Homeownership often comes with a whole slew of surprises. For example, did you know you should schedule regular roof inspections to ensure your roof is in good condition? Most homeowners only schedule roof inspections when they think it may be time for a new roof entirely.
Most people stray away from scheduling roofing inspections because they assume they’re expensive. But what’s the real roof inspection cost? The answer might surprise you!
Roof Inspection Cost: What to Expect
While new roofs themselves are quite the investment, inspections themselves aren’t. In fact, many professional roofing companies offer free roof inspections! Free inspections are typically offered for home or business owners who inquire about possibly needing roof repairs or a roof replacement.
However, if you call the same roofing company multiple times per year to come and perform a free inspection, they have the right to charge for their time and labor on those repeated inspections. We’ll touch on how often you should schedule a roof inspection below.
Even still, some roofing companies do charge to perform a roof inspection— in this instance, you can expect to pay around $350 on average. Keep in mind that this price will fluctuate up or down depending on the size of your home and your location.
Why Is a Professional Roof Inspection Important?
Roofing systems are complex, and many signs of roof damage can be almost impossible to see from the ground or with an untrained eye. That’s why it’s important to hire a professional roofer to complete this project. You might be surprised by what they can find that you had no idea was on your roof!
Some roofing contractors will even provide a drone inspection with their regular service. That’s certainly something the average homeowner can’t do themselves! A drone inspection will allow you and your contractor to see your roof’s condition from a bird’s eye view.
Additionally, if you ever have roof damage that you hope your homeowner’s insurance will cover, it’s best to have a professional opinion backing you up.
How Often Should You Schedule a Roof Inspection?
It’s wise to regularly schedule roofing inspections, but it’s certainly not something you need to do every month. Typically, you should schedule an inspection:
- Once a year (if there were no major storms)
- After every major weather event (hail, intense wind, etc.)
- When you’re thinking of selling your house
Perhaps the most essential time to get your roof inspected is after a storm. Wind can lift your shingles, and hail can dent them, both of which leave your roof susceptible to leaks. If you sustain roof damage after a storm, you can file an insurance claim and potentially receive coverage for repairs. But you’ll never know to get the coverage if you never schedule that initial inspection!
A roof certification is a type of roof inspection that helps ensure the sale price of your home. Roof certifications are incredibly helpful to schedule before you list your home for sale. The certification confirms that your listing price is accurate and gives potential buyers peace of mind about the condition of your roof.
- Note: If you schedule a roof certification before listing your home for sale, and the roofing contractor finds that your roof is in poor condition or almost towards the end of its lifespan, you’ll likely need to lower the listing price of your home. Alternatively, you can schedule a new roof replacement before putting it up for sale, which will allow you to increase the sale price.
What Gets Covered in an Inspection?
So, what does a roof inspection actually entail? First off, it’s worth noting that professional inspections should be thorough. If a roofing contractor performs an inspection and is in and out of your property in 15 minutes, that’s likely not someone you want to hire to perform repairs or a replacement.
Detailed roofing inspections should take closer to 45 minutes or an hour, and the roofing contractor should look for:
- Clogged gutters or downspouts: Water that’s not properly draining from your roof can lead to leaks and ice dams.
- Missing, loose, or otherwise damaged shingles: Shingles that have been damaged from inclement weather or old age can allow water to seep in.
- Shingle granule loss: Shingle granules are the sand-like material on shingles. They’re the first line of defense, and if they’re shedding, your roof is vulnerable.
- Rusted or damaged flashing: Flashing protects areas that are extra-susceptible to leaks, so if the metal material is damaged, your roof could leak.
- Damaged roof vents: Roof ventilation keeps your energy bills down, so you definitely want your vents to be in working order.
- Roof sagging: A sagging roof deck is an urgent issue that must be fixed right away. You could risk a collapsed roof if you don’t address it.
- Light peeking through the attic: Light seeping through your roof indicates a small hole in your roof that’s likely letting in water.
- Signs of interior water damage: Water stains and musty smells can indicate that you have a roof leak.
- Moss or algae growth: Black streaks or