The Importance of Residential Roof Inspections: When and Why.

Your roof provides more than shelter—it provides vital protection for the rest of your home. But how often should you conduct roof assessments? What should you look out for?

To answer these questions and more, we sat down with one of our team members and industry experts, Scott Cheuvront. Throughout our conversation, he shared valuable insights, professional tips, and anecdotes from his years in the field.

We’ve compiled highlights from our interview so you’ll have the information you need to effectively care for your home—straight from a pro. So whether you’re a new homeowner or have lived under the same roof for decades, you’ll learn something new about residential roof inspections from Scott’s expert guidance. Let’s dive in.

Why are residential roof inspections important?

Roofs, while built to be durable, aren’t invincible. Severe weather conditions and wear and tear mean potential vulnerabilities can emerge. And according to Scott, they aren’t always easy to see:

“When you look at a roof from the ground, a lot of things can seem okay. Once we get on top of the roof, there are a lot of areas that you can’t see from the ground. There are a lot of things that become more apparent once you see it up close.”

Roof inspections go beyond the health of the roof. Your roof directly impacts the safety of your home’s occupants and the overall longevity of the structure. That’s why it’s important to have roof assessments done annually by someone trained in the field who knows what to look for.

“You could have severe wind or hail damage that, over time, can cause additional damage to the entire roofing system. Just because you’re not missing shingles doesn’t mean there isn’t damage up there.”

Avoid the Consequences of Overlooked Roof Issues

Homeowners must know that sometimes the most damaging issues lie hidden from the naked eye. Scott’s first-hand experience showcases what can happen when a homeowner neglects the need for a thorough roof inspection,

“What we normally see on roofs that have suffered storm damage is unsealed or creased shingles, which can severely affect the water shedding capabilities of the shingles. This can allow the water to penetrate the roofing system and deteriorate the wood decking, causing leaks and mold issues inside the home.”

The implications of this issue can be far-reaching. Sometimes, it may take a while before noticing the leak.

Water Damage Leading to Rotten Wood

By the time homeowners notice water damage, it’s often too late. The visible signs might only be the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface, in spaces like the attic, more extensive damage might have already occurred, making the situation more dire than it initially appears:

“You could have rotten wood. During a thorough roof inspection, we examine every inch of the roof, from top to bottom, for signs of rotten wood or any other issues that may be present.”

Recognizing the potential dangers lurking beneath seemingly minor issues is crucial. Rotten wood isn’t just a cosmetic problem; it can compromise the roof’s structural integrity and lead to costly repairs or even complete roof replacements.

Maintenance vs. Long-Term Costs

When it comes to home maintenance, particularly your roof, it’s tempting to delay or even overlook regular inspections to save a bit in the short term. However, the cost of potential damage far outweighs the investment of regular check-ups.

Our industry expert wisely advises, “It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Save yourself in the long run. Have somebody come out and do an inspection before it’s too late.” By prioritizing regular roof inspections, homeowners can prevent minor issues from escalating into expensive repairs, ensuring the longevity of their roofs and the safety of their homes.

How often should you inspect your roof?

One of the most commonly asked questions among homeowners is about the frequency of roof inspections. Routine maintenance for many household items is often overlooked or postponed—the importance of regular roof check-ups cannot be stressed enough.

Scott explained, “You should have your roof inspected at least once every two years, but really, once a year wouldn’t hurt.” Regular inspections can help identify potential issues early, ensuring the longevity of your roof and ultimately saving you money in the long run.

Consider When Your Home Was Built

The age of your home can play a pivotal role in determining the kind of maintenance it requires, especially when it comes to roofing. Older homes might have specific materials or methods that were standard at the time but might now be outdated.

For instance, “A lot of roofs were built in the later years and still have aluminum ridge vents. Those types of vents have exposed nails that are supposed to be caulked every few years. Otherwise, they have an exposed nail, and that allows water to seep in.”

Regular maintenance, informed by the construction period of your home, ensures that these older features are properly cared for, preserving the roof’s integrity. By addressing these factors during yearly inspections, homeowners can proactively prevent more significant issues, keeping their roofs in optimal condition for longer.

How easy is a roof inspection?

Roof inspections might seem daunting to some homeowners, especially with concerns about costs, the potential discovery of major issues, or simply the inconvenience of the process. But Scott explained how easy roof inspections can be, especially with High Mark Construction.

He told us one story in particular where a homeowner didn’t even intend to have their roof inspected but got the help he needed,

“I was recently in a neighborhood doing a roof install for a homeowner. A few of the neighbors came out looking, talking, and a gentleman said, ‘Hey, I literally just had shingles fall from this recent storm. Could you please come take a look at it?’”

The man thought he was missing one or two shingles, but when Scott arrived, he noticed a massive hole in the back of the roof. The homeowner couldn’t see it because of where it sat in a valley.

Roof Inspections Are Easier Than You Might Think

Scott stepped in with immediate assistance, “I was able to provide an emergency tarp for him—at no cost. […] I sat down with him when he filed the claim, and it took us about five minutes. I met with the adjuster when they came out to record all the damage. I reviewed the estimate to ensure that everything was in place for the scope of the work.”

“All of this was a nice, easy process for him.”

This experience shows that what seems like a minor issue can sometimes be a hidden problem. But when you work with an expert and a company that cares, the solution can be efficient, considerate, and easier than you might think.

High Mark’s Commitment to Excellence

At High Mark Construction, our holistic approach guarantees that every aspect of roof inspections, maintenance, and repairs is handled with care, attention, and unparalleled expertise. Our expert team members, like Scott Cheuvront, make sure of it.

We pride ourselves on helping homeowners experience how home exterior renovations and repairs should be. Operating at the rare intersection of expert craftsmanship and trusted relationships, we’re deeply committed to quality and always doing right by homeowners.

During our interview, Scott showed our philosophy in practice, “We show up to do our projects and take care of our homeowners. When we leave, it should look like nobody’s ever been there, and they just have a brand new roof.”

And above all, “transparency is our number one goal with the process.” We plan in advance, adapt to unseen challenges, and keep you in the loop the whole time. So, what’re you waiting for? Schedule a free inspection today.