Regularly inspecting your roof may seem like a hassle, but the peace of mind that your roof is ready to serve you for years to come makes it worthwhile. A new roof represents a substantial capital investment, and annual roofing inspections are intended to help you maximize that investment by addressing smaller issues before they turn into significant problems. Even if you don’t want to hire a professional roof inspector, looking at the condition of your roofing system—if you can safely do so—can help you assess overall roof health and decide if it’s time to call a roofing company.
How to Inspect Your Roof
Spring and early summer are ideal times to assess the condition of your roof. The weather is fair and you can survey your roof for any potential water, wind, or ice damage that occurred during the winter. Should your roof require any repairs, tackling them during this time frame can streamline the process, because contractors aren’t as busy in spring or early summer as they are during late summer and early autumn.
If you can safely access your roof, keep an eye out for damaged flashing or disintegrating sealant around seams. You can go ahead and replace that yourself as long as there’s no underlying water damage. If you notice any debris on your roof, remove it before it leads to damage. At the same time, see if any branches or trees are touching or close to your roof. Branches can quickly damage roofs, especially during storms, so keeping them away helps maximize the lifespan of your roof.
You can follow these tips to ensure you’re getting the most out of your inspection strategy:
- Perform inspections twice a year (before and after winter)
- Have a checklist prepared before getting on the roof
- Sketch your roof beforehand and mark any areas of concern
- More closely track and predict roofing issues and maintenance
While you’re following these steps, take notice of any issues that may require professional roof repairs. If you do, make the time to call a roofing professional as soon as you can. It’s easy to put off smaller issues until they turn into critical roofing failures that can bring daily operations to a halt.
When to Call the Professionals
While you can do a lot to keep your roof protected, sometimes it requires a professional eye to spot deeper problems such as hidden water damage and the underlying causes of roof leaks. It’s inevitable that you’ll eventually encounter a problem you can’t solve on your own. That’s where the professionals can help. When you suspect more critical roofing issues that can’t be patched up, it’s time to call a roofing contractor. Common warning signs that it’s time to call a professional include:
- Water leaks in multiple places
- Pooling water
- Rising utility bills
- Open seams or joints
- Sagging or soft areas
If you really want to prioritize maintaining your roofing system, you can partner with a roofing contractor to perform regular roofing inspections, either annually or biannually.
Inspection Services for Commercial Roofs California
If you’re looking to build a long-term roofing relationship so you always know where to call for all your roofing needs, contact the experts at C.I. Services. Our team specializes in developing roofing services based on your needs. Whether you’ve recently spotted a potential issue with your roof or you need emergency roofing repairs, C.I. Services is here to help.