Southern Florida offers many benefits, such as warm winters and plenty of sunshine. These benefits come with some downsides as well, such as intense heat, UV rays, and tropical storms. Florida residents know that roofs can take a lot of abuse, especially in Florida. It is important for homeowners and business owners to know about roof inspections.
It is not a good idea to inspect the roof yourself. It’s not only dangerous but also difficult for an untrained eye. All Star Roof Repair is the right choice for your next roof inspection. We have the experience and customer service to provide you with a complete roof inspection.
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How To Tell If You Need A Roof Inspection
If you want to protect your roof, it is a good idea to have your roof inspected annually. We recommend that annual inspections be performed if they are not being done.
All Star Roof Repair believes that four situations warrant a roof inspection. We’ll explain why.
Buy A New Home Or Commercial Building
Qualified inspectors are an essential part of property buying experiences. Standard residential and commercial inspectors will inspect the entire structure but they won’t often climb on the roof.
Most inspectors will recommend a roof inspection when they see any problems indoors that may be related to the roof. It may seem time-consuming to wait for another inspector to inspect the property in order to determine if there are any roof issues that need repair or replacement.
Renewing Or Changing Insurance
Insurance companies will often request a roof inspection before approving a new policy. You may be asked to provide proof of roof inspection results if you are considering switching providers or renewing your existing policy. The majority of home insurance claims are related to roof issues. These claims often result in the highest payouts from providers. It should not surprise therefore that insurance companies want to ensure that your roof protects your building as well as everything within it.
Leaks And Stains
Have you ever used a bucket to catch the water that drips from your ceiling in your hallway? Most likely never. It’s unlikely that real life will look exactly the same as what you see on TV or in movies.
Unfortunately, roofs sometimes do develop leaks in real life. Most roof leaks will leave visible marks on your ceiling before they drip enough water. If water stains appear on the ceiling or walls, call All Star Roof Repair to request a roof inspection. We will be able to pinpoint the source of the leak and recommend the best way to repair it. The more you delay in addressing the problem, the more damage you will experience.
After A Severe Tornado
Florida storms can be quite severe, especially in the summer months. Your roof can be damaged by severe storms. Even if there aren’t any debris or broken branches on your roof, it’s worth getting a roof inspection. Storm damage often occurs in difficult-to-see areas, which can make it impossible to see until it is too late.
This is something we cannot stress enough: it’s not a good idea for you to climb on your roof and inspect for damage after a storm. Roofs can be dangerous, especially if you don’t have the experience and equipment to navigate them.
All Star Roof Repair’s roofing experts will conduct a comprehensive roof inspection. This will ensure that your roof inspection is completed safely and thoroughly.
What happens during a roof inspection?
A certified roofer will inspect your roof and make any necessary repairs. The inspection will begin inside the home to inspect the ceilings, walls, and floors for water damage or leaks. The next step is to go outside and inspect the building’s perimeter for roof overhangs or awnings. To ensure they work properly, we’ll inspect any gutters and water spouts.
Finally, our inspector will climb safely onto your roof to inspect the following:
- Broken tiles or shingles
- Roof valleys blocked
- Branches, leaves, and other debris
- Blocked gutters
- Replace worn-out seals around fans, vents, and pipes.
Flat roofs are more common in commercial buildings. Inspectors will inspect for lifting overlaps or peeling lamination, which can lead to water entry points. They will also look for pools of water, which could indicate a roof that is sagging.
Common Problems During A Roof Inspection
Inspectors inspect roofs for problems and most often find broken, cracked, or loose shingles or tiles. If tiles or shingles are not properly installed, water can seep into buildings and cause damage. Sometimes the nails holding the shingles in place can pop out, leaving a hole that water can travel into.
A blockage or buildup of vegetation is another common problem that inspectors find. Water backs up faster when it accumulates near downspouts or in gutters. This can cause more damage. Older roofs may have cracked or peeling sealants, which allow water to seep into the structure. It can be difficult to identify these worn areas, but inspectors know what to look out for.
After a Roof Inspection
After the inspection, the inspector will prepare a report detailing their findings and give you a copy. If repairs are recommended, our inspector will provide you with a written report and a cost estimate. Even if there is nothing wrong with the roof it is still important to have this document in order to obtain insurance or for when you are selling your building.
Roof Maintenance Tips
Although it may seem impossible to access your roof and it isn’t much you can do about it, there are simple ways to keep it in good condition between repairs or inspections. Sometimes, minor debris can be removed by simply standing on the ground with a leaf blower pointed in the right direction. It’s best to call a professional if you have larger debris like branches and objects.
Gutter cleaning is another great way to prevent your roof from getting damaged. You can prevent water from accumulating on your roof by having the gutters cleaned. A quality roof can last decades but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have it inspected every five years. To catch minor problems before they become major, we recommend scheduling an inspection every five years.
All Star Roof Repair Is Your Best Choice
It is important to keep your roof in good shape. For insurance purposes or to assess the damage that may be visible inside a home, you might consider having your roof inspected by a professional.
This post was written by a roofing specialist At All-Star Roofing. We offer the best roof repair in Florida. We are a family-owned business providing emergency roof repair in Tampa, and we strive to be the best in our industry. Our family has been in the Tampa Bay area for over 60 years, and our objective has always been to provide roofing services at a fast, reliable, and competitive rate. All-Star has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.