An annual roof inspection is one of those things that always makes it onto the to-do list but doesn’t always actually happen.

But here’s the thing – your roof is one of the most important and vulnerable parts of your home. It’s what takes the brunt force of the worst weather and keeps your family safe and warm.

So, if you’ve heard about annual inspections but haven’t committed to calling anyone up yet, here are seven ways annual roof inspections will make your life much easier.

7 Reasons Why You Should Get Annual Roof Inspections

1. Hello, Clean Gutters

While gutter cleanings aren’t always part of a routine roof inspection, if you’re going to have your roofer come out, you might as well have them clean the gutters for you! It will hardly take any time for a professional, and the small amount you’ll pay is nothing compared to how much you’ll dread doing it yourself. Clean gutters mean a healthy house, and if you’re not the one who has to clean the gutters, life is good.

2. You Can Save Money in the Long Run

An annual roof inspection can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. By having a professional roofer up there checking for any problem areas, you can avoid costly, major repairs. The more often your roofer inspects your roof, the more likely they are to catch minor issues before they turn into big ones. A missing or curled shingle now is hardly a significant expense, but if left unfixed, you could be looking at repair costs in the thousands down the road.

3. Your Family Will Stay Healthy

A faulty or leaking roof can breed some bad, unhealthy problems – the worst is mold. Mold spores can get into your lungs and the lungs of your family members, visitors, and pets. An annual roof inspection will show if mold is forming and can help you get a handle on it before it spreads and becomes a health and air quality issue for your family.

4. Major Damage Can Be Prevented

One of the biggest problems associated with a faulty roof is water damage. Unfortunately, water damage can be very expensive to repair when not caught early enough. Without an annual roof inspection, you’re unlikely to notice water damage until it begins physically leaking through the roof. 

This is bad because, at that point, the water damage will already be extensive within your attic and the subroofing that holds your shingles in place. That means significant repairs at a major cost to you, not to mention the erosion and damage that water can cause to the exterior of your home as well. Annual roof inspections can identify small leaks just as they form, which means you have the opportunity to fix them before they get worse.

5. The Roof’s Lifespan Increases

If you’ve read the above reasons to get an annual roof inspection, it will come as no surprise when we say that regular inspections can extend the life of your roofs. That’s because you’re nipping minor problems in the bud before they get larger and more costly to repair. The fewer large-scale repairs you have to do, the longer your roof will last. That’s some major savings, considering that re-roofing can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000.

6. Insurance Claims Are Easier

Annual roof inspections also make filing claims with your insurance provider much easier. When you show that you’ve performed all necessary regular maintenance, and through no fault of your own, a tree fell through your roof, they’re more likely to give you the claim money you need to make repairs. Plus, all the reports from your roofer over the years will show them that you’ve worked to maintain your roof, which will help them determine what damages they should cover and which, if any, were pre-existing.

7. Peace of Mind

Finally, annual roof inspections can provide peace of mind. When you know that your roof is in good shape and you’ve done everything possible to preserve it, you can rest easy knowing your family is kept safe. That peace of mind alone can go a long way in making your daily life much easier.

Schedule Your Annual Inspection With Werner Roofing Today!

If you haven’t already scheduled regular roof inspections but would like to start, get in touch with Werner Roofing. A trusted, local West Michigan roofer, we’re here to help you ensure your home and roof are safe and sound for years to come. To schedule your annual inspection, call our office at 616-844-5382 or contact us online today!

How to Get on Your Roof Safely

Hey, we get it. We understand there are some times when you might need to get up on your roof. Maybe it’s to remove some branches or clean your gutters. Perhaps you wish to make some minor repairs, take down your Christmas lights before the Fourth of July, or heck, even retrieve a kite or rescue your cat. We know stuff pops up that doesn’t necessarily seem like it requires a pro, but this isn’t your average “take out the garbage” chore. This can be dangerous. That’s why we created these guidelines to ensure you know how to get on your roof safely, not to mention get back down!

Don’t Go it Alone

It’s always wise to have someone spot and assist you if you’re getting on a roof. Ask (or bribe!) a friend or family member to help out by holding the ladder and hoisting up any tools you happen to forget. That way, you won’t have to go up and down the ladder to retrieve what you need. It’s also smart for the simple reason that someone else is there who can get help in case of an emergency.  

Wait for the Right Weather 

Never just decide to venture up without checking the forecast first. Make sure the weather is appropriate — not windy or wet! You don’t want to take the chance of being knocked off your feet or slipping and falling, so if it’s not a dry and calm day, check something else off your to-do list instead.  

Dress for Success

When you’re getting on your roof, it’s super important to wear the right shoes, with rubber soles and good traction. No bare feet or flip-flops allowed! A good tool belt is key as it will save you from trying to carry tools while navigating the ladder, and leather gloves can help you keep a good grip on things. 

This may seem over the top, but it’s also a good idea to equip yourself with a safety harness, especially if your roof is high or steep. Even if you’re only up there for a short time, it can save you from serious consequences if you happen to slip or trip on something. Temporary toeholds are also a good investment. They can help you keep your steps steady and can be removed when the job is done. You can typically find these things at your neighborhood hardware store.  

Climb Carefully

Perhaps one of the most important tips of all is to make sure you have a good, sturdy ladder and are using it safely and correctly. 

• Place your ladder on level, dry, and firm ground, or set a board beneath it. The ladder should extend several feet above the roof. 
• A good rule of thumb is for every 4 feet of ladder, you should move the base 1 foot from the house. 
• Avoid leaning the ladder against gutters so it doesn’t slide at the top or cause any damage, and pick a place away from powerlines. 

• Next, have your partner hold the ladder for extra stability. 
• Always face the ladder and when you start to climb, be sure to keep three points of contact on the ladder at all times — both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand. 
• When you reach the roof, hold onto the top of the ladder with both hands and step around, not over it. 

Step Safely

Congratulations, you’re on the roof! Now, be sure to move slowly and carefully, check that each step you take is stable before proceeding. Before you move forward, make sure the path before you is clean and hazard-free. Take your time and of course, don’t get too close to the edge.

Repeat in Reverse

Whether it’s right away because you’ve decided this wasn’t the best idea you’ve ever had, or if it’s after you’ve accomplished what you set out to do, when the time comes to head back down, let your partner know to spot you. Next, descend the same way you went up — holding the top of the ladder with both hands, stepping around and then down, facing the ladder, and maintaining three points of contact until you’re safely on the ground. Then, hope you didn’t forget anything up there and go get your partner the cold one you promised! 

Rather Not Get On Your Roof At All?

If you don’t feel that climbing up on your roof safely is something you can physically do, or the thought of being up so high and walking on a sloping surface gives you the heebie-jeebies, not to worry. We’ve got your back! For repairs, inspection, maintenance, and replacement, just give us a call at 616-844-5382 or connect with us online today.