How Often Should You Schedule a Roof Inspection?
At Robbins Roofing, one of the most common questions we get is, “How often should you schedule a roof inspection?” The short answer is: at least once a year, though ideally, it’s best to get them twice a year. But if you want to be proactive, there are a few other times when an inspection is a smart move, and we’re here to discuss each one of them.
Why You Should Get Your Roof Inspected Regularly
Part of maintaining a home is keeping up with regular roof inspections. You may think your roofing material is strong and reliable, but it can definitely still develop problems like roof leaks, damaged shingles, loose seams, and compromised roof protrusions if you’re not proactive enough.
Without regular inspections, you won’t realize these issues exist at all. You won’t notice there’s a problem until the once-minor roofing issue has snowballed into a more concerning problem that now requires costly repairs.
To keep your roof’s structure healthy, prevent costly repairs, and avoid the need for full roof replacements in the worst cases, you should always have a trusted roofing contractor perform a roof inspection.
An inspection by a roofing professional helps:
Spot hidden damage that’s easy to overlook
Extend the life of your roof by addressing wear and tear early
Prevent leaks, mold, mildew, and structural damage inside your home
Keep your home insurance coverage valid since some policies require regular inspections
Save you money by identifying problems before they turn into worse (and more expensive) issues
How Often Should You Get a Professional Roof Inspection?
1. Bi-Annual Inspections
The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends bi-annual professional roof inspections (one in the fall and another in the spring).
Spring inspections are ideal because they help you catch any damage from the winter’s freezing temperatures and ice buildup. On the other hand, fall inspections get your roof ready for colder months by making sure there aren’t any weak spots before winter storms hit.
2. After Severe Weather Seasons
Storm damage isn’t always obvious right away. You might not see missing shingles, but hail, for example, can create tiny fractures in your roof’s surface that will eventually lead to leaks. This can affect even a new roof as well as your roof’s ventilation system.
If your home has been hit by any of these, schedule an inspection as soon as possible:
Hailstorm: Even small hailstones can damage shingles, flashing, and gutters
Strong winds: Wind can lift shingles, loosen flashing, and in extreme cases, tear off entire roof sections. They can also lead to clogged gutters due to the leaves and debris carried by strong winds.
Heavy rain: Persistent downpours can expose weak spots and create leaks.
In case you discover roof damage right after the storm, Robbins Roofing also offers roof repair services here in OKC and surrounding areas.
3. If Your Roof is 15+ Years Old: Every Six Months
Once your roof hits the 15-year mark, shingles start breaking down, flashing wears out, and small cracks form more easily. For older roofs, it’s especially important to have them inspected every six months. While newer roofs can get away with annual check-ups, bi-annual inspections are a must for older ones. These inspections can extend their life by catching minor issues early. This is especially true in Oklahoma, where extreme temperature changes can make materials expand and contract, leading to faster wear.
4. After a New Roof Installation
Just because you have a brand new roof doesn’t mean you should be complacent. A follow-up inspection one to two years after installation makes sure everything is settling properly and that no unexpected weak spots are developing.
Even high-quality roofing jobs can run into early problems if there are:
Flashing that wasn’t sealed properly
Shingles that weren’t nailed down securely enough
Sealant that’s wearing down faster than expected
The Roof Inspection Process
Robbins Roofing follows a similar roof health check process as most roofing contractors, but we put extra effort into making sure that every part of your roof is closely evaluated. Our professional roofers detect potential problems early and recommend preventative measures to make sure your roof stays in good shape for many years.
1. Checking the Roof Surface
We look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles, as well as soft spots that indicate there might be water damage underneath the surface. Even minor cracks can let water seep into the underlayment, which eventually leads to rot and mold growth.
2. Inspecting Flashing and Sealant
Flashing is what keeps water out of joints and seams around chimneys, skylights, dormers, and vents. If it’s rusted, bent, or missing, leaks are just waiting to happen. We also check the sealant flashing to make sure it hasn’t dried out or cracked.
3. Examining Gutters and Drainage
Clogged or damaged gutters trap water on your roof and increase the risk of leaks and mold. We check for proper drainage and make sure gutters are securely attached.
4. Checking the Attic and Roof Deck
Some roof problems show up inside before they’re visible outside. We inspect the attic for water stains, mold, and insulation issues that could be caused by leaks you don’t realize exist.
5. Assessing Structural Integrity
We look for sagging, weak areas, and signs of long-term stress that could mean it’s time for repairs or reinforcement. Our team makes sure to give you a full picture of your roof’s condition to help you plan for repairs (if needed) before things get expensive.
Choose Robbins Roofing for Professional Roof Inspections
Roof inspections are a small investment to keep your roof’s health optimal, and our team aims to give you the best value for your money. When you choose us for your roofing inspections, you get to work with roofers who are experienced, meticulous, and highly knowledgeable when it comes to the location and neighborhood we’re serving.
We Know Oklahoma’s Weather Conditions
We’ve been working on roofs in Oklahoma City, Edmond, and Norman for years. We know exactly how wind, hail, and extreme temperatures affect different types of roofing materials, and we apply this knowledge in every inspection job we carry out.
We Specialize in Weather Damage Inspections
Oklahoma gets hit with severe storms every year, and we help homeowners deal with the problems they leave behind with our weather damage repairs. We also help our clients work with insurance companies to get the repairs covered.
We Inspect Every Detail
No matter the roof type—flat roofs, metal roofs, asphalt shingle roofs—we know what to look for during inspections and how to make sure no area on the roof gets overlooked. We make sure everything is properly evaluated to guarantee that your roof functions properly again, especially in the face of extreme weather.
Schedule Your Roof Inspection with Robbins Roofing Today!
Waiting until you have a leak isn’t a good strategy. Regular roof inspections prevent costly damage, extend your roof’s life, and keep your home protected year-round. Schedule your professional roof inspection today by visiting our website!
