In March, I decided to have a roof inspection done on my home in Bixby, Oklahoma, by Family Tree Roofing. After a windy winter, I wanted to know how much life my shingles had left and if there was any hidden damage. It turns out that most experts and the team at Family Tree Roofing suggest having an inspection at least once a year or after any major storm to catch small issues before they turn into leaks.
Why Did I Think I Needed A Roof Inspection This Spring?
Living in Bixby, we get a little bit of everything when it comes to weather. This past winter wasn’t the worst we have ever seen, but the wind was relentless. I noticed a few small pieces of asphalt grit in my gutters while I was cleaning them out in early March.
I didn’t think much of it at first, but then I saw a small water spot on the ceiling of my guest closet. It wasn’t dripping, but it was enough to make me realize I should probably have someone look at it.
Spring is usually the time I try to get all my home maintenance out of the way. I knew that if I waited until the heavy May rains started, every roofing company in the area would be booked out for weeks. I also noticed that some of my neighbors were getting their roofs looked at, which is usually a good sign that it is time to check your own. Our houses were all built around the same time, so if their shingles were starting to fail, mine likely were too.
I wanted to find someone local who knew how Bixby weather treats different materials. I am not a roofing expert, and I didn’t want to climb up there myself. It is one of those things where you know you need a professional eye because a view from the ground doesn’t tell the whole story. I reached out to Family Tree Roofing because I heard they treat their clients like family, and I wanted that level of honesty.
How Often Should A Roof Inspection Be Done?
I asked Gary and Neil this question as soon as they arrived. I figured maybe every five years was enough, but they explained why that might be pushing it. In Oklahoma, our roofs take a beating from hail, high winds, and extreme temperature swings. They suggested that a professional look at the roof once a year.
Yearly checks are great for catching things like cracked pipe boots or loose flashing. These are small parts of the roof that fail long before the shingles do. If you catch a cracked seal in March, you avoid a messy ceiling repair in June. They also mentioned that if a major hail storm rolls through the Bixby area, you should get an inspection regardless of when your last one was.
What Happened During The Inspection Process?
Gary and Neil were top-notch from the moment they pulled up. They were present throughout the roof inspection and kept me informed every step of the way. I really appreciated that they didn’t just disappear onto the roof for twenty minutes and then hand me a bill or a scary estimate. They actually showed me what they were looking for.
They started by walking the perimeter of the house, looking at the gutters for signs of heavy granule loss. After that, they got up on the roof to check the soft spots and the condition of the vents. They used a few basic tools to check the integrity of the flashing around my chimney. It was interesting to see how they checked the “valves” of the roof.
The service was exceptional from start to finish. They checked the shingles for bruising, which is what happens when hail hits. They also looked for wind lift. That is when the wind gets under the shingle and breaks the sealant strip. Even if the shingle doesn’t blow off, once that seal is broken, it won’t protect the house as well. Family Tree Roofing also worked at an incredible fast pace without making me feel rushed.
What Does A Roof Inspection Usually Cost In Bixby?
I was curious about the financial side of things. In our part of Oklahoma, a standard professional roof inspection can range anywhere from $150 to $400, depending on the size of the house and the steepness of the roof. Some companies offer a basic visual check for a lower fee, while a more technical inspection that includes drone footage might cost more.
Fortunately, many local companies provide a basic assessment for free if you are a local homeowner. The price of actual repairs is where things vary. A small roof repair company might charge a few hundred dollars to replace a few shingles or reseal a vent. But if the inspection reveals that the roof is at the end of its life, a full replacement is a much larger investment.
The time it takes is also pretty manageable. My inspection took about forty-five minutes to an hour. It didn’t take up my whole Saturday, which I appreciated. March is a busy time for me, so having them show up on time and get right to work was a huge plus.
Why I Chose Family Tree Roofing In Bixby, OK
I decided to go with a local business because they understand our specific environment. They know about the humidity levels and the specific types of storms we get in Bixby. Dealing with a company that has local experience means they aren’t surprised by the building codes or the common architectural styles in our neighborhoods.
They have a lot of practical knowledge about which materials hold up best against Oklahoma winds. I didn’t feel like I was just another number on a spreadsheet. There is a certain reliability that comes with a team that lives and works in the same community. They did a great job as a roof repair company when I had a small leak issue in the past, so I knew I could trust them for a routine checkup.
Keeping My Home Safe This Season
Taking care of the roof is one of those chores that is easy to forget because it is out of sight. But after seeing how thorough Gary and Neil were, I realized how much peace of mind a simple checkup provides. Addressing the issue early helps prevent further damage and allows the area to dry properly before the next storm hits. It feels good knowing that my house is ready for the Oklahoma spring.
If you haven’t had someone look at your shingles lately, it might be time to schedule a roof inspection in Bixby, OK. It really didn’t take much time, and the information I got was worth it. Get your free quote from Family Tree Roofing and see what the condition of your home actually is before the rain starts.