When it comes to protecting your home or business, roofs play a pivotal role. They’re the first line of defense against rain, wind, and other elements that could damage your property (or even threaten your safety). That’s why it’s so important to incorporate roof inspections into your yearly maintenance checklist.
A roof inspection is a detailed assessment of the condition and structural integrity of your roof, with the goal of catching signs of trouble or damage before the problem can escalate. Read on to learn what exactly a roof inspection entails, and why you should schedule one.
When Should I Get a Roof Inspection?
There are many reasons why a residential or commercial property owner might want a roof inspection:
- Your insurance company requests it before renewing your policy or filing a claim
- You want to put your property up for sale
- You waived a home inspection when buying a property
- There are leaks or stains on your ceiling
- You can see visible damage, such as missing shingles
- You simply want peace of mind
Whatever the case, your inspection should be conducted by an experienced roofing professional who understands the complicated ins and outs of roofing systems and can recognize early signs of damage. It’s recommended that you schedule a roof inspection at least once a year, if not every other year.
How Long Does a Roof Inspection Take?
A roof inspection can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, and largely depends on factors such as your property size, roof complexity, and the reason why the inspection is taking place. A regular maintenance checkup, for example, will likely be a lot quicker than a post-storm damage assessment.
No matter what type of roof inspection you’ve scheduled, it’s important to allow your roofing contractor enough time to conduct a thorough check, as rushing could result in the miss of subtle but significant problems.
Can I Inspect My Roof Myself?
Although you may be tempted to just look at your roof yourself, you should leave the in-depth inspections to the professionals.
DIY roof inspections often result in:
- Risk of injury: Your roof is not designed to be walked on, especially if your roof is steep, slick, or already damaged. Without property safety harnesses and gear, you’re at risk for a dangerous fall.
- Worsened Issues: Walking on a damaged roof without the proper tools or knowledge can actually worsen the problem, leading to even more costly repairs.
- Missed Damage: Without the right inspection equipment, industry knowledge, and eye for damage, you might not even know what to look for when you’re up there, leading to misses.
What is Looked at During a Roof Inspection?
A roof inspector will look at every component of your roof, ensuring that no detail, big or small, goes unnoticed. Here are some things that are typically looked at during a roof inspection:
Structural Integrity
Your inspector will start by getting an understanding of the overall structural integrity of your roof. They’ll look for signs of sagging or unevenness along your roofline, fascia, or soffit, which can be an indication of structural failure.
Code Adherence
If the roof is newer, your inspector will review the quality of the installation workmanship, ensuring that everything adheres to local building codes. This could involve checking that the right type of underlayment was used, slope requirements are met, and shingles are fastened according to wind resistance standards.
Materials Check
Your inspector will check the condition of your roofing materials. They’ll be looking for signs of damage, such as cracked seals, missing shingles, or decaying wood. The gutters and downspouts will also be checked to ensure they’re functioning correctly and are clear of debris.
Ventilation Assessment
Proper ventilation is important for ensuring that moisture doesn’t build up and cause rot or ice dams, or affect the energy efficiency of your home. Your inspector will make sure your attic’s ventilation is in good working order.
Fastener Checks
An inspection also involves looking at how many nails or other fasteners are used, and whether they’ve been installed correctly. For example, shingles might require four or six nails, depending on the local wind zone, and these should penetrate the roof decking for proper installation.
Flashing Inspection
Roof flashing is a thin layer of metal that’s installed at intersections or joints on your roof to prevent water leaks. During an inspection, the flashing around your chimneys, vents, or skylights will be checked to ensure they’re properly installed and in good condition.
Interior Examination
Inspectors often go inside to look for signs of leaks or water damage in your attic and upper rooms. This could include dark spots on the ceilings or walls, damp insulation, or signs of mold growth. Although they don’t have to come into your home if you don’t want them to, it helps ensure a thorough inspection.
Does a Roof Inspection Include a Post-Inspection Report?
Most roof inspections (at least ones from reputable roofing companies, like Standard Roofing & Restoration) include a post-inspection report. This report usually takes 1-5 days to receive, and describes the current state of your roof, outlining details such as your roof’s health, structural integrity, remaining lifespan, materials condition, and much more.
This report will include not just the findings and suggested repair plans, but also high-resolution photographic evidence of damage, such as cracked shingles or compromised seals. That way, property owners are able to fully understand the condition of their roof and make informed decisions (without having to climb up there and see it for themselves).
How Much Does a Roof Inspection Cost?
Although the cost of a roof inspection can vary based on factors like the roof’s size, type, and accessibility, they typically cost anywhere from $200 to $600. To some, a roof inspection might not seem worth the money, but to others it’s a worthwhile investment.
That’s because routine inspections can prevent damage from worsening and turning into a much more costly repair down the line. It’s possible that spending a couple of hundred dollars on an inspection will save you potentially thousands of dollars in the long run.
Interested in a Roof Inspection? Contact Standard Roofing & Restoration
At Standard Roofing & Restoration, our team of industry experts has years of experience inspecting roofs, identifying issues, and providing long-lasting solutions. No matter what type of roof you have, we know exactly where and what to look for.
If you’re interested in preserving the health of your roof, and, by extension, your property, then give us a call at (262)-212-5853 or fill out our form to receive a free estimate.