What To Expect At Your Roof Inspection

You know that phrase, “raise the roof?” We know it’s usually used in a party setting, but in reality, we think roofs should stay put exactly where they are for as long as they can! Getting a roof inspection helps you maintain its lifespan, and here at Pinnacle Roofing and Restoration, we want to give Memphians the rundown on what to expect on our next visit!

How Often Do I Need An Inspection?

This varies depending on a number of factors, including the age and material of your roof. You might see a visible problem and call us, but assuming you don’t, there’s still a good schedule to follow for regular inspections. Let’s look a bit closer at the specifics!

  • New Roof: Ah, a new roof. Nothing like it. But, you should still probably opt for a professional inspection after the first year. After that, the rule of thumb is every three to five years.
  • Asphalt Shingles: The same three to five-year rule applies here, especially if your roof is less than 10 years old.
  • Wood or Cedar Shingles: Wood shingles are more prone to weathering and rot and constitute more frequent check-ins, around every two to three years
  • Metal Roof: These are durable and long-lasting—but you should still check periodically for problems every five to 10 years.
  • Tile and Slate Roofs: This material can last up to fifty years when taken care of properly! Five to 10 years between inspections apply here, too,
  • Flat/Low-Slope Roofs: Water ponding can make these more susceptible to leaks, so you should opt for a check-in every one to three years.

Other more immediate reasons to get an inspection can be attributed to severe storms, changes of ownership, or signs of roof damage and leaks. 

Common Issues

  • Leakage: This tends to be one of the more prevalent issues in roofing. It can be caused by damaged or missing shingles, flashing problems around chimneys and vents (flat metal that helps to waterproof certain areas), or deteriorating underlayment (waterproof sheeting that provides a barrier between roof and shingles). Signs can be stains on the ceiling or visible water in your house.
  • Shingle Damage: There’s a few different types of damage to look for in shingles:
    • Curling is when shingles curl up or cup due to weathering or poor ventilation.
    • Buckling is like wrinkling, usually from water problems.
    • Granule loss occurs in asphalt shingles and can reduce their effectiveness in protecting the roof.
  • Gutter Issues: Clogged or damaged gutters can cause water to back up and damage the roof, and sagging gutters can lead to improper water drainage.
  • Hail and Storm Damage: High winds and hail storms tend to be some of the most common culprits for superficial shingle damage, though sometimes it can run even deeper.
  • Age: We can assess the age of your roof and determine how it correlates to its life expectancy. Oftentimes, customers won’t realize it’s time for a replacement.
What To Expect At Your Roof Inspection

What to Expect When We’re Inspecting

Roof problems can vary quite a bit for many reasons. It’s essential to address these issues promptly, preventing more extensive damage to your home. We perform full-service inspections; here are some of the things we’ll typically look at:

  • Initial Consultation: First, we can talk with you about any concerns you have prior to the inspection.
  • Exterior Inspection: Our inspector starts by examining the exterior of your roof. We look for signs of damage, like missing or damaged shingles, and at all parts of the roof’s structure, like flashing, gutters, downspouts, vents, and pipes.
  • Interior Inspection: Sometimes, we look inside your home at walls and ceilings for indications of water damage. The attic can also be a source of a lot of issues and should be examined for proper ventilation and insulation, as well as signs of mold.
  • Report and Recommendations: After we complete our inspection, we’ll give you a detailed overview and explain any needed repairs, maintenance, and replacements. We’ll also go over a cost estimate that can best fit your budget, regardless of how you choose to proceed.
  • Discussion and Questions: We understand you might not be well-versed in roofing, and we want to take the time to thoroughly explain everything to you and rectify any questions or concerns you might have!
  • Insurance: Pinnacle Roofing works with all major insurance companies and can provide clarity as to whether an insurance claim is necessary for certain damage.
What To Expect At Your Roof Inspection

The Pinnacle of Excellent Service

We want to make sure the roof you invested in or plan to invest in lives its life with you for many years. There’s a good chance that we provide more services than you would initially expect, and an inspection is a great place to start your journey with us! If you’re interested in a free initial roof evaluation, give us a call at (901) 250-1361!