How Often Should You Have Your Roof Inspected?

As the seasons come and go, we realize that little things matter. Small adjustments in our lifestyles can have a big impact on our future health. Regular visits to the doctor are more important as we age. The same principal holds true for the roof on your house or place of business. Regular roof inspections by a Sugar Land roofing company can detect and repair small issues that could become major problems. The constant beating that your roof endures from rain, sunshine and wind really takes its toll.

To fully extend the life of your roof, you need to have the roof inspected by a professional. It is nice to have a warranty, but if you do not adequately maintain your roof, your warranty will not cover a Sugar Land roof repair that could have been prevented with an inspection.

A roof can last twice as long with regular checkups. A homeowner should have an inspection every three years according to the National Association of Home Builders. Five years is adequate for newer roofs that are in good condition.

Commercial roofs should be inspected every year before the summer and after the hot spell has passed. The first examination is to find problems that could worsen. The second is to discover and repair any damage that happened during the summer.
What Should Be Inspected?

First of all, make sure you have all the paperwork for your roof available, including the warranty, the names and the contact data of all the professionals that were involved with your roof, such as contractors, architects and previous inspectors. You need to save all the receipts from any inspections and repairs. You should also have a drawn-to-scale copy of the roof plan that identifies previous issues and when they were repaired.

During the inspection, the interior walls and the glazing need to be examined. Wall leaks as well as leaks from windows and sealant are frequently misidentified as problems with the roof. Many times, cracks and water stains are evidence of unsealed pipes, conduit or other fixtures that penetrate your walls. If you have had any of those items retrofitted, they could be causing problems that might be blamed on your roof.

Only after these details are examined and cleared should the roof be inspected. It should not be buried beneath debris from nearby trees. The roofing material, whether it is tile, shake shingles or asphalt shingles, should be healthy and undamaged if it is going to serve you well. Gravel in the gutters or stray shingles on your lawn are sure signs of problems down the road. Your roof’s surface protects against the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, which can wreak havoc on a roof that is missing shingles. A Sugar Land residential roofing technician can give you an accurate assessment of your roof’s health.

The drainage system needs to be inspected also. Clogs can be solved by simply removing debris from near the drain. You can also have your drainpipes or downspouts snaked to clear them. This will prevent dams from forming in the gutters, which can allow water to drip down the walls and onto the ground beside your foundation. Soggy foundations can compromise the structure of your home or office. If water has accumulated on the roof, it has to be removed before it damages the building.

Your roof is an important part of your home’s protection. Safeguard your investment with regular checkups. Paramount Roofing can make sure your roof is ready to do its job. Call us today at 713-748-4000 to schedule a roof inspection for your home or business.