How Often Should I Have My Roof Inspected? (And Why Is It Important?)

july 21st, 2020 UPDATED 3:00PM CT

You might not think about it daily, but think about all the things your roof does for you. It helps to keep you warm, it protects you from the elements, it protects your belongings, and more. And when something goes wrong with our roof, it doesn’t take long for us to feel the effects. Even a small leak can quickly turn into a big problem. This is why it is so important to have your roof inspected on a regular basis. Roofing companies can ensure that your roof can withstand the elements and won’t cause you any problems. But how often should you have your roof inspected?

Any San Antonio roofing company will tell you that as a rule of thumb, you should have your roof inspected at least once a year. If you have a commercial property, this should be increased to twice a year. Most people like to have their roofs examined in spring and fall, before the harsher summer and winter weather. They do this to make sure it is prepared for the more dramatic shifts in temperature.

It’s also highly recommended that you have your roofing inspected before hurricane season, or after any extreme weather like tornados, heavy rains, or hail storms.

Why is it important to have your roof inspected?

Each day our roof is exposed to the elements and, they can take a toll on your roof. Add in extreme weather conditions like heavy rainfalls, windstorms, or hailstorms, and your roof can become susceptible to damage. In most cases (except in extreme conditions), roof damage in San Antonio starts out small. If dealt with quickly, a small repair doesn’t cause much of an issue. But if a small repair is left on the back burner, it can quickly become a much larger issue that will cost a lot more money to fix. And by the time a small repair becomes a large repair, there is no longer an option but to repair it.

Not only is it important to have your roof inspected to prevent the need for larger repairs, but it’s also important to maintain your warranty. Many metal roof materials and roof shingles are covered under warranty, but this warranty can quickly become void if regular maintenance is not conducted. Don’t believe us? Read the fine print of your roof warranty. Though we can’t speak for every warranty out there, there’s a good chance that it will state that the warranty will be void without regular inspection and repair by roofing companies.

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.

What do roof inspections look like?

Once you have set up an appointment with a roofing company, they will send a professional contractor to take a look at your roof. The roofing contractor will inspect both the interior and exterior of your roof. To do this, they may need to climb on top of the roof and will probably request access to your attic as well. During their inspection they will look for several signs of damage including (but not limited to):

– Shingles that are missing or broken

– Patches of moss

– Damage to metal flashings including cracking or rusting

– Sealant cracking

– Wearing, peeling, or cracking of plastic rubber boots

– Missing or damage chimney caps

– Blistered, cracked, or buckled shingles

– Cracking, loose, or rusting gutters

– Large pieces of debris that may be sitting atop your roof.

Should you inspect your own roofing?

Unless you have experience checking your own roof, it’s highly recommended that you hire a professional roofing company to do the inspection for you. Not only will a good roofing company know exactly what to look for, but they will also have the tools to get the job done safely. Roofing is a very dangerous job that requires special care to be taken. Without the proper safety equipment and safety training, you could be putting yourself at risk of serious injury.

Not only that, but unless you are a professional roofing contractor, chances are you don’t know exactly what to look for. Just because there doesn’t appear to be any large problems, doesn’t mean that there aren’t any underlying issues that need to be addressed. Roofing companies will have a checklist of everything that they need to look for so that you can rest assured your roof is being checked thoroughly.

How much does a roof inspection cost?

The cost of an inspection will vary depending on several different factors. Obviously, the roofing companies that you choose will be the biggest factor in determining cost. Each company has its own pricing and fees. Roof inspection fees may also vary depending on the size of your roof and any repairs that need to be completed.

What if there are repairs that I need completed?

If the roofing contractor finds that you need repairs, be thankful that they caught them early. If you had waited until the next big storm, those small repairs could have been larger repairs.

Invest the money into the small repairs to have them fixed. As mentioned above, not only will fixing small roofing repairs help to prevent bigger problems from arising, but it will also help to keep your warranty valid and extend the lifespan of your roof.

In conclusion, you should have your roof inspected at least once a year, but if you can you should aim to have it inspected twice a year. It’s also advised that you have your roof checked out before and after any large storm or extreme weather situation. What are you waiting for? Call a roofing contractor today and ask for a free quote for inspection. 

Schedule a Roof Inspection with the Experts at

McAllen Valley Roofing Co.

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5828 Sebastian Pl, Suite 102 San Antonio, TX 78249

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