When Should I Have My Roof Inspected?

If you’ve read any of our previous blog posts or browsed our website here at Pinnacle Roofing, you know how important roof inspections are! But the real question is, when should I have my roof inspected? We’re here to give you a timeline and some other information about the key parts of owning a roof.

What is a Roof Inspection?

A roof inspection is a detailed assessment of the condition of your roof performed by a professional roofer or inspector from Pinnacle Roofing. The primary purpose of these inspections is to identify any damage, wear, or potential issues that could jeopardize the integrity of the roof. During this process, we’ll typically check for the following:

1. Structural Integrity: We will always examine the roof’s overall structure to make sure it is sound and capable of supporting the roof covering and any additional loads, such as snow or ice.
2. Leaks and Water Damage: Our team will check for any signs of leaks, water stains, or moisture damage inside your attic or on the roof deck’s surface.
3. Flashing and Seals: It’s important to look at the flashing (a thin metal material that we use to direct water away from vulnerable areas) around chimneys, vents, skylights, and other roof penetrations to ensure they’re effectively sealed and not allowing any water to enter, which can cause problems.
4. Material Condition: We use this time to look at the condition of the roofing materials (such as shingles, tiles, or metal) for signs of wear, aging, or other damage.
5. Gutters and Downspouts: Another key part of the inspection is verifying that gutters and downspouts are clean, attached properly, and correctly directing water away from the roof and foundation.
6. Insulation: Attic insulation is an important aspect of roofing. We check to ensure that it remains in good condition since proper insulation is crucial for energy efficiency and preventing ice dams during the winter season.
7. Ventilation: Proper ventilation is required in a roof to prevent moisture buildup and prolong the life of the roofing materials. This is especially vital in our climate here in Memphis.
8. Signs of Wear and Tear: And finally, we scan for any other minor or serious signs of wear and tear, like missing or damaged shingles, granule loss on asphalt shingles, or rust developing on metal roofs. Each roofing material has its own vulnerabilities, and we have an understanding of all of them.

When to Get Your Inspection

First and foremost, inspections should always be done annually. However, there aren’t always set times to get your roof inspected. In fact, in many instances, an inspection is warranted after certain events or circumstances. 

1. After Severe Weather: Following major thunderstorms, hailstorms, or heavy snowfall, an inspection can be an easy way to identify damage caused by the elements. It’s generally not advised to try and determine these on your own.
2. Before Buying or Selling a Home: A roof inspection is a critical part of real estate transactions to assess the general condition of the roof and address any potential issues before the sale is finalized.
3. After Noticing Signs of Trouble: If you notice visible signs like water stains on ceilings, shingles missing, or mysteriously increased energy bills, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection to see what needs to be resolved.
4. Seasonal Changes: After winter, an inspection is smart to check for damage from snow, ice, and cold temperatures. Then before winter arrives, we can ensure the roof is in good condition, which can help prevent leaks and other issues.
5. After Long Periods of Vacancy: If the property has been vacant for an extended period, an inspection will identify any issues that may have developed while it was empty, such as weather-related damage or age-related deterioration.
6. Before Major Home Renovations: If you’re planning on performing significant home renovations, particularly those involving the roof or attic, an inspection can make sure that the roof is in proper condition and can handle any additional structural alterations.
7. After Tree Damage: We see some big storms in our area. If a tree has fallen on your roof or large branches have caused damage, an immediate inspection is required to assess and repair any surface or structural damage.
8. Before Installing Solar Panels: If you’re considering adding solar panels to your roof, we can determine whether or not your roof is capable of supporting the additional weight.
9. Post-Construction: If your home or building is newly constructed, a post-construction inspection is always a wise idea to verify that the roof was installed properly and meets all necessary standards.
10. Warranty Compliance: Some roof warranties necessitate regular inspections to remain valid. Always check the terms of your warranty and schedule inspections accordingly to ensure you’re staying in compliance.

Staying Up to Standard

Part of our job at Pinnacle Roofing is to make sure you don’t have to worry too much about your roof and that it does what it’s supposed to. If you’re due for your next roof inspection, give us a call and schedule your free roofing estimate!