According to U.S. News, asphalt shingle roofs have an average lifespan of about 30 years, and as this is the most common roof type in the country, it's what most people can expect.
However, there's a huge range of factors that can affect how long a roof actually lasts. Hiring roofing services for winter preparation can save you a lot of trouble down the line. Proper maintenance will help you get the most out of your roof, and routine inspections are a part of this; in particular, getting a roof inspection before winter.
Adverse weather can do a lot of damage to roofs, and if they're not already in a good state, things like rain and snow can cause all kinds of problems. A winter roof inspection will help reveal potential issues so you can deal with them before the coldest point of the year.
In this guide, we'll take a look at why hiring professional roof inspection services before winter in North Carolina can be so crucial.
Why Are Professional Roof Inspections Necessary Before Winter?
Roof inspections are a standard part of routine maintenance, but some people will choose to carry out inspections themselves rather than hire a professional. This is often a mistake, as most people lack the skills and expertise to perform an inspection properly.
The average person may be able to spot major damage, but they can easily overlook smaller issues that a professional would notice. They'll use suitable equipment to safely and thoroughly inspect your roof for any signs of issues.
A professional roof inspection will always be more thorough and reliable than a DIY inspection, and they'll be able to inform you of any problems that you need to deal with.
What Does a Winter Roof Inspection Include?
For effective preventative home maintenance, a comprehensive inspection is essential. Various things always need to be checked. A typical Roof inspection checklist for the winter will include:
- Shingles
- Flashings
- Gutters
- Drainage
- Insulation
- Attic
- Ventilation
- Fascia and soffits
A proper inspection looks at all of the internal and external elements of a roof. Common damage in these components includes things like:
- Cracks
- Chips
- Missing pieces
- Leaks
- Water damage
- General wear and tear
- Loose or exposed nails
- Signs of aging
How Can a Roof Inspection Help Prevent Winter Damage?
One of the main reasons for inspections and winter home preparation is to prevent water damage. It's one of the worst things that can happen to a roof, and it can even extend into other areas of the home. This is especially important during the winter as that's when water damage is most likely.
Roof damage prevention in winter is vital as rain and snow are more common. If a roof has a leak, more moisture will get in.
Due to the cold weather, this water will evaporate more slowly. When it sits for a while, it can cause mold and mildew to grow, and it can even cause structural damage to a roof.
When it's extremely cold, ice dams can form. This is when ice forms at the edge of a roof so water can't drain off properly.
A professional roofer can identify any of these issues as well as anything that may cause them. They can then take measures to prevent roof leaks in winter.
What Are the Benefits of Winter Roof Maintenance?
It may seem like a hassle, but it can be very worthwhile to get a roof inspection before winter. Some of the benefits of doing this include being able to:
- Identify hidden issues
- Repair problems before winter
- Take care of small issues before they grow
- Winterize your roof to prevent new damage
- Plan ahead to prevent unexpected costs
- Prepare your roof for heavy rains in spring
- Seal shingles before winter
- Deal with insulation issues to save on winter bills
- Keep your home warmer throughout winter
- Enjoy peace of mind
Taking care of any winter roof maintenance before the colder months is a much safer approach than waiting and hoping for the best.
When Is the Best Time to Schedule a Roof Inspection Before Winter?
So you know you want roofing services for winter preparation, but when is the best time for this? Any time in the fall can be good, you just want to make sure you don't leave it too late.
While an inspection closer to winter may seem more suitable, you may then put yourself under some pressure. If your inspector finds any issues, you want to make sure you have time to deal with them.
In North Carolina (Durham in particular), snowfall usually only gets heavy from late November/early December. However, there can be a lot of rainfall in the late summer and early fall, with the average rainfall peaking in September.
You may want to schedule your inspection before September so you can deal with any issues before the heaviest rainfall of the year. You should book your inspection well in advance as many roofing companies might not have much availability at short notice.
What Safety Tips Should Be Followed During Winter Roof Inspections?
Safety is always important, but it can be even more crucial in winter. Weather conditions can make roof inspections and repair/maintenance work more risky. Here are some winter roof safety tips that could help:
- Monitor the weather
- Use proper gear and equipment
- Clear snow and ice before the inspection
- Make sure there's safe access and egress
- Manage time so work is done in daylight
Any reputable roofing company should stick to these when carrying out seasonal roof care. It's often difficult or impossible for someone to do this in a DIY roof inspection, which is one of the reasons they're a bad idea.
Professional Roof Inspection Services
These roof maintenance tips should help you ensure your roof can stand up to the harsh conditions of winter. Getting this done before the colder weather sets in can help you prevent larger issues and avoid stress.
Pickard Roofing Company provides professional roof inspection services in Raleigh, North Carolina. We can assess your roof, diagnose any issues, and recommend the best course of action.
We're the #1 residential and commercial roofing company in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill, and have been in the business for over 90 years. Contact us today for your free estimate.
