The Insurance Information Institute reports that wind and hail are among the top causes of homeowner insurance claims nationally, and roofing damage accounts for a significant portion of those claims year over year.
Beyond weather, roofs age. Asphalt shingles degrade under UV exposure, thermal cycling, and moisture over time. Granule loss accelerates after the first 15 to 20 years. By the time a roof visibly shows its age, curling, cupping, streaking, it’s often already past the point where repair is a practical long-term solution.
Regular inspection is one of the simplest and most overlooked forms of home maintenance. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends inspecting a roof at least twice per year, once in the fall before winter weather arrives, and once in the spring after it clears. Big River Roofing offers free roof inspections across Western Pennsylvania, which removes the cost barrier entirely.