Understanding the Roof Inspection Process and What Inspectors Are Looking for
Homeowners have many responsibilities to keep up with throughout the year. Getting your roof inspected regularly is important for home maintenance, especially after a major storm. Getting these inspections could save you from some pricey repairs or a whole roof replacement in the future.
The National Roofers Contractors Association recommends getting your roof inspected both in the spring and fall, as well as after any major storm with hail or high winds. Depending on the condition of a roof, homeowners can typically get their roof inspected once a year or every two years.
An inspection will help you keep up regular maintenance on your roof which will extend its life and efficiency. Let’s take a look at the roof inspection process and understand what a roof inspector looks for during an inspection.
The Roof Inspection Process: What You Need to Know
There are some easy ways to inspect your roof yourself, but in many cases you just need an expert opinion. A roof assessor will typically have an inspection process to fully examine your roof. We’re going to walk you through the common components of an inspection, including what a roof inspector looks for, how much should a roof inspection cost, and when you should get a roof inspection.
How Much Does a Roof Inspection Cost?
The cost of a roof inspection could range anywhere from free to around $200. Typically, if you already know the problems with your roof and just want to find out the scope of the issue, then an assessor will usually inspect the roof at no cost. However, many contractors will charge for general upkeep maintenance inspections.
When Should You Get a Roof Inspection?
There are several signs to be aware of that indicate when you should get your roof inspected, especially after a storm with hail and high winds. Leaks and drafts are two other common signs that you may need to have a roof inspection done.
Even if you have not found any signs of damage yourself, an annual inspection is a good idea in case there’s damage only a trained inspector could find. An inspection every one or two years can help give you peace of mind and catch problems before they become expensive.
Noticeable Ceiling Stains and Leaks
This is a good indicator that there is water damage that needs to be addressed. Dark stains or streaks on the interior of your roof could indicate water damage. You can usually find these yourself in the attic if you don’t see any water actually leaking.
Air Drafts in the Home
While drafts aren’t always caused by a faulty roof, both water and air can leak through any gaps in the roof. These gaps could add unnecessary costs to your utility bills. In this case, you want to get an inspection so that you can schedule a repair right away.
Aftermath of a Major Storm
Hail and high winds can without a doubt cause damage to your roof. If there are signs of debris on your roof or that has fallen from your roof to the ground, you should get a roof inspection.
Know how to identify hail damage or look out for signs that your roof has experienced storm damage so you know when to call a roofing expert.
Purchasing a New Home
A roof should be one of the first things you get inspected when buying a new home. A full replacement could end up costing you much more than you accounted for.
Changing or Renewing Home Insurance Policy
Depending on the policy, you may be required to conduct an inspection for your Homeowner’s Insurance.
What Happens After a Roof Inspection?
After the inspection, you should receive a detailed report of the parts of your roof that need repairing. Following the inspector’s report, you should schedule necessary repairs as soon as possible.
4 Things a Roof Inspector Looks For During an Inspection
Some signs of roof damage may be obvious including broken or missing shingles, granules in your gutters, or other signs of distress to the roof. But a professional roof assessor will have an extensive inspection process that will look at both the interior and exterior of your roof. So what do roof inspectors look for exactly? Here are four key areas they focus on.
#1) Overall Condition of the Roof
The inspector should look at the interior and exterior of your roof. To check the interior condition, they will need to go in your attic and look at the underside of the roof. They’re checking for things inside like proper insulation, proper ventilation, and signs of any water damage or mold. On the exterior, the inspector will need to climb on to the roof to further check for leaks, and to inspect the flashing, shingles, and chimney.
#2) Signs of Water Damage
The roofing inspector will be looking for things that could cause water damage to your roof such as clogged gutters, the condition of your flashing, or missing shingles. If you have a metal roof, damaged flashing could pull apart and create a gap that water will seep through.
#3) Missing, Broken or Deteriorated Shingles
Missing shingles leave room for water to seep into your home and can be common after a storm with high winds. If there hasn’t been a recent storm, age can easily deteriorate your shingles or cause algae or moss to grow.
Considering puttng new shingles over the old ones? Make sure you understand when you should and when you should not shingle over old shingles.
#4) Clogged Gutters and Drains
Clogged gutters and drains will affect the way water is draining off of your roof. If the gutters are clogged and the water has nowhere to go, this could cause roof deterioration. Additionally, debris or granules that have fallen from your roof could end up in your gutters and are a sign that your roof needs attention.
Hire an Experienced Roofing Contractor to Inspect Your Roof
A roof inspection can give you the peace of mind you need to feel safe in your home. Regular maintenance inspections can help extend the life of your roof and save you from costly repairs or replacements.
Contact Clean Roof Today to schedule a free roof inspection from one of our skilled contractors.
