How Often Should You Have Your Roof Inspected in Hickory?

The roof is the most essential part of your home, whether it keeps you warm and cozy in the winter or protects you from the rain and other elements in the summer. For these reasons, roof maintenance is essential. Unfortunately, too many homeowners wait until a roof is leaking, buckling, or otherwise damaged beyond repair to get an inspection.

You Need a Roof Inspection At Least Once a Year

Roofing professionals recommend getting your roof inspected at least once a year. This will ensure that you stay on top of any minor issues that can be immediately identified and corrected by an annual inspection. However, Integrity Roofing NC recommends that homeowners get their roofs inspected twice yearly due to the elements and the changing seasons. You should also get a roof inspection after an extreme weather event, like a hurricane or a hailstorm, to check for any damages.

While spending money on a roof inspection may seem counterintuitive, especially if no damages are visible to the naked eye, a professional roof inspection can identify potential minor problems before they become big, costly problems. Moreover, hiring a professional roof inspector will prevent you from getting injured while on the roof.

Things You Can Expect from Your Roof Inspection

On the day of your appointment, you can expect your roof inspector to:

• Check the gutters. A clogged gutter can cause some of your home's leaks, so keeping it clean and free of leaves, twigs, and other debris is essential. Moreover, a professional roof inspector can check your gutters for signs that your asphalt shingles are breaking off and falling into the gutter, which could indicate a more significant problem.
• Check the flashings. Flashings are galvanized steel barriers that cover gaps and openings (like the space between the roof and the walls). Damaged flashings can cause leaks and other damage to your home. Moreover, flashings shouldn't be rusted, replete with holes, or otherwise in poor shape. If they are, they need replacing.
• Check the wood support beneath the asphalt shingles. If the roof has buckling, sagging, or dips, it could be a sign that the wood support beneath the asphalt shingles has been compromised by water or other elements. Replacing this wood support can be expensive, but failing to do so can result in other, more extensive damages to your home.
• Make recommendations about the next steps. After a roofing inspection, a professional can recommend what you should and shouldn't do next. While you are not obligated to follow the recommendations of the roofing professional, failing to do so can result in other, more extensive damages to your home.

Other Things a Roofing Inspection Will Uncover

A roofing inspection covers more than just the essential elements of a roof. During a roofing inspection, the inspector will try answering the following questions:

How many layers of asphalt shingles does your roof have?

While some roofing companies remove all the old shingles before replacing them, others nail new ones on top of old ones to save time and money. Too many shingle layers can cause a roof to buckle, shift, or lose efficacy. Determining the number of shingle layers can also determine how much a roof replacement may cost.

Does your roof still have a drip edge?

A drip edge is a metal component installed at the roof's edge, which keeps water away from the fascia and prevents leakage into the under-components. A roof that lacks a drip edge or has a damaged drip edge needs roof repair or replacement.

How does your roof's decking foundation look?

The decking foundation is the wooden support underneath the asphalt shingles. These wooden supports should be firm to the touch and support a substantial weight. A decking that is "spongy" or soft to the touch is damaged, usually by water, and needs replacing immediately.

How does the roofing material look?

While asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in Hickory, NC, some roofs are made of metal, tar, or tile. Regardless of the material, it should be in good shape, with no significant dips, cracks, or damage. A roof that shows significant dips, cracks, or damage needs replacing as soon as possible.

Are there any issues with penetrations?

"Penetrations" is a catch-all term for anything that puts a hole in the roof "on purpose." Penetrations include chimneys, air vents, and skylights. These things should be sealed tightly, without cracks, divots, or damage. However, while damaged penetrations on their own may not necessitate a new roof, they may require roof repairs.

How does your attic look?

If you have an attic, it is the last proverbial line of defense between your roof and the elements. If there is any damage to your roof, for whatever reason, your attic will show the first signs of the issues. A roofing inspector will look for water spots, musty smells, proper (or improper) ventilation, and proper (or improper) insulation, to name but a few things.

Other Things to Know About a Roofing Inspection

Homeowners should consider a few other elements for their upcoming roofing inspection, such as:

• The length of time for a roofing inspection. A typical roofing inspection should take at most one or two hours, depending on the size of your home. However, a roofing inspection conducted after a major weather incident, such as a hurricane, will take longer because it will document specific things an insurance company will want for a claim.
• Financing options for roofing replacement. If a roofing inspection uncovers the necessity of a replacement, Integrity Roofing NC offers financing options for qualified homeowners and generous discounts for active and retired military members. We can finance as little as $500, and there's no home equity required or prepayment penalties.
• We offer free roofing inspections. Integrity Roofing NC offers homeowners in Hickory, NC, free roofing inspections. We provide professional, qualified representation for homeowners, especially during an insurance claim.

Contact Integrity Roofing NC Today

Since 2017, the team at Integrity Roofing NC has supported homeowners in Hickory and the surrounding communities. Contact us today to schedule your roof inspection and protect your greatest investment.