It had been a long night. As Sarah watched the last of the storm clouds roll away, she knew her house had survived another round of heavy wind and rain. But as she stood at her kitchen window, staring out at the morning sky, a nagging thought crept into her mind: Was the roof okay?
Like many homeowners, Sarah had dealt with minor leaks and missing shingles in the past. After a storm this severe, she knew it was time for a proper roof inspection. But where to start? Should she call a professional? Should she try to assess the damage herself first? These were the questions swirling in her head as she grabbed her jacket and headed outside to take a look.
1. Step One: The Visual Check
Armed with a pair of binoculars and a lot of curiosity, Sarah began her inspection from the ground. Walking around the perimeter of her house, she scanned the roof for any obvious signs of damage.
What to Look for After a Storm
Sarah knew that her roof was designed to protect her home from the elements, but severe weather often left behind clues that something wasn’t quite right. Here’s what she checked for:
- Missing or Damaged Shingles: It didn’t take long for Sarah to spot a few shingles that had been ripped off by the wind. Others were cracked or curled, a sure sign that they were nearing the end of their lifespan.
- Debris on the Roof: Branches and leaves were scattered across the roof, and Sarah could tell that some of them had hit hard. While debris doesn’t always cause immediate problems, she knew it could trap moisture, leading to long-term issues like mold or water damage.
- Gutters and Downspouts: After taking a closer look, she noticed that the gutters were overflowing with granules from the shingles. This was a telltale sign of wear and tear, as the granules help protect the shingles from UV rays and weather damage.
Sarah made mental notes of everything she observed but knew this was only the first step. For a more thorough roof inspection, she’d need a professional to climb up there and take a closer look.
2. Calling in the Experts: Why a Professional Inspection Matters
After her visual check, Sarah felt confident she had spotted some trouble areas, but she wasn’t ready to climb a ladder herself. She knew it was time to bring in a roofing professional. Roof inspections should be done by someone with the right experience and tools to spot less obvious damage that a homeowner might miss.
Why Professional Inspections Are Essential
Here’s why Sarah decided to call a roofing company for a full inspection:
- Hidden Damage: While she could see the missing shingles from the ground, Sarah knew there could be underlying damage to the roof deck or flashing—things she couldn’t assess from ground level.
- Peace of Mind: A professional inspection would give her a full report of her roof’s condition, identifying any potential problems early on. This would allow her to take care of minor issues before they turned into major roof repairs or, worse, a full roof replacement.
- Expertise: Companies like Coons Roofing specialize in identifying storm damage and recommending the best course of action. Whether it’s repairing a few shingles or advising on a complete roof installation, professionals have the experience needed to keep homeowners like Sarah from feeling overwhelmed.
Sarah made the call and scheduled an appointment with Coons Roofing, knowing they could give her the expert advice she needed.
3. The Inspection Results: Deciding Between Repair or Replacement
A few days later, the roofer arrived for a closer inspection. Climbing onto the roof, they took note of everything Sarah had seen—and more.
Minor Repairs Needed
While the shingles were certainly showing wear, the good news was that the damage was mostly confined to one section of the roof. The roofing professional recommended roof repair to replace the damaged shingles and address any loose flashing around the chimney.
But What About the Future?
As the roofer continued to inspect, they explained to Sarah that her roof was nearing the end of its lifespan. “You’re in good shape for now,” they said, “but you’ll want to think about a full roof replacement in the next few years.”
The information gave Sarah peace of mind. While she wasn’t quite ready for a full roof installation, knowing that repairs would buy her a few more years gave her time to plan and budget for the future.
4. Preparing for the Repairs
With the inspection done and the repair plan in place, Sarah felt relieved. But there was still some preparation to do before the roofing crew arrived.
Getting Ready for Roof Repair
The roofer had given her a few tips on how to prepare for the repair day:
- Clear the Area: Sarah made sure her driveway was free of cars and her outdoor furniture was moved out of the way. This would give the roofing team plenty of room to work and protect her belongings from debris.
- Inform the Neighbors: Knowing that repairs could be noisy, Sarah gave her neighbors a heads-up about the project. A simple courtesy that ensured everyone was prepared for the sounds of hammers and drills.
With everything ready to go, Sarah knew the repair would be quick and relatively painless.
5. The Roof Repair Process
On the day of the repairs, Sarah was curious to see how the process worked. The team from Coons Roofing arrived promptly and got to work replacing the damaged shingles and securing the flashing.
A Seamless Experience
What Sarah appreciated most was how efficiently the repair was done. The team replaced the damaged shingles, resealed vulnerable areas, and made sure her roof was ready for the next storm. The debris was cleared, and by the time they left, her roof looked good as new.
6. Planning for the Future: Knowing When to Replace
Though Sarah’s roof was back in good shape, the roofing professional’s advice stuck with her: in a few years, she would need to consider a full roof replacement. This gave her time to budget, research new roofing materials, and plan for the installation when the time came.
When to Think About Roof Replacement
While repairs had solved Sarah’s immediate concerns, she began thinking about when it would make sense to invest in a new roof. The roofer’s advice was clear:
- Age of the Roof: If your roof is over 20 years old, it’s a good idea to start planning for a replacement. Even if repairs keep things functional in the short term, roofs have a limited lifespan.
- Frequent Repairs: If repairs become more frequent, replacing the roof could be more cost-effective in the long run. Sarah’s roof was in good shape for now, but she knew that investing in a new roof could save her from constant maintenance down the road.
Conclusion: Staying Prepared for Whatever Comes Next
As Sarah sat down with a cup of coffee that evening, she reflected on the experience. The storm had reminded her of how important her roof was—and how vital regular roof inspections and maintenance were to keeping her home protected. While she wasn’t ready for a full roof replacement just yet, she knew that Coons Roofing would be there when the time came.
For now, her roof was back in shape, and Sarah could rest easy, knowing she had done everything she could to keep her home safe from the next storm.
