Knowing how often to get a roof professionally inspected depends on various factors, including what building materials compose the roof and what kind of conditions it has been exposed to in the course of the year. Signs of damage may also require more immediate action. In fact, the National Roofing Contractors Association recommends a self-check at least twice a year in addition to professional inspections. Here are some guidelines to help determine how often to schedule a professional home roof inspection.

There is More to the Roof Than Shingles

While shingles and tiles are what most people think of when they picture a roof, there are actually many more components that could need repair and require regular inspection. The roof has a structure made up of trusses or rafters that give it support. On top of this is a sheathing material, often made of sheet metal or boards, which cover the rafters and complete the roof’s structure. On top of that is an underlayment, or the base layer, on which the shingles or tiles are laid. This layer may be the most difficult for a homeowner to inspect on their own, and it is the part that will degrade the most quickly, often needing repair much more often than the roof coverings themselves. The flashing and gutters can also wear over time and need to be in good shape to keep the roof in its best condition.

When Your Roof is Damaged

Recently we wrote about checking your roof for damage after a storm and a regular home roof inspection can prevent most damage to the home, but sometimes storms can severely harm the roof as well. This damage is often visible through leaks in the ceiling, usually noticed in the form of water stains. Other signs include tiles and shingles missing or damaged, or even granules of the shingles in the gutters and drainage system. Any kind of daylight showing in the attic or crawl space is another indication of damage and should be immediately addressed. Dry rot, as well as mold and mildew thanks to water seepage, can also pose a major threat to the integrity of the home. Keep an eye out for dark spots or streaks, or for sagging in the roof itself. If you notice any of these things, the roof needs to be professionally inspected immediately to prevent further damage to the home.

Roofing Materials Matter

The main determining factor in the frequency of scheduled roof repair is the roof covering itself. Different types of materials will weather and decay at different rates, which can affect the roof inspection cost. While composite or asphalt shingles are common, and are the most often used roof covering in the United States, shake or wooden shingles are also found and tile roofs are growing in popularity. General guidelines are that an asphalt or composite shingle roof needs professional inspection about every three years, as does a wooden shingle roof, while a tile roof can go up to five years between inspections. Even though these materials have a longer life span, the underlayment and other structural components are protected by the coverings but may still degrade at a faster rate.

A Regular Home Roof Inspection Benefits the Homeowner

If properly maintained, your roof can have a very long lifespan. A well-kept shingle roof can last twenty years without needing to be replaced, while the lifespan of a tile roof can be up to one hundred years. If inspected regularly by a qualified roofing professional, a roof is a good investment for the life of your home, both externally through the curb appear it boosts, and internally by protecting the interior of the house from damage. If your roof needs professional inspection, don’t hesitate to call us or contact us online today. Our team is ready to ensure your roof gets the care it needs. If you are in need of a home roof inspection give the friendly Littleton roofing pros at National Home Improvement a call at (303) 979-4444 or contact us!