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Properly maintained roofs can endure for several decades. However, roofing materials are subjected regularly to severe weather events like hail, heavy rain, sleet, and snow. These weather events lead to damage to shingles, flashing, soffits, and gutters that perpetuate the breakdown of the roof structure, minimizing overall longevity and facilitating leaks.
Regular roof inspections allow homeowners to understand the health of their roofs and repair any minor issues that could worsen with additional moisture, wind, and other weather conditions. Eureka Contracting and Roofing recommends that all homeowners schedule a fall roof inspection to ensure their home and its roof are ready to weather the winter's frost, snow, and wind.
The Fall Roof Inspection Checklist
Roof inspections assess various roof areas to identify weaknesses or uncover damage like mold and mildew. The crews at Eureka Contracting and Roofing follow this inspection checklist:
Shingle assessment (identify missing shingles, wind-lifted shingles, hail damaged shingles)
Flashing metal assessment (we look for properly installed flashing & dents to the soft metals)
Age assessment of the roof structure
Metal corrosion identification
Identify any granular loss to shingles and roofing materials
Look for missing shingle tabs, wind lifted and cracked shingles
Full inspection around the chimney checking all the flashing and chimney cap
Inspection of roof valleys, behind chimneys, lower sloped roofs, ridge vents & pipe flashings
Identify any penetration; crews look for any breaks in roofing material that could lead to a leak or other damage
Every roof inspection also assesses the attic ventilation and insulation. Poor insulation leads to heat loss during the winter; homeowners will notice an uptick in energy costs. Poor ventilation increases the likelihood of moisture buildup in the attic, creating a favorable environment for mold and mildew growth that threatens the structural integrity of the roofing system. Poor ventilation also cuts down the longevity of a roof and the roof decking.
Winter Roofing Problems
Winter weather leads to ice accumulation beneath leaves and other debris that collects behind the chimneys and in the valleys. Leaves in these areas will freeze and thaw throughout the winter, holding on to the moisture that can perpetuate into interior water damages. Water that freezes and backs up under the shingles is referred to as ice dams, and is not considered to be an insurable peril. When moisture freezes, it expands and then thaws. The constant moisture change perpetuates damage to roof materials and degrades shingles and other system components. Eventually, the structural breakdown allows water to leak into the home.
Homeowners should never wait for winter to schedule their roof inspection. Winter weather causes roofs to become slippery and icy. These weather conditions make repairs dangerous for our crews. Identify issues in the fall, and prepare the roof for weathering winter’s bitter cold and frost.
The Importance of Roof Inspections
Eureka Contracting and Roofing recommends that homeowners schedule a roof inspection every six months–spring and fall. These regular inspections ensure the roof is in good shape for extreme heat and cold. Summer is a peak time for severe thunderstorms that lead to hail and heavy winds. Regular inspections allow homeowners to proactively protect their roofs and homes in time for violent summer storms or heavy winter snowstorms (or ice storms).
Homeowners also should schedule an inspection if they believe the roof has sustained hail damage from a severe thunderstorm. If your vehicle has hail damages, you notice dimples on your downspouts or you may notice that neighbors are replacing their roofs after a major storm; these are all good reasons to schedule a roof inspection.
Insurance Companies and Drone Roof Inspections
Did you file an insurance claim but failed to fix the roof damage? Maybe the home has roof damage, and you have delayed those repairs. Insurance companies now use drone surveillance to inspect roofs and find homeowners who may be insurance risks.
Damaged roofs lead to interior damage; for insurance companies, roof issues increase the likelihood of a more expensive insurance claim. Some homeowners may receive a letter from their insurance company that the policy was canceled or won't be renewed; drone footage might be detailed in these letters.
Homeowners must understand that technological advances provide additional tools for insurance companies to uncover non-compliant policyholders. For homeowners who file a claim but fail to repair the damage, cannot claim that damage on a future claim. Insurance companies can apply the RPS factor if your roof is over 8 years old. Once this is applied that portion of your roof depreciation is considered to be non-recoverable. Submitting a claim that the insurance company denies, still leaves on your record a “no pay no claim.” This is considered to be the same as a claim. Insurance companies can apply a non-recoverable depreciation to the entire roof, using the RPS or they can insure your home without insuring it.
Please do not submit a claim prior to having us, or another reputable roofing contractor inspect your roof. You will save yourself a lot of hassles down the road.
Schedule a Fall Roof Inspection
Now is the time to schedule a fall roof inspection. Contact Eureka Contracting and Roofing for an inspection appointment today!
Roof Inspection FAQ
How much does a roof inspection cost?
Our initial inspection is free. We provide a short report with photos that can be submitted to your insurance company or your mortgage company. For a small fee we can set up a maintenance agreement for your roof. Twice a year we will visit your roof, complete a full 18-point inspection and complete minor repairs.
What is the overall goal of the roof inspection?
Roof inspections are a crucial part of roof maintenance. These regular check-ups assess any damage or concerns related to the roof components and materials. By identifying concerns early, homeowners can maximize the longevity of their roofs and avoid any extensive damage.
Why do I need a roof inspection?
Most homeowners do not get on their roofs, we highly recommend contacting us or another reputable roofing company to complete the inspection. Roof inspections help homeowners understand any issues and damage that increase the vulnerability of the roofing system. Inspections should be scheduled in spring and fall before the extreme weather conditions of summer and winter.
How long does a roof last?
The longevity of roof systems depends on the materials of the roof. With our weather systems and temperature variations, most roofs start to show their age between 15-18 years. The shingles may be guaranteed for 30 years or have a limited lifetime warranty, however our experience has been that any roof over 15-18 years really needs to be looked at. Some roofs will last 30+ years, but this is not really common.
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