There Is More To Your Roof Apart From Shingles
Although tiles and shingles are the things which individuals usually think of while picturing a roof, there are a lot more components which might need repair and regular inspection. In fact, the roof consists of a structure made of rafters for providing it with proper support.
Besides this, there is a sheathing material on top of it which is made of boards or sheet metal covering the rafters and covering the structure of the roof. There is also a base layer above this on which the tiles and shingles are placed.
It will be quite difficult for the property owners to inspect this particular layer on their own, and this is the part that degrades quite easily thus requiring repair more, frequently as compared to the roof coverings out there. It is likewise possible for the gutters and flashing to wear with the advent of time and they must be in proper shape for maintaining the condition of the roof.
Should You Hire A Professional To Inspect Your Roof Or Perform The Inspection Yourself
Many homeowners will prefer to perform roof inspections on their own. In reality, there are advantages and disadvantages to each form of inspection. However, it is important to remember that many roofing warranties will be made void if your roof isnt inspected by a licensed professional. Insurance companies also insist that roof inspections are performed by professionals.
The safest way to maintain a roof is by incorporating both forms of inspection. You should hire a professional to perform inspections a few times per year while also inspecting the roof on your own.
While it may be tempting to rely on a pair of binoculars to inspect your roof, it is better to get on the same height as the roof. Instead of climbing on top of the roof, it is recommendable to stay on a ladder when making the inspection. Walking on your roof may end up causing further damage and can even nullify the roofing warranty.
Commercial Roof Inspection Costs
Most commercial roof inspections range between $200 and $500, but that price can be $1,000+. That higher price is largely because commercial roofs are typically bigger than their residential counterparts.
As a result, many commercial contractors charge by the square foot instead of by the project. Expect a price between $0.05 and $0.10 per square foot, meaning a small 10,000 square foot warehouse will range between $500 and $1,000.
Commercial projects also come with more regulations, like a check for OSHA guidelines. Thats another reason for the higher price.
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When Should You Have Your Roof Professionally Inspected
A good rule of thumb is to get a professional to have a look at it regularly. We recommend every 3 years for a tile roof and every 5 years for a metal roof. The old adage prevention is better than cure definitely applies to a roof. Sometimes a person who knows what they are looking for can pick issues early and prevent them from becoming a real problem.
If you are not sure or you notice any of the signs we mentioned in this article, get a professional out straight away and let them do a thorough inspection for you. Once they inspect your roof, they will be able to tell you what the issues are and of course, the best course of action.
Even if your roof has no visible issues, it is a good idea to have it inspected regularly for any hidden problems. No roof lasts forever but the more attention you give it, the longer it will serve you and your family well.
Here Are The Things You Need To Look Out For
- Are there missing or broken shingles?
- Is the chimney cap damaged or missing?
- Are the gutters rusted or cracked?
- Are there visible patches of moss and lichen?
- Are the shingles blistered or cracked?
- Curling caulk or sealant.
- A missing chimney cap
- Tree branches on your roof
- If you have an asphalt roof, how are the gutter granules? If there is a loss of granules, this can mean that your shingles are damaged.
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What To Look For During Roof Inspections
There are a number of things that your roof repair contractor will look for when inspecting your roof. During a routine check, you can expect your contractor to look for general wear and tear around pipes, vents, and chimneys. The contractor will also look for any signs of blockages in the downpipes or gutters, as this can cause water to overflow onto your foundation. Signs of rust or decay in the downpipes or gutters could indicate that water is standing which is also surefire sign of a buildup.
Every square inch of your roof should be examined during a professional inspection. The roof repair contractor will look for any missing or broken shingles, damage to screws and fixings, and possible signs of rust on the roof flashing. He or she will also check for blistering or curling shingles which may indicate the need for replacement shingles. An accumulation of algae or moss on your roof could mean that you have a moisture issue that needs to be dealt with. Your contractor should also look for loose debris or roofing material on the ground around your homeâs foundation.
How Often To Have A Metal Roof Inspected
Now you can see why regular roof inspections are vital for any homeowners with metal roofing. As professionals, we highly recommend all metal roofs be inspected up to 2 times every single year! You should get in the habit of having your roof looked over once in the Spring and once in the Fall, as well as after major weather events.
At least one of these bi-annual inspections should be conducted by a metal roofing professional there are things we know and have been trained to spot that the average person simply may not notice the other, you can easily do yourself! Heres a quick cheat sheet for a DIY metal roof inspection:
- Rust spots or corrosion
- Thinning or cracking paint or sealant
- Debris piles
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Infrared Roof Inspection Costs
A thermal roof inspection costs between $400 and $600. This approach is typically more expensive than a standard checkup because of the technology involved. Typically, it includes a drone that captures thermal imagery of the surface.
