Whether you have traditional slate or modern concrete tiles, inspections play an important role in property maintenance. Frequent rain, wind and snow combined with warm summers and the occasional heatwave, can take a toll on roofs.
Regular inspections are your first line of defence against serious issues and play an important role in identifying problems, preventing serious damage, minimising expenses and extending the lifespan of your roof.
Like any home maintenance job, roof inspections have a unique set of pros and cons. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at roof inspections in Huddersfield and help you decide whether checkups are a worthwhile investment.
Pros of roofing inspections
Detect issues early
Early detection of issues is one of the biggest advantages of roof inspections. Instead of waiting for a problem to arise and then calling a professional roofing contractor, inspections are designed to identify issues at the earliest opportunity. They’re an important part of proactive roof maintenance and can prevent extensive damage and costly repairs in the long run.
Roofing issues typically exacerbate over time, so it’s important to catch even the smallest problems as early as possible. For example, a cracked tile identified in a routine roofing inspection is easy and inexpensive to repair. However without an inspection the crack may lead to a leak, which could result in serious water damage to the interior of the house.
Extends the lifespan of your roof
Roof replacements are one of the biggest costs associated with home ownership. While all roofs need to be replaced eventually, inspections can drastically extend the lifespan of your roof. Instead of addressing issues as they arise, inspections actively prevent early deterioration. Over time, small but regular repairs are generally far more affordable than a complete roof replacement.
Cost savings
Yes, roof inspections are an investment. But compared to the high costs associated with serious roof repairs they’re well worth it financially.
Prevents water damage
Water damage is one of the biggest threats to British homes. Moisture can not only cause serious structural damage but can promote the growth of mould and other pathogens. Your roof is the first line of defence against leaks which means it’s important to stay on top of maintenance. Regular inspections are the best way to do this and can help identify water damage in the earliest possible stages.
Insurance requirements
Some insurers insist on regular roof inspections as part of your policy terms and conditions. Staying compliant will ensure that any roof-related claims are covered.
Maintains or increases property value
Roof inspections can help maintain the value of your property and in some cases, increase the assessment. A well-maintained roof not only improves the kerb appeal of a property but can make the home more appealing to potential buyers. Similarly, a roof that hasn’t been properly maintained can compromise curb appeal, turn off buyers and drag down the value of the property.
Safety
From loose tiles to leaks that cause mould and mildew problems, roof inspections help keep your home safe and liveable.
Cons of roof inspections
It’s hard to argue with the clear benefits of roof inspections. However, there are a few cons associated with professional inspections.
Cost
Cost is one of the biggest barriers to regular roof inspections. Like scheduling regular dental checkups when you don’t have a toothache, some homeowners can find it difficult to justify the cost of a roof inspection if no immediate issues are noticeable.
This is a faux pas as roof issues are often invisible to the naked eye in the early stages. As explored earlier, roof inspections play a critical role in identifying minor issues before they become serious and costly to fix.
Frequency
Many homeowners simply aren’t sure when or how often to schedule roof inspections. As a general rule, a once-yearly inspection is a good starting point. That said, frequency will depend on a variety of factors, including the age of the roof, current condition and local climate. A trusted roofing company can help you determine how often your roof should be inspected.
Disruption
The disruption associated with roofing inspections can put homeowners off. At times they can be noisy and inconvenient to schedule. The good news? Enlist the help of a professional contractor and roofing inspections are generally fast and discreet.
Unnecessary repairs
Overservicing is a genuine issue in the roofing industry and can create mistrust and anxiety for homeowners. The best way to get around this issue is to enlist the help of a trusted contractor.
Look for companies with accreditation from nationally recognised bodies like TrustMark. The Government Endorsed Quality Scheme uses a strict vetting process to certify reputable and trustworthy companies. As a homeowner this gives you the peace of mind that quotes are fair and ethically priced.
Tips for streamlining your roof inspections
While there are some drawbacks to roof inspections, the pros far outweigh the cons. In the long term, inspections from qualified professionals can prevent serious damage, save you cash and extend the longevity of your roof.
To maximise the benefits of roof inspections while minimising the downsides, consider the following tips:
Enlist the help of a professional
While DIY roof inspections are possible, there’s no substitute for experience. Hiring a professional roofing contractor is the best way to accurately identify and diagnose issues. You’ll also eliminate the personal risks associated with DIY roof inspections.
Schedule regular inspections
Over time, annual roof inspections are significantly more affordable than the high costs associated with major repairs.
Carry out regular maintenance
Combining regular roof inspections with proactive maintenance tasks like pressure washing, gutter cleaning and seal checks can help minimise long term costs and extend the longevity of your roof.
File all documents
Make things easier for yourself and your contractor by keeping records of all inspections, as well as maintenance and repair dates, findings, quotes and invoices.
Choose a reputable contractor
Not all roofing contractors offer the same standards when it comes to workmanship, quality and customer service. As well as hiring a roofing contractor with accreditation from recognised UK bodies like the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), take some time to read reviews and chat to locals about their experiences.
Book your roof inspection today with DPR Huddersfield
Looking for a reliable and trustworthy contractor to carry out your roof inspection? Call us on 01484 866 772 to find out more about our commercial roofing and domestic services in Huddersfield and the surrounding areas.