Roof inspections in New York City are not uncommon. In fact, New York has the most expensive roof repair costs of any city in the nation. Typically, you should inspect your roof at least once a year during the spring and fall, especially after a strong winter. Then again, you should also get a roof inspection following any serious storm, because powerful winds, debris, hail, and ice can all wreak havoc on a roof. Still, there are many other reasons why you may need a roof inspection, whether you’re having a new roof installed or just need to verify that the one you have is still in good shape.
One reason to get a roof inspection is to ensure that there are no structural defects in your roof structure. If there are visible signs of decay or leaking, for example, you should get a professional roof inspection to find out what is going on. Additionally, if you live in an area that experiences high winds, you should make sure that there are no broken or missing flashing around the house. A thorough roof inspections will also identify and correct any missing flashing around the exterior walls of your home.
Another reason to have a roof inspection is to make sure that your roofing contractor follows the Code. Many roofing contractors do not follow the Code because they believe that it costs them too much money to comply with it. In most cases, however, the cost of inspecting the roofing structure and documenting its deficiencies is far less than the cost of having your roofing replaced if the damage is caught during the first inspection. Finally, periodic roof inspections help to reduce deterioration that might occur through neglect.
It is important to note, however, that you do not need to have a roof inspection every year. Sometimes, roof damage does not occur until a year after it has been constructed. For this type of situation, you would need to conduct a periodic re-inspection to make sure that the construction project is still in good condition and that there are no hidden problems that you did not see when you inspected the roofing in the first place.
Whether you decide to have a roof inspection or not depends upon your priorities. Do you want to know what is going on with your home so that you can be prepared when it comes time to sell it? Are you concerned about leaks or other roof issues that could lead to mold or other health hazards for you and your family? Are you worried about having to replace roofing materials that are beginning to fall apart?
Whatever the case, roof inspections are an important part of the home improvement process. Having a roof inspection conducted periodically can help you to prevent costly repairs. Ultimately, regular roof inspections allow you to focus on making your home comfortable and convenient while being assured that your roofing materials are still sound and safe.