With four distinct seasons every year, and rain sprinkled throughout the months, you would not want to delay a roof inspection. Missed cracks or gaps in the roofing or underlayment can lead to mold and leaks inside your home.
A thorough roof inspection helps you save on energy bills, as any issues with insulation or efficiency are caught quickly. You also have a powerful document in your hand when making any insurance claims, and no adjuster could say you were negligent in roof care.
Whether this is a roof inspection for maintenance or for other reasons such as storm restoration or regular repairs, you need to know the three things to expect to make the most out of it.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t skip a roof inspection, the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience even when there is no visible damage.
- Four-season areas with persistent rain throughout the year can become very bad for your roof.
- A good roof inspector looks at your roof inside and out, and reviews everything from the shingles to the gutters and any issues with roof decking.
- Your detailed roof inspection report is what will help you navigate future repairs and even insurance claims.
- Regular roof inspection will keep your roof in top shape year after year.
1. Require a Thorough Roof Inspection
If you only have roof inspections conducted once or twice a year, you want them to be as thorough as possible. Especially in Northeast Ohio, where heavy snow and intense sunlight can pass before your next inspection.
What Should Go Into a Roof Inspection?
Your roof inspection should go a lot farther than ground-level observation and a few notes on the roof’s appearance. What should your inspector report on?
- The state of the roofing materials
- Signs of leaks or damage
- Structural integrity and strength
- Gutter system efficiency
- Attic ventilation and insulation
These are what you need to know to make important decisions about your home in the future.
Why Is It So Important to Have Roof Inspections in Northeast Ohio?
Glaring heat in the summer and persistent cold in the winter cause your roofing materials to expand and contract, straining the materials especially through ice dams.
The best times to schedule inspections in Northeast Ohio are in spring and during the fall.
In spring, your home would have just gone through a long winter and then thawed. Any cracked shingles, leaking sections, or sagging areas would be evident here. Best of all, you get to prepare your home before the next winter season.
If you have your home inspection during the fall, it would have gone through the freezing temperatures of winter and then the boiling summer climate. You can then assess your home after the cycle and provide it with any repairs needed before winter.
What do you lose if you skip your roof inspection?
You could miss out on roof issues that force you to make emergency repairs later on. You might find yourself with rotten roof decking, or moldy drywall, or leaks leading into your house.
Worst of all, later down the line, you may find yourself paying out more than you expected if your insurance claim is downgraded or invalidated for negligence.
Did we mention the costs in energy bills?
The short-term cost may be a turn-off but the long-term savings are always worth it.
2. Understand How a Roof Inspection Benefits You
If all looks well on the surface, you may be tempted to have a DIY inspection instead in Northeast Ohio. A few balding shingles, one unaligned gutter, and a little bit of mold may not sound like a lot.
However, the benefits of professional roof inspection are much higher than the costs. You get the assurance that a local contractor with experience is in charge, and you don’t deal with the risk that may come with missing a couple of issues.
Your roof should last you a decade at least. Professional inspections help you make sure you get it as good as possible.
Why Is a DIY Roof Inspection Not the Best Idea for Northeast Ohio?
A roof inspection can feel like an unnecessary expense, especially when it comes back clear or with just a few maintenance issues here and there.
However, with the high winds and hot summers, not to mention the persistent rain, any potential issue can very quickly become a nightmare. A professional can catch it long before it becomes a big problem or costs you more.
- The build-up of snow on your roof can cause sags, moisture leaks, or structural issues. The issues may be hard to catch in a DIY, or there may be underlying problems you just wouldn’t know to look for.
- Hailstorms can leave hairline fractures in your shingles that only begin to show after they widen and start letting water into your home. They may also weaken the entire roof system. You would need storm restoration for your roof.
- Often we don’t notice leaks or moisture in our roofs until the mold and rot set in. Professional roofers know what to look for and how to prevent it before it costs us even more.
DIY solutions can become more trouble than they are worth, especially in the long run.
When Do You Know You Need Your Roofing Inspection?
Here’s when you call in your roofer:
- Sudden signs of mold or water stains
- Build-up of ice dams
- Sagging or warping
3. Keep Your Roof Inspection Report Handy
That roof inspection report is what you need for all of your roofing decisions moving forward.
It lets you know what to look out for given the Northeast Ohio climate, and helps you choose the right roofing materials in the future. It also supports your claims for repairs and replacement down the road.
What Should Your Inspection Report Say About Your Roof?
Your inspection report should give you a literal bird’s eye view of repairs you need, the overall condition of your roof for its age, and various options to strengthen your entire roofing system.
It should include:
- Well-documented details. You would want to see photographs of whatever repairs or replacements are needed for shingles, underlayment, roof decking, or anything related to moisture.
- Options and recommendations. You will want different options for your solutions. There is rarely one simple solution to your roofing problems.
- Weather-related considerations. A good roofer can make recommendations to protect your home from future weather-related incidents.
The more details, the better.
Why You Need Your Roof Inspection Report in Northeast Ohio
Your roof inspection report is your starting point and baseline for any roofing decisions. Since the repair requirements are clear, you can provide specifics to roofing professionals and compare the best quotes.
Photographs and weather-related information helps you in insurance claims. The timing of the report can help you easily establish if any damage is newer or older.
You can also make a long-term plan for your roof, such as upgrading your materials, improving your gutter system, or strengthening your home structure.
Ready to Set the Stage with a Roof Inspection? Contact Royalty Roofing Today
At Royalty Roofing, we bring years of experience with Northeast Ohio’s weather and neighborhoods to every project. Our inspection reports are detailed, clear, and easy to follow—helping you take action with confidence to protect your home
With our inspections, you can know the condition of your roof, identify potential problems early, and fully prevent predictable issues or damage to your roof.Contact us today and let us take care of the rest.