Like a typical drone inspection, this alternative works well for roofs that are difficult to access. It adds a layer of complexity in that the thermal imagery allows for an estimation of where both the surface and the insulation need replaced. Especially in colder climates, it can help you optimize your homes heating in addition to finding leaks.
The pro will not need to physically access the roof or even have to touch the surface to determine its integrity. Instead, infrared rays assess the higher and lower temperatures of different parts of the roof. The footage helps to determine if heat is escaping in some areas more than others, which indicates wear and weakness in that portion of the room.
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What To Expect With A Roof Inspection
Typically, an inspector will start inside the commercial building to identify any clear signs of water leakage. Its often easier to locate where a leak is coming from inside a building. An example of this could be if water is leaking down directly below a vent stack, then that vent stack is probably the source of the leak.
After inspecting from the inside of the building, the inspector will get onto the roof itself and examine the parapet walls for cracks, uplifted seams, or other deficiencies, starting with the perimeter. This area is known for issues since the roofs edges can experience increased wind uplift pressure.
Your inspector may also take several other steps to inspect your roof to detect problems the human eye cant spot. They may employ infrared technology or moisture scanners to detect these other problems. Inspectors will also take a core sample of your roof to understand your roofs construction better.
At the end of the inspection, they will provide you with a full report of their findings. Ideally, the report will give you the thumbs up, and you wont need to take any actions. Worst case scenario, the roofing contractor may recommend that you repair sections of your roof or even replace the roof entirely.
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The Aftermath Of A Storm
Heavy storms can obliterate even the most fool-proof roof. Depending on the severity of the storm, the damage may be too severe to ignore. It is important to inspect the roof for damage for safety reasons regardless of its age or build quality. Regular inspects help prevent roof damage but consider an emergency inspection after a storm or weather event.
In most cases, the damage caused by a storm may be visible to the untrained eye. In other cases, you might notice signs of damage such as water stains due to leaks in the ceiling. Other signs of roof damage include missing chimney caps, caulking around the dormers or skylights, and damaged or missing tiles.
Another obvious sign is the growth of mold and mildew because of water seepage. This poses a major risk to the health and safety of occupants in your home.
And heres the worst of it: a sagging roof. Storms can devastate the structural integrity of a roof to the point where it can completely collapse. It may not happen overnight and take several days to completely disintegrate, but once the process starts, theres no stopping it unless you hire a professional. A sagging roof is a major threat that needs to be repaired right away.
If you notice any of the above signs, call KY-KO Roofing Systems right away for an expert inspection and prevent further damage to your house.
How Long Does A Well
A well-maintained flat roof can last for several decades. The exact lifespan depends on the material of the roof.
A flat roof made of modified bitumen can last for up to two decades. The same is the case with thermoplastic polyolefin and polyurethane foam, acrylic, or silicon coated roofs. The flat roof materials that last the longest are polyvinyl chloride and ethylene propylene diene monomer , which have a lifespan of about three decades.
However, this is only the case when your roofs are well maintained and inspected regularly. Therefore, make sure you hire a reliable roofing company to get your roofs inspected and maintained throughout the year because prevention is better than a roof replacement.
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What Should Be Inspected On Your Roof
Once you find a professional to inspect your roof, BobVila.com suggests they do the following tasks:
- Check the flashings. Flashings are metal pieces that cover curves and edges of your roof, and water can easily leak in and around them if they are damaged. Openings around the flashing may need to be resealed with roofing cement.
- Look in the gutters. If your roof is composed of asphalt shingles, a professional should look in the gutters for pieces or grains of the shingles. This can be a sign that your shingles may need to be replaced.
- Inspect droops. If part of your roof looks like it’s sagging, a professional should examine it for moisture or rotting that may indicate it needs to be replaced.
Regular roof inspections may help identify problems before they become worse. By making sure your roof is in good shape, you can help prevent bigger hassles down the road, while keeping your home and family safe, too.
This article highlights examples of precautions you can consider to help maintain your personal property. Please recognize that a particular precaution may not be appropriate or effective in every circumstance and that taking preventive measures cannot guarantee any outcome. We encourage you to use your own good judgment about what’s appropriate and always consider safety.
How Long Does A Roof Last
The average roof system in San Antonio will last between 25-30 years. Depending on which type of roofing you have installed and what roofing company you have install it, this estimate could be slightly longer or slightly less. Regular inspections and maintenance, however, can help to extend the lifespan of your roofing. Without proper maintenance, the lifespan of your roofing can decrease by over 50 percent! So even though it will cost money to hire a roofing company, it will actually end up saving you money in the long run.
