It keeps you dry on a rainy day and cozy at night. Roofs are a vital part of your home, and each roof is different. It is important to keep up on regular maintenance, especially with our unpredictable Midwest weather. With that in mind, there are some things to consider when maintaining your roof. And one of the most important questions you should ask is: How often should a roof be inspected?

Think about what is affecting your roof all year-round. One culprit we experience too much of in Minnesota and Wisconsin is snow. Most roofs can weather the elements, but that doesn’t mean they are impervious to breakdown over time. Snow-related damage is common and can occur due to the excessive weight of the snow, which can even cause roofs to collapse. In addition to the extra weight, the frequent freeze-thaws we experience can damage the roof as the underlayment expands and contracts.

Rain is another damaging factor. Shingles can absorb moisture in heavy rains, eventually weakening them and causing them to fall off or rot. If they begin to rot, mold starts to form and degrade not just the shingle, but the entire roof.

The most common offender to roof damage is hail. Did you know Minnesota came in third of the top five states for major hail events in 2022? Hail does not only dent or crack gutters but can also cause shingles to degrade. On the most common type of shingle (asphalt), you may see dents, broken off shingles, or exposed underlayment. In some cases, the damage may only be cosmetic; however, the structural integrity of your roof could be compromised if not examined closely enough.

So, we get back to the most important question: How often a roof should be inspected? Generally, by recommendation from the National Roofing Contractors Association, it is a good idea to have your roof inspected twice each year. This allows you to catch and prevent any significant issues before they come to light and cause further damage. However, if there is a severe weather event that has just occurred, it might be best to have it inspected as soon as possible to ensure the quality and structure are still up to standard.

Don’t wait until the damage gets worse. With free estimates at Weathersafe, you will learn all about the current state of your roof and any repairs needed, and we will also help you navigate your insurance claim to get the best compensation for you roof repair.