After several drier-than-normal years, many Southern California communities have let their roofing inspection and maintenance routines slip, falling back on an attitude of “no rain, no leaks, no problem.” But during that time, heat, expansion and contraction, wind, and general wear and tear may have caused unnoticed roof damage that can result in big trouble when the rain comes. Whether or not this winter will include major storms on the horizon, Orange County roofing and water intrusion experts, Antis Roofing and Waterproofing, recommend getting an inspection before it’s too late.

According to roofing specialist Aaron Antis, cracked pipe sealant, split shingles, torn flat roofing and broken tiles are all possible roofing problems that can develop when a roof is not subject to regular inspection. These issues can contribute to leaks, but a simple inspection and maintenance routine is typically all that is needed to fix them. If left unchecked, however, they can cause water intrusion to the tune of thousands of dollars in exterior damages, and interior damages resulting in costs that can be up to 10 times greater. Factor in the hassle and loss of confidence that comes with a problem that could have been easily avoided, and routine maintenance becomes a top line item on the to-do list.

“We have definitely seen a slip in general maintenance across multi-housing communities,” commented Antis. “And while the weather holds, and there’s no visible problem, it’s not much of an issue. But all it takes is one big storm and the degree of damage can be extreme.”

Cracked pipe sealant, broken tiles and damaged areas are a main source of leaks, but they’re also easy fixes if detected before it’s too late. On the other hand, broken tiles and split shingles can cause the roof’s felt underlayment to deteriorate. Once this protective layer becomes compromised, it can serve as a point of entry for water intrusion once the rain starts. This type of repair is more involved, but it’s worth the investment, because when ignored, it can lead to major expenses later on. Antis advises any community that has had leaks in the past and has yet to replace its roof to get an inspection as soon as possible.

“You can gamble and face the possibility of a significant out-of-pocket cost if you lose,” concludes Antis. “Or you can budget for an inspection and some routine maintenance and have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you did everything you could to protect the interests of your renters and homeowners.”