Importance of Roof Inspections: Tips for Homeowners

March 5, 2024 by Jim Willis

Maintaining your home’s roof is crucial as a homeowner, regardless of the size of your home and the type of roof you currently have installed. A roof is one of the most important elements of any home, big or small. When you’re thinking of conducting a professional inspection with the help of a local roofing crew or company, there are a few important tips to remember and keep in mind throughout the process.

Schedule Routine Inspections and Roof Maintenance

Maintaining your home’s roof requires constant upkeep and routine inspections, even if you’ve installed a concrete, metal, or slate roof. Ongoing inspections and routine maintenance can help pinpoint cracked or missing shingles, damaged flashing, or even gutter issues that require repairs or immediate replacements. Scheduling routine inspections of your roof should be done at least annually, or once a year. If you live in a region that is prone to heavy rainfall or serious storms, an inspection and routine maintenance service may be ideal once every 6 months.

Learn the Basics of Roof Maintenance

When you’re a homeowner, learning the basics of traditional roof maintenance can go a long way in determining when it’s time to call on local roofers for thorough professional inspections. A few areas that you should become knowledgeable of when you’re a homeowner who is concerned about the condition and maintenance of their roof include:

Shingles: Learn what type of shingles you have installed on your roof to better identify missing, cracked, or curling shingles that require immediate attention.
Flashing: Become familiar with traditional flashing around any vents or chimneys you have on your roof.
Leaks: Identify potential water spots and leaks on ceilings and walls attached to your roof. Learn how to inspect your attic area for potential leaks and openings.

Inspect Your Roof After Storms and Natural Disasters

Even if your roof is relatively new, you will want to take the time to conduct professional inspections of the entire roof with the help of professionals after heavy rainfalls or natural disasters. This can help identify potential water damage, lifted shingles, or even entire areas that are seriously impacted to remedy them as quickly as possible.

Anytime you are thinking of working with a local roofing company to conduct an inspection on your home’s roof, you’ll want to know what to expect from start to finish. The more familiar you are with how to maintain the roof you currently have in place, the easier it will be for you to determine when the time is right to call in the pros.

Request a Quote Today

Get Started by Adding Your Zip Code Below

The Importance Of Proper Roof Maintenance

Read Full Page

insurance roof replacement in Southport NC

Does Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?

One of the first questions homeowners ask after a severe storm is, "Will my homeowners insurance cover a new roof?" The answer is: it depends on the cause of the damage and the details of your insurance policy.

In many cases, homeowners insurance will cover part or all of a roof replacement if the damage was caused by a covered event, such as high winds, hail, falling trees, or other sudden and accidental incidents. Along the North Carolina coast, strong storms and hurricanes can cause significant roof damage that may qualify for an insurance claim.

However, insurance companies typically do not cover damage resulting from normal aging, lack of maintenance, or general wear and tear. That's why it's important to determine the true cause of the damage before filing a claim.

The first step is to schedule a professional roof inspection. At Willis Roofing, our experienced team thoroughly evaluates your roof, documents any storm-related damage with photos, and provides an honest assessment of its condition. If we find evidence of covered damage, we'll help guide you through the insurance claims process by providing the documentation your insurance company may require.

Every homeowners insurance policy is different. Coverage amounts, deductibles, exclusions, and depreciation can all affect what your insurance provider pays toward a roof replacement. Understanding your policy and having accurate documentation can make the claims process much smoother.

If you've recently experienced a storm in Southport, Oak Island, Wilmington, Leland, or anywhere in Brunswick County, don't wait for a small problem to become a costly repair. A professional inspection can identify hidden damage before leaks develop and help determine whether your roof replacement may be covered by insurance.

At Willis Roofing, we're committed to helping homeowners protect their investment with expert inspections, quality workmanship, and honest guidance every step of the way.

Read Full Page