Most people can’t begin to tell you the last time they had a good look at their roof. Every now and then, sure, you might slightly glance up at it as you’re doing some yard work, but that’s not exactly an “inspection.”
Your roof is one of the first lines of defense that your home has against the elements. It shelters you from the sun, wind, rain, snow, sleet, hail and more. That’s why it’s so important to get professional roof inspections after a storm. The elements can take a toll on the condition of your roof and in order to keep you and your family sheltered, you need to take care of your roof. Advocate Construction recommends getting a professional roof inspection after a bad storm in order to assess any damage. If you live in an area that isn’t particularly riddled with storms, it’s still recommended to get a professional inspection at least once a year.
If you’re thinking that a storm couldn’t possibly do that much damage, then read on. You’d be surprised at how powerful Mother Nature can be.
Winter storms can wreak havoc on your roof. The weight of the snow combined with the fluctuating temperatures alone is enough to cause damage and possible cave-ins. As sleet builds up in sub-zero temperatures, the simple act of water freezing in small nooks and crannies can cause shingles to crack and gutters to burst. If you experience a particularly bad winter storm, give your professionals a call. You might be able to wait until the weather gets warmer, but if you expect major damage then don’t hesitate.
Hail can come down in unthinkable sizes. From marbles to golf balls to baseballs, if you have a bad hailstorm calling a professional is a must. The force that hail comes down in is more than enough to dent your vehicles, so imagine what it’s doing to your roof. The most common damage from hailstorms is to the metal flashing on your roof. After time, this is problematic because it can compromise your roof’s membrane and lead to large water leaks.
Even if it’s not a tornado, strong winds can still cause damage to your home. The biggest problem from wind is that it can blow shingles right off your roof leaving vulnerable exposed areas. When water reaches these vulnerable places, you open your arms to a whole other set of problems. Think mold, roof rot, water leaks and insulation damage.
Additionally, with strong winds comes the potential for trees to fall and heavy limbs to be thrown around the air. Large fallen trees can completely open your roof, causing massive amounts of water to enter your home. Even if it’s not that serious, small punctures can be just as detrimental.
Finally, heavy and persistent rain can cause your shingles to loose their surfacing over time. If you’ve experienced a particularly wet rainy season, it’s better to be on the safe side of things and get an inspection.
Now that the potential damage raises an obvious level of concern, it’s important to understand that the professionals bring something to the table that you just can’t match. The benefits of having a professional inspection far surpass the costs and you’ll want a trained eye looking out for you.
While you might, if you’re lucky, be able to notice any large issues, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to see problems that aren’t visible from the ground. After a bad storm, a lot of people will go outside and simply take a look around. If there aren’t any visible signs of damage, it’s put off as a successfully survived storm.
Unfortunately, a lot of damage that occurs from storms can’t be seen unless you get out a ladder and climb up to your roof. Even if you do this, you might not know exactly where to look. A professional roof inspection will allow the roof to be assessed by someone with a trained eye for these exact circumstances.
If you want to jump on a ladder and inspect your own roof, it’s not necessarily a bad idea. Chances are you’ll be able to notice any major damage so that the professionals can come in and fix it. However, relying solely on that inspection isn’t the best idea.
When a storm comes in, there are a lot of small, hidden issues that can occur. When you skip the professional inspection and just fix the more evident damages, it’s likely that you’ll miss these issues. Regardless of how big or small damage is, it’s best to get it fixed as soon as possible. If you don’t, you risk larger and more expensive repairs down the line.
When a professional comes to inspect your roof after a storm, they perform a very thorough examination. Small leaks, damaged shingles and ice dams are all examples of smaller structural damage that is never overlooked. Additionally, professionals know exactly what to look for on both the exterior and the interior of your roof.
One of the best parts of having a professional roofing inspection after a strong storm is that they make handling an insurance claim a breeze. Insurance companies require pictures along with an extensive amount of proof that there is any amount of damage.
During your professional inspection, the team at Advocate Construction will be sure to take pictures of any and all damage while filling out a comprehensive summary of what is wrong. All of their reports are professionally certified, which means that your insurance company won’t be able to decline it. Additionally, a cost estimate is made at the same time of the roofing inspection, saving you time and energy in the long run. Make sure you eliminate any complications by going with the professionals.
Even if you think you’ve got what it takes to get on your roof and make a thorough self-inspection, it’s unlikely that you’re well trained in detecting water damage. Unless you’ve been specifically trained to pinpoint this damage, it’s extremely hard to identify. At the end of the day, you’ll only be able to tell if you have water damage when it’s too late. Professionals are trained and know exactly what to look for in order to save you the hassle and keep you dry.
If you choose to skip the professional roof inspection after a strong storm passes through then be ready to open up your wallet down the road. Small, or even invisible problems might not seem like a lot, but they are sure to bring a myriad of problems over time. In fact, if small repairs go unnoticed there is the possibility that they can escalate into having professional roofing inspections done will vastly extend the life of your roof and allow you to take action quickly. Preventative maintenance is the best way to go to ensure that your roof has a long and healthy lifespan.
After a particularly strong storm has blown through, make sure to call the professionals. If you lucked out during the rough season, remember that it’s still recommended to get an annual inspection regardless of the weather. Hiring a professional roofing contractor allows you to speed up the process and save you more money in the long run. The professionals at Advocate Construction have the experience and expertise that you want in a detailed roofing inspection. If they find that you have any damage, they’ll be able to provide you an estimate on the spot and make recommendations for any repairs needed.
After the inspection, if anything is wrong, our experienced Milwaukee roofing contractors from Advocate Construction will make sure that your repair job is done efficiently without any hidden costs. We pride ourselves on working with integrity and longevity in mind. To contact an experienced roofing contractor from Advocate Construction, give us a call today at (414) 386-3900. You can also reach out to our customer service hotline, 833-409-ROOF (7663) or visit us at www.advocateroofing.com.