Roof inspections are not something you think about often.
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 home, and other forms of home inspection; however, did you consider inspecting your roof by chance?
Chances are you didn’t and that can come back to haunt you.
The roof is out of the side and out of mind and lack of proper maintenance can result in serious problems and costly repairs. Roof repair is not a joke, and chances are you found that out quickly!
Today, we got you covered on the ins and outs of a roof inspection.
What does a roof inspection consist of?
When it comes to roof inspection, there is more than meets the eye. A thorough inspection by roofing companies often consists of going a layer deeper and examining the innermost layer of your home’s roof to make sure it is in good shape, which allows them to off insightful advice on needed repairs on the roof of your house.
This 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, etc.
A roof inspection also more often than not includes an interior inspection to ensure that the attic has proper ventilation let alone insulation to ensure a healthy roof from within.
✅ See Also: New Roofs & Their Costs
Why should I get a roof inspection?
Sometimes the signs of roof damage are not so obvious. In that case, a roof inspection is 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 roof or a relatively new one. Simple repairs or potentially significant damage, why would you run the risk of not knowing when you could hire a roofing contractor to be your eyes and ears? A matter of priorities, and a slip up here, could be an avalanche if you are not careful.
For those who got their roof inspected: Common Roof Problems!
1) Faulty Gutters
Homeowners can expect roof damage that can cost a fortune if you fail to inspect your gutters! Gutters help store and therefore drain and remove excess rainwater and other debris from your roof via the downspout away from your house.
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 completely disappear.
This can lead to serious damages as it exposes your decking material to excess moisture which can invite a whole host of problems that include but are not limited to: the spawning of mold, water leaks and damages, and decline of the structural integrity of your roof’s interior foundation.
You may not see your shingles from the ground level for the most part, but keep an eye out for these guys! Can be easy to miss the tell-tale signs that could save you a roofing project in the future.
3) Seasonal Change in Elements
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.
4) Compromised Decking
Your own roof can be breaking down from within and you may not even know it! As mentioned before inspection serves 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.
How much does a Professional Roof Inspection cost?
Professional roof inspections costs vary greatly on factors that include geographical region, type of real estate, and complexity of the inspection. Some will be free if you suspect roof damage.
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. Have an open mind to what they find and be sure to trust your gut – sometimes you might need a second opinion.
Most insurance companies want a few opinions for a roof replacement or before they come out, so be sure when you hire a roofing inspector they are certified through the contractor you elect to go with.
As far as the labor costs go if roof damage is found, these prices have a tendency to fluctuate depending on what part of the country you are in.
Plus, it is important to note there is a difference between commercial and residential properties and therefore some will require adherence to different building codes and therefore would require different roofing services.
The best thing you can do it contact roofing companies in your area for roof inspections. Would not hurt to try! More insight is always key.
How to contact a roof inspector/roofing company:
Contacting roofing companies/roofing contractors in your area can be easily done through a quick search on your desired search engine.
It is advisable to put the numbers in your favor by creating a running list of companies that not only over your desired services but are cost-effective in the long haul. Some HOA communities have 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 the top thing you are looking for! Roof inspectors should be employed by a roofing company that has a roof certification to determine the expertise and valid insurance carriers with liability insurance just in case an accident were to occur.
If it is difficult to get them to provide proof of either one from their insurance company, great hesitation or is found by the Better Business Bureau to have deceptive practices, don’t proceed. There are better options out there!
What’s the verdict?
Roof inspections are not your walk-in-the-park type of home improvement process.
They require time, being proactive, and expertise above all else. As you can see it pays off to be aware, so don’t hesitate to get your roof inspected.
A roof inspection report that comes back with some necessary adjustments is better than not knowing at all. If you have any additional questions about roof inspections, don’t hesitate to reach out and we will be the help you need moving forward!
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