How Professional Inspections Can Help
When it comes time to call your insurance after a storm, a history of routine roof inspections can make the usually daunting insurance process a breeze! This easy hack is something any homeowner should take advantage of. In many cases, your insurance company will request a roof inspection as part of obtaining your initial coverage. However, by maintaining a professional inspection schedule, you can set yourself up for success in the event your house needs repairs.
Coastal Elite Roofing knows the importance of professional roof inspections, which is why we strive to make them as accessible to our customers as possible. When you contact us for a routine inspection, we’ll check your house for any signs of damage for free with a consultation, full report, and cost estimate for any damages noted. We’ll even work with your insurance company to ensure you’re able to get the coverage you need.
What Does a Roof Inspection Entail?
When you agree to a roof inspection, a trained roofing contractor will examine your roof for signs of damage or leaks and precisely assess the state of the materials, gutters, and chimney. The contractor will make detailed chalk markings and take drone photo reports to ensure that any issues that might arise are caught before they can grow.
These inspections are often a necessary step in obtaining insurance for your roof. It’s also considered a step in the process of obtaining a roof certification, which states the overall condition of your roof and its expected lifespan. These might be necessary for some insurance companies, especially for older houses.
The Benefits of Routine Roof Inspections
While we’ve stated that a routine roof inspection can make dealing with an insurance company easier, that leaves the question: How? While some may believe in the myth that roof inspections can cause you trouble, maintaining your roof inspections should be the top priority for discerning homeowners looking to save themselves money.
Reduce Monthly Premiums
When you’re searching for the best deal on home insurance, did you know that you can improve your odds of a lower premium through routine roof inspections? A roof inspection gives an accurate estimate of the state of your roof. This gives your insurance company a solid understanding of likely issues that might arise and can lower your premiums.
Catch Growing Issues Early
If a problem develops, it’s much easier (and cheaper to fix) if you catch it early! Curled shingles can seem like nothing more than cosmetic damage, but if they’re left unattended, they can lead to mold growth, leaks, and water damage that will cost you a pretty penny to fix. By replacing your curled or broken shingles early, you can avoid the much more significant issues that require a heftier investment to fix. And potential problems don’t start with missing shingles. Clogged gutters, punctures from hail, tree damage—all the possible issues can be caught through an inspection.
Improve Your Roof’s Lifespan
Most roofing materials will have a general year-range estimate for how long they will last. These timelines are often based on the best-case scenario—specifically, a homeowner who makes sure that their roof is well cared for by nipping any growing problems in the bud before they can escalate. By checking your roof annually (or ideally, bi-annually), you give your roof the best chance to last its entire lifespan (or even beyond it)! Furthermore, if your insurance sees that your roof has a long time left, you’ll likely be able to save more on your coverage.
Increase Energy Efficiency
A properly maintained roof is an energy-efficient roof. Drafts caused by leaks or insulation damage can result in your HVAC unit needing to work harder to maintain your comfort level, as your house will no longer be able to maintain the hot (or cold) air that keeps it at its ideal temperature. By keeping your roof in optimum condition through routine checkups, you’ll notice your energy bills stay low, saving you money for future emergencies.
Maintain Your Warranty
Most roofing material comes with a warranty that can protect you in the event of defective material, material failure due to workmanship error, and many other things depending on the level of warranty you have—saving you from the need to rely on your insurance in the event of a disaster. These warranties can be a lifesaver in the event something goes wrong, but they also require that you follow specific guidelines to avoid voiding your warranty. One such guideline is often the upkeep of a routine maintenance schedule performed by a trained roofing contractor.
Cost Less Over All
Roof inspections cost less than roof replacements. It’s a simple fact. If you don’t continue the practice of inspecting your roof for damages, you’ll likely find yourself needing to completely replace your roof long before its lifespan is considered “over.” However, by keeping up with your inspections, you’ll find yourself with a sturdy, well-maintained roof that keeps you safe through the storms. And if the storm leaves you with damage, you’ll be in the best position with your insurance company.