Roof inspections are not often considered. If you live in Boise, Idaho, chances are you didn’t consider one until you had a roofing concern requiring contacting a professional.
A day in the life of a homeowner can conjure up a few things from a maintenance perspective, such as cutting the grass, pressure washing your house, or raking some leaves. However, what about the annual roof inspection?
Your home’s roof protects your entire home and keeps it dry during storms, cool in the summer, and warm in the winter. A lack of proper maintenance and care can result in severe problems and costly roof repairs when Mother Nature causes roof damage. Here at Legacy Roofing of Boise and the Treasure Valley, we pride ourselves on the thorough roof inspections we provide area residents. Today, in this blog post, we will outline the steps of our roof inspection and what you should know as a homeowner!
What does a roof inspection consist of?
Regarding roof inspection, there is more than meets the eye. A thorough inspection by roofing companies like Legacy Roofing often consists of going deeper and examining the innermost layer of your home’s roof. From climbing on the roof and getting in the attic space, we inspect your roof’s condition and common pain points to check for areas where water can enter the home.
Our roof inspection process includes but is not limited to, checking if particular parts of your roof like roofing material, skylights, ridge vents, chimney caps, flashing, rubber boots and roof pipes, roof shingles, and the like are securely fastened, in working order, and don’t show signs of significant wear or tear, leaks, mold/moisture, and more.
A roof inspection also often includes an interior inspection to ensure that the attic has proper ventilation and insulation, which is essential for a healthy roof from within. Finding a roof inspector who can give you a full report and provide you with actionable insights can be challenging. That is why we offer a thorough roof inspection for all of our prospective and past clients for no charge.
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Why should I get a roof inspection?
In our ultimate roof inspection guide, our goal is to help you know everything about roof inspections and dealing with a professional roofing contractor! Sometimes, the signs of roof damage are not so obvious. Similar to how a car can look OK but have some underlying issues, your home’s roof can be the same way, making a roof inspection vital.
A roof inspection is a necessary security blanket that allows you to get a detailed report of the health of your roof, including any current roof damages or risk of such, and honest feedback on current maintenance practices and how and when aspects of your roof should be repaired.
If you have an older or relatively new roof, having a reputable roofing contractor in Boise, ID is vital to make sure your roof stays on top. As your roof ages, the condition of your roof can deteriorate, causing the need for preemptive roofing repairs or roof replacement.
Roof Inspected: The Most Common Roof Problems:
What you will quickly notice after a roof inspection is that one issue can sometimes snowball into many issues. However, if you stay on top of your roof and conduct annual inspections, you can prevent many common roof problems!
1) Faulty Gutters
If homeowners fail to inspect their gutters, they can expect roof damage that can cost a fortune! Gutters help store, drain, and remove excess rainwater and other debris from their roofs via the downspout away from their houses.
Gutters that are clogged could put your roof at risk for roof leaks causing serious water damage as they rip away from your fascia boards. Most professionals recommend regular roof inspections to ensure clear and working gutters, especially if you live in an area with high precipitation and erratic weather.
2) Damaged Shingles
A roof’s shingles are one of the more vulnerable parts of the roof but serve as the first line of defense for the underneath decking material. Shingles go through progressive wear and tear due to the elements over time and can sometimes become brittle, crack, or even disappear entirely.
This can lead to serious damages as it exposes your decking material to excess moisture, which can invite a whole host of problems, including, but not limited to, the spawning of mold, water leaks and damages, and the decline of the structural integrity of your roof’s interior foundation.
The most common causes of roofing damage include:
- Windstorms
- Hail damage
- Storm damage
3) Seasonal Change in Elements
If you live in Boise, Idaho you know that we get snow, we get heat, and we get everything in between.
Seasonal change and its impact on the roof can be tricky and hard to pin down as weather can only be predicted so much. However, the winter can be a real nightmare!
Frigid temperatures can form ice dams in areas with higher contact with excess moisture like gutters and downspouts, and roof shingles, causing the material to break down, crack, if not collapse altogether if serious enough. You know what a disaster that would look like as mentioned above! Loss of heat from your home, as well as the overall cold environmental conditions, are the root causes of ice dams.
The stress winter can put on a roof makes it worth conducting an annual roof inspection before the winter months to ensure your roof is in working order.
