How Often Should You Have Your Roof Inspected?

Sometimes, owning a home or building can feel like a never-ending stream of problems. First it’s the plumbing, then something’s up with the wiring, and then something in the yard needs tending. So the last thing on your mind is adding to that growing to-do list. But a roof inspection absolutely needs to be on your list of yearly upkeep.

For Texans, and especially those of us in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, regular roof inspections can be the saving grace that keeps all those other potential headaches away. That’s because the hailstorms, tornadoes, and scalding summer days facing our roofs take a toll that we can’t easily see. Texans should consider at least an annual roof inspection. Depending on your roof's age, material, and condition, you can avoid bigger problems down the line.

Why Regular Roof Inspections Matter

Ask a neighbor, “how often should you get your roof inspected?” and you’re bound to get some puzzled looks. At first, many people feel like a roof inspection is unnecessary unless a repair or replacement is imminent. Or, they may feel you only need an inspection when buying or selling a home. But a roof inspection shouldn’t be reserved for special occasions like replacement day.

Routine, annual inspections can provide the first line of defense against major problems within your home. When timed to coincide with high-risk times of year, like spring hailstorms, it can head off risks, mitigating or preventing damage from storms altogether. We can’t see our roofs from inside our house, and waiting for signs of damage to appear on our ceilings is a sign it may be too late.  

How Often Should a Roof Be Inspected?

How often a roof should be inspected and how often should you inspect your roof are two distinct questions, but both are worth answering. The first addresses professional inspections, conducted by reputable, local roofing companies. The second can refer to the kinds of routine and safe inspections property owners should conduct as needed.

• Professional Inspections: Most roofs in Texas require at least an annual inspection to allow property owners to identify and fix minor problems before they grow. However, if the roof has additional risks, like branches hanging above it or a greater risk for hail or tornadoes, more frequent roof inspections are advisable.
• DIY Inspections: Besides the annual professional roof inspection, you can inspect your roof quarterly or monthly without getting onto the roof yourself. Just taking a walk around your house looking for damage to shingles, flashing, and gutters can prevent further problems.

After a major storm, though, both DIY and professional inspections should be in the cards. A from-the-ground inspection done right after the storm passes, followed by a professional inspection, can prevent further damage from the next storm.

Roof Inspection Frequency by Roof Age

While most property owners need an annual roof inspection, that’s more of a starting point than anything else. The age of your roof can also impact how often to get roof inspections.

• Roofs less than 5 years old: For a younger roof, an annual inspection should be sufficient. Just be sure to complement these annual inspections with additional professional inspections after major storms.
• Roofs between 5 and 15 years old: As the roof starts to age, they can benefit from semiannual inspections (twice per year). Timing these inspections before and after storm season can ensure your roof is ready for the next year.
• Roofs 15 years old or more: Roofs older than 15 years might be nearing the end of their lifespan, so depending on the roof material, you may want to consider three or even quarterly roof inspections.

Roof Inspection Frequency by Roofing Material

As mentioned, the material of the roof also impacts how frequently you should get a roof inspection. Remember, though, an annual inspection is the baseline for any roof material, even those marketed to last a lifetime.

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Depending on the shingle, asphalt doesn’t always hold up to major North Texas wind and hailstorms. Getting a roof inspection before and after storm season can ensure damaged shingles are repaired before the next storm rolls through.  

Metal Roofs

Durable as they are, metal roofs can still benefit from an annual roof inspection with particular attention paid to flashing. Corners and joints of the roof may be more vulnerable to damage and worth addressing.

Tile Roofs

Tile roofs can be made from clay, concrete, or even durable plastic. Similar to metal roofs, they deserve at least an annual inspection. However, opt for two if your home sits underneath or next to large trees.

Commercial Roofing Systems

Shutting down operations for roof repair can be devastating to the bottom line. Avoid the delays through twice-yearly roof inspections that can identify potential problems caused by hail, lightning strikes, tornadoes, or wind.

Signs Your Roof Needs an Inspection Immediately

Let’s say your annual roof inspection has come and gone, but you’re starting to suspect you need another. How do you know for certain you need to call a trusted roofer for an inspection? Look for these signs:

• Water stains on exterior walls: If you start to notice water stains on exterior walls, this signals you have issues that need addressing. In other words—it’s time to get answers only an inspection can provide.
• Broken shingles: A few broken shingles on the roof, noticeable from ground level, may indicate a roof in need of repair. Having a roofer come out to inspect the scope of damage will determine for sure.
• Mold or mildew growth: If you notice either inside the home, there may be leaks and moisture coming through the roof. It’s best to have a professional assessment.
• Utility rate jump: An unexpected jump in your utilities may point to some inefficiencies on the roof, potentially a leak. Having pros take a look can mitigate the need for a full repair or replacement.

What Does a Professional Roof Inspection Include?

A typical annual roof inspection is really three inspections in one. A professional will typically start at ground level, then make their way up to the roof itself, before completing their inspection from within the home.

1. Ground level: At this level, they’re looking for sagging or signs of unevenness in the roof. They’re also assessing features like gutters and downspouts.
2. Ladder or walk-through: Depending on the roof, they’ll grab a ladder to get a closer look at problems spotted below. They may also look for cracks, broken shingles, and other signs of wear and tear.
3. Interior inspection: They then complete the inspection inside, looking for things like condensation, leaks, mold, and mildew growth.

How Roof Inspections Can Save Money Over Time

How often should you have your roof inspected? The answer also depends on how much you like saving money over the long term. The choice is especially clear if your home seemed to hold up after a big storm. But forgoing a roof inspection might leave minor damage unrepaired and lead to major destruction after a seemingly minor storm. A single missing or damaged shingle can break off in a minor storm and lead to more shingles being ripped off in that same storm.

Roof Inspections in Texas: Why They Matter More Than You Think

North Texas weather truly runs the gamut. Blazing hot rays can cause UV damage to asphalt shingles and commercial roofs. Hail, tornadoes, and other storms can rip up roofs regardless of material. And all four seasons (sometimes in a single day) test the resilience of even the toughest materials.

Understanding how your roof handles these extremes provides peace of mind and a better bottom line. Just as important as an annual roof inspection is the company that does it. At Parish, we don’t let our decades of experience blind us to potential issues; we thoroughly investigate and inspect every roof. Call us today for a free quote on roof inspections, repairs, or replacements in Dallas, Fort Worth, and across the metroplex.