When to Get a Roof Inspection in NJ

You may not think too much about the integrity of your roof, but it is one of the most important features of the house you live in. In order to know the integrity of your roof, you must conduct roof inspections regularly. The National Association of Home Builders recommends an inspection at an average of every three years, but that can differ due to damages, storms, material, and the shape of the roof. Your roof should also be inspected by a professional, a service that Roofing By Carl’s can provide.

Is Your Roof Damaged?

The most important factor in a roof inspection is whether there is any present damage. Roofs can generally last up to twenty or more years, but damage can occur sooner than that. If you believe your roof has been damaged in any way, get an inspection immediately. The most common time for damage to occur is after strong storms, especially when the storms include very strong wind, hail, multiple feet of snow, or even branches and trees falling onto the roof. The excessive loading of these environmental factors can damage the roof.

If you are unsure if your roof is damaged after a big storm, there are a couple of items to look out for to help a professional roof inspector. Specifically, look to see if there are any missing shingles or holes or penetrations in the roof that are unusual. Those are the areas that will most likely leak first.

Sun Exposure & The Seasons

Excessive sun exposure can also cause damage to a roof. If your roof has no shade and you live in a very sunny area, this would be a cause for concern. Sun can decrease the lifespan of an asphalt roof shingle and can potentially cause fading or warping on an exposed or older roof. In New Jersey, we do not get as much constant sun as other states, like Florida or Texas, so your roof has less likelihood of sun damage. It is also optimal to do an inspection during spring or fall when cleaning any gutters and other roofing elements free of debris. If you believed your roof to be damaged due to sun exposure, fall would be an exceptional time to inspect the roof and plan to complete repairs.

Materials and Shape

The material and shape of the roof are other important factors in when to inspect your roof. For example, all flat roofs should be inspected every two years. Tile and asphalt roofs are recommended to be inspected every three years, while metal and cedar roofs are recommended to be inspected every four or five years.

When you are in need of a quality roof inspection, or want to learn more, call us at (855) 292-2757.