4) Compromised Decking
A qualified roof inspector can help you locate roof decking that is aging or needs to be replaced. Your own roof can be breaking down from within, and you may not even know it when the roof decking is compromised. As mentioned before, roof inspection services are designed to go a layer deeper to see the current status of your roof’s interior foundation. Faulty gutters, damaged shingles, and seasonal shenanigans if no inspections are done, can cause your decking to rot and undermine its durability due to progressive water damage.
Most decking is made out of plywood, and some out of planks. Basically, if it is wood, do your due diligence to ensure your roof’s decking is adequate and meet’s your home’s needs.
You can get free roof inspections with Legacy Roofing Idaho by reaching out below:
How much does a Professional Roof Inspection cost?
Professional roof inspection costs vary greatly depending on factors such as geographical region, type of real estate, and complexity of the inspection. Some inspections are free if you suspect roof damage. Here in the Boise area, as one of the top roofing contractors, we are always willing to help out Treasure Valley homeowners.
A word of advice when it comes to roof inspections:
- Don’t pay for a roof inspection if you suspect damage. Call a contractor or your insurance company and get a FREE inspection.
- Don’t always assume you have damage or don’t have damage. Be open to what they find and be sure to trust your gut—sometimes, you might need a second opinion.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for photos of your roof inspection!
Most insurance companies want a few opinions for a roof replacement before they come out, so be sure when you hire a roofing inspector, they are certified by the contractor you elect to go with. As far as the labor costs go if roof damage is found, these prices tend to fluctuate depending on what part of the country you are in.
Plus, it is important to note that there is a difference between commercial and residential properties. Some will require adherence to different building codes and, therefore, would require different roofing services.
The best thing you can do is reach out to us here at Legacy Roofing for any roof inspections.
How to contact a roof inspector/roofing company:
To start the roofing inspection process of your roofing system, start by contacting roofing companies/roofing contractors in your area. Here at Legacy Roofing, we offer roof inspection services for cities all over the Treasure Valley from Nampa to Meridian, Caldwell, Emmett, Star, Kuna, and more (see all roofing locations here).
If you suspect you might need a roof repair or you just want peace of mind, be sure to reach out to a reputable roofing contractor to inspect your roof. Some HOA communities offer free inspections, and other companies offer free quotes for inspection services, which may even include the use of a drone pilot; you never know!
Credibility should be at the top of your list when you are looking for a roof inspector or contractor. Roof inspectors should be employed by a roofing company with a roof certification to determine the expertise and valid insurance carriers with liability insurance just in case of an accident.
Beware of Storm Chasers:
If you are speaking with a roofing contractor and it is difficult to get them to provide proof of either one from their insurance company, there is hesitation, or the Better Business Bureau finds them to have deceptive practices, don’t proceed. There are better options out there, and in most cases, storm chasers will cause more harm than good to your roofing system!
What’s the verdict on roof inspections?
Roof inspections are not your walk-in-the-park type of home improvement process. They require time, proactiveness, and expertise above all else, which is why selecting the right roofing contractor is a must. Your roofing material has age limits, and it is best to be proactive to save money in the long run.
A roof inspection report with some necessary adjustments is better than not knowing at all. If you have any questions about roof inspections, don’t hesitate to reach out, and we will be happy to help you move forward!
✅ Need a roof inspection? Submit a request here:
FAQ:
How much does a roof inspection cost?
A roof inspection can vary in costs, but in most cases they are free when provided by a roofing contractor. If you suspect a roofing issue or you simply want a roof inspection, you can reach out to Legacy Roofing here. A roof inspection cost Idaho should be free, however, some contractors may charge.
What are the signs of roof leaks?
Signs of roof leaks include water stains in your ceiling, water dripping inside, missing shingles, and exposed roof decking. If you notice low spots in your roof or suspect a roof leak, it is best to have a roofing professional inspect your roofing materials.
What roofing components are inspected?
A roofing inspector will conduct a full inspection of your roof similar to a home inspection, only they focus on just the roof. This means they will look inside of your attic space for leaks and inspect the condition of your current roofing system.
Can I conduct my own roof inspection?
While we don’t recommend homeowners get on their roof, you can conduct a ground inspection of your roof by visually checking over your roof. If you suspect a roofing issue, it is best to call a reputable roofing contractor in Boise. Doing a roof inspection on your own can be dangerous if you were to fall.
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