Living in or near Traverse City, Michigan, means being surrounded by beauty in every season. From the blossoming cherry orchards in the spring to vibrant leaves changing colors in the fall, there is much to love. However, living in the north and being located on the edge of Grand Traverse Bay, fierce winter storms, heavy summer rainstorms, and unpredictable winds can put our roofs to the test. Working hard to keep you and your property safe, a roof protects by effectively shedding water, preventing rain, snow, or wind from entering the home, and keeping the home properly vented and air circulated. Their jobs may be easily overlooked, but our roofs never stop protecting us, no matter the weather outside.
Professional roof inspections are a simple way to make sure your roof stands strong, whatever the season throws its way. More than taking a quick look, professional roof inspections include detailed evaluations to help identify any issues, ideally extending the life of your roof. Below, you’ll discover what homeowners need to know about professional roof inspections, including what they are, how often they should be performed, and why. To gain a better understanding of the inspection process, we will guide you through what professionals look for and the steps they take to do so. Pointing you to the signs of a true professional, this guide will prepare you for what to expect when working with a pro. First, let’s review what a roof inspection is and its purpose.
What Is a Roof Inspection?
Much like our yearly doctor checkup, the roof of our home also needs a professional inspection once in a while to “diagnose and treat” any problems. During a roof inspection, a trained professional assesses and evaluates the condition of your roof. These professionals are expertly trained to identify damage, wear, or any other potential issues that could compromise its performance or shorten its longevity. The main priority of a roof inspection is to catch problems while they are small and prevent costly repairs or complete failure. In a region like Traverse City, where we receive an abundance of snow annually and the summer storms can bring extreme winds, these inspections are non-negotiable for all homes, not just the older ones.
How Often Should Roof Inspections Be Performed and Why?
Scheduling a professional roof inspection in Traverse City should happen once a year. This annual inspection is recommended to take place in early fall, before the first snowfall of the season. Here in Michigan, winter weather can be relentless, ranging from lake-effect snow to freeze-thaw cycles, which can potentially cause ice dams. Spring rains and summer thunderstorms follow this. These severe conditions, present in each season, accelerate wear and tear on roofs and gutters.
Additionally, roof inspections are a smart idea after any significant weather events. These sudden storms can leave behind hidden damage, such as cracked or missing shingles or loosened flashing (the metal strips that seal transitions on the roof). Regular and annual roof inspections can prevent minor issues from escalating into much larger, much more costly damage. For example, in Traverse City, a missing shingle can allow water to infiltrate and cause ice dam formation, leading to interior damage.
These inspections will also extend the lifespan of your roof, along with proper maintenance and timely repairs. Repairing small issues promptly and performing regular maintenance saves homeowners not only from major repair costs but also from premature roof replacement. Next, let’s explore what professionals look for during a roof inspection.
What Professionals Inspect For
During a roof inspection, professional contractors examine every part of your roofing structure. Here are the things that they focus on:
Materials: Roofing materials come in a variety of types. From shingles to clay tiles, the material of the roof covering must be in good shape. Inspectors will look for cracks, curls, holes, missing shingles or tiles, rust, moss, leaks, and pests. Material evaluation also includes the flashing.
Interior: During a roof inspection, contractors go inside the home for evaluation. Professional contractors will inspect the attic to assess ventilation and evaluate insulation, which is often a common issue in older homes. In the attic, visible signs of light shining through will also be noted. Interior inspections also include checking for water damage or stains on walls and ceilings, as well as looking for signs of mold, mildew, wood rot, or pests.
Structural: Evaluating the overall integrity of the roof structure is especially important for Michigan homes, given the heavy snow loads of winter. Inspectors will look for signs of sagging or weakening, which could indicate water damage or other structural issues. Part of the structural evaluation also includes the soffit, fascia, gutters, skylights, chimneys, and vents.
In our region, where humidity from Lake Michigan and heavy snowfall are a part of life, checking every component of the roof is tailored to our local weather patterns and needs, ensuring it can withstand the next big storm. Now that we understand what roof inspections are looking for, let’s discover the steps professionals take to perform a thorough inspection.
Steps for a Thorough Roof Inspection
A professional inspection involves much more than taking a quick look at each area of the roof. It is a meticulous process designed to examine every detail, including all the ins and outs of the roofing system. Below, we’ll walk you through how an excellent roofing company conducts a thorough inspection:
Ground-Level Inspection: After the initial consultation has taken place and any concerns the homeowners have expressed have been communicated, the inspection begins. The first step is to inspect the home’s exterior from top to bottom. The inspector will walk around the house, checking the exterior for obvious issues, such as missing shingles, damaged siding, damaged fascia, or gutter drainage problems.
On-Roof Inspection: Next, professionals will use a ladder and, if necessary, a harness to inspect the roof surface. Once on the roof, they will closely look at shingles, flashing, vents, and chimneys. Assessments will be made considering wear and tear, loose or missing materials, and problem areas. Any visible sagging will also be noted and further inspected if necessary.
Gutter Inspection: In most cases, a gutter inspection is conducted during a professional roof inspection. Since gutters and downspouts are directly connected to the roof, which in turn affects the roof’s health, inspectors typically look for blockages, damage, and proper water flow.
Attic and Interior Check: After completing the ground-level and roof inspections, the roof inspectors will proceed to the interior of the home. Once inside, they will look for any signs of water intrusion, such as water staining on walls and ceilings, bubbling paint, or sagging. In the attic, they will look for any sunlight that shines through the roof, check the insulation, and the ventilation. Michigan’s cold climate requires proper insulation and ventilation, or homeowners will experience heat loss and potential ice buildup.
Documentation: Finally, once inspections of the exterior, roof, and interior are completed, roof inspectors will document their findings in writing, including pictures, and follow up with recommendations and estimates.
Review: At the end of a roof inspection, your roofing contractor may walk you through their findings, showing you the results or illustrating them with pictures. Now, they can explain their findings and offer solutions with estimates.
The systematic approach to inspecting a roof ensures that every issue is identified, regardless of its size. Having your roof inspected in the fall provides enough time to have it repaired or replaced before the snow flies. But how do you know you’re working with a professional?
Signs You’ve Hired a Professional
Before signing any contracts for repair or replacement, savvy homeowners want to make sure they are working with a trusted professional. Not all roofing inspectors are created equal, and in Traverse City, where our weather can cause significant problems, working with a true professional is essential. Here are some signs of a true professional:
- Professionals will provide a detailed written report and never use pressure tactics to make a sale.
- For a roof inspection in Traverse City, homeowners want to ensure that the contractor understands the local weather challenges. Here, a professional may discuss the roof pitch and its impact on snow buildup, or how the humidity from Lake Michigan might affect roofing materials.
- A tell-tale sign of a true professional is their credentials. Trusted professionals will be licensed and insured.
- Professional roofing inspectors will use specialized equipment, including ladders, safety harnesses, high-resolution cameras, drones, and moisture meters.
By working with a roofing inspector who demonstrates these professional qualities, homeowners can feel confident that their roof is ready for Northern Michigan’s sometimes extreme weather.
Professionally Protected
Facing unique weather challenges, such as the weight of snow or blustering winds off the lake, Traverse City roofs must be prepared to defend your home from the elements. More than an annual task, professional roof inspections are the best way to protect your home from lake-effect snow and storms. It keeps your family safe, prolongs your roof’s lifespan, and stops minor problems from escalating into major expenses. With yearly inspections performed by local, licensed roofing professionals, you are investing in peace and comfort through Michigan’s toughest seasons.