stands to reason that the contractor should have experience in roofing repairs and replacements. Furthermore, they should also have expertise in the type of roofing material you’ve installed on your home.
- References and reviews. References from past clients are always a good port of call as is online reviews to get a sense of the contractor’s reputation.
- Written estimates and contracts. The contractor should provide a detailed estimate of the work to be done, including the cost and timeline. They should also provide a written contract that outlines the scope of work, materials to be used, warranties given, and payment terms.
Our Services
Finding the right specialist for the job will ensure your exterior walls are left looking brand-new and protected against any further damage. We are specialist waterproofing, roof repair, damp repair, crack repair and painting contractors based in Johannesburg and Pretoria. We provide obligation-free quotes, basic site inspections, and are expertly positioned to provide you with a solution for your individual needs.
Contact a representative from Universal Roofing here.
