3 Reasons to Regularly Schedule Your Northeast Ohio Roof Inspection

Many homeowners don’t think about a roof inspection until they notice missing shingles or water leaking into their homes.

But by the time those problems appear, the damage may already be costly.

Regular roof inspections help catch small issues—like minor cracks, discoloration, or clogged gutters—before they turn into expensive repairs. In Northeast Ohio, where heavy snow, ice, and storms can take a toll on your roof, staying ahead of problems is even more important.

So, how often should you schedule an inspection?

Here’s what you need to know to protect your home and avoid surprise repairs.

Key Takeaways

• Yearly inspections keep you up-to-date on your roof’s health and needed repairs.
• Changing weather and temperature require more frequent roof inspections.
• Older roofs demand more attention and higher maintenance.
• Never ignore the signs that you need an emergency roof inspection.
• If you put off your roof inspection,the  final costs may be much higher than you want or expect.

3 Things You Need to Know About Roof Inspection Frequency in Northeast Ohio

Northeast Ohio winters can pack a punch, while the sun beats down during the summer. This is just one of the reasons you should schedule a roof inspection at least once a year.

What more do you need to know?

1. Northeast Ohio Weather Tests Your Roof Yearly

The freeze-thaw cycle in winter causes your shingles to expand and contract, sometimes within a single day. Because they are all different materials, everything from the shingles, to the underlayment, to the roof decking can fall out of alignment. 

Northeast Ohio is known for its snowy winters and freezing temperatures. At the same time, its hot summers mean that your roof is subjected to the heating, dehydrating power of the sun for months at a time. 

To protect your roof from the inevitable issues that come with weather changes, you may want to consider roof inspections up to twice a year. Once before winter to be winter-ready, and once after winter to make sure it’s ready for the rest of the year. 

Of course, emergency inspections cannot be put off.

If your roof has an active leak, or missing shingles or damaged flashing, open your home to the elements and get an inspection done right away.

If you don’t, insurance companies may consider it negligence; and refuse a repair claim. 

2. An Old Roof Needs A Little More Tender Loving Care

How long has your roof been a part of your home?

Long enough to get a little grey around the edges? 

If it is old enough that the warranties are losing validity one by one, the more inspections per year you will need. If your shingles are asphalt, especially, 15 to 20 years is their maximum lifespan. After 10 years, the balding will begin.

Aging gutter systems also do a generally worse job of directing water away from your roof and home. The clogging buildup may be worse, or part of it may already be sagging or misaligned. 

As roof repairs on aging roofs start to ramp up, roof replacement will be your next step. Try to track when it’s getting less cost-efficient to repair versus replacing the whole thing altogether. 

Glancing over your roof for obvious issues will not cut it. The more invisible the damage, the more dangerous it becomes to your home and wallet.

At the same time, you want to maximize the roof that you have, especially since it is fully expected to last 15 years at the very least. If your roof is not inspected and repaired at least annually, you may not get the most out of that investment.  

3. A Roof With Past Damage Needs a Little More Attention

Depending on the age of your Northeast Ohio home, the one you have right now may not be its first roof or a new roof. In this case, it has a past associated either with the previous replacement, or the previous repairs. 

For example, an older roof may have a repaired or reconstructed gutter system.

It may look whole and as good as new, but it will never work as perfectly as a perfectly new system. This is why only professional local roofers can keep up with your roof’s needs. 

Flashings around windows, skylights, or chimneys may also be feeling their age.

After 10 or so years of standing up to heavy winds and harsh rains, they may have been repaired here and there. Again, repaired sections will never truly be “as good as new.”

If your roof is that much older with a few repairs under its belt, you may need to have more than one inspection a year. In fact, you may need to look out for reasons to call for an emergency roof inspection in Northeast Ohio. 

What do you need to look out for in case you need to add an additional or emergency roof inspection to the mix? 

Water stains point to persistent leaks that have been around long enough to change your wall or ceiling color.

If mold is appearing around your home and does not seem to respond to any cleanser or dehumidifier, that is also a sign that you need to check your attic and roof for leaks.

You can also look into your gutter system, faucets and pipe system, and HVAC.

Also, if there are blatant gaps in your roof, clear crack lines down your shingles, or a clear buildup of granules in your gutters or around your downspouts, your roof’s integrity may be compromised.

If you find yourself counting shingle gaps every week, just go for an inspection. 

Lock In Your Ideal Roof Inspection Dates as Soon as Possible

You don’t want to fall behind when it comes to getting your roof inspection dates locked in.At Royalty Roofing, we can help you assess your roof. With over 12 years of experience, we make the best possible decisions for your roof and home. Commit to your roof’s health and help it reach its full lifespan!