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Can I Do My Own Roof Inspection
For the first half of your roofs expected lifespan, doing your own roof inspections from the ground is generally all youll need. After that, hiring a professional to perform more thorough inspections is highly recommended. They are trained to know what to look for, and can identify possible problem areas before they become major issues.
Keep in mind, if you plan to make a claim, your insurance company will almost always require an official report from a professional inspector or reputable roofing company.
Metal Roof Inspection List What To Look For
Having your metal roof inspected on a regular basis can save you tons of headache and money over time. Finding fault points early on usually means that fixing it will cost a lot less and the damage done will be minimal. But what types of things do inspectors look for?
- Aging: One of the best things about metal roofing is that it lasts a lifetime! A well-maintained metal roof can last from 6 to 8 decades. However, as they age, metal roofs can show signs of deterioration, worn paint or sealant, corrosion or rust, leaks, sagging, and more. An inspection can help to identify these signs very early so they can be treated easily you can enjoy your metal roof for decades to come.
- Damage: Whether storm-related, sun-related, or other, metal roofing is susceptible to damage over time. It is true that metal roofing has higher safety ratings for wind, rain, hail, and fire than other traditional roofing materials, but it is not indestructible. Inspectors will look for punctures, tears, leaks, and other signs of damage.
- Debris: In general, its not good for debris to sit around too long. Thats especially true on metal roofs! If piles of leaves, branches, or even patches of dirt and mildew are left unaddressed over time, they can harm your roof! Inspectors will keep an eye out for any debris and compromised areas of the roof.
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How Often Should I Schedule An Inspection
The basic rule of thumb about roof inspections is that you should get it done twice per year. A spring inspection and a fall inspection make the most sense for most homeowners.
A spring inspection lets you catch any problems caused by winter weather. You can get a roof repair estimate and schedule a roof repair service. A fall inspection lets you catch any problems cause by summer storms.
You might wonder, How much is a roof inspection? Youll typically a little over $200 for a standard roof inspection, although prices can vary around $100 up or down.
What Affects Your Roof
The quality and stability of your roof are affected by a wide variety of different factors. The most important factors, though, are the ones that relate to the weather. Factors such as rain, hail, snow, and the sun. Each one of these different factors will affect the quality and stability of your roof in various ways.
Every year, Colorado experiences a fair amount of rain, a decent amount of hail, a lot of snow, and plenty of sun. Because of that, most residential and commercial roofs are capable of handling those elements. But, this certainly doesnt negate the fact that those elements can have a significant impact on the quality and stability of your roof.
If theres a significant amount of rain, it isnt uncommon for the shingles on that roof to absorb the moisture. When this happens, its inevitable that the shingles will weaken, which leads to those shingles falling off. If that doesnt happen, though, too much rain can also lead to the shingles rotting, which means they take longer to fall or create mold. Mold is especially bad as it can degrade not just that shingle, but the entirety of your roof.
The sun has a significant effect on your roof, but this effect often takes place over time. As the suns rays shine down on a roof, the roofing material expands, and then it contracts as the sunsets. This can lead to the roof becoming less and less stable, leading to leaks, cracks, and other problems.
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How Much Does A Roof Inspection Cost
There are several methods that can be employed to inspect a roof. A simple visual inspection generally costs between $200 and $300. If a drone, thermal imaging device or other specialized equipment is used, the cost can run up to $500 or $600. As with most types of inspections, location and access availability will determine the final price.
How Often Should You Have Your Roof Inspected
You donât pay much attention to it, but the roof of your home is what protects you from the elements. If you want to make sure that your roof stays in good shape and remains leak free, then regular inspections need to be performed.
But how often are roof inspections needed?
The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends checking your roof at least twice of yearâfall and spring when the weather tends to be more mildâto help spot any problems.
Not only does mild weather help make inspecting the roof easier, it also allows you to make sure that the roof will be prepared for the upcoming changes in temperature and potential seasonal weather hazards.
Itâs also a good idea to inspect your roof after major weather events that involve high winds or hail. Even new roofs should be inspected after this type of situation because bad weather has the ability to damage or ruin a roof no matter what itâs age.
Although it isnât always easy to complete this inspection as often as recommended, doing so will help prevent minor roof damage from leading to serious problems that can cause leaks and damage to the interior of the building.
Preventing minor problems from turning into major ones will also save you money in the future.
The best way to maintain your roof is to do both: inspect the roof yourself and have a professional roofer look at the roof as well.
DIY Roof Inspection Checklist
Here is what you should look for:
Hiring a Professional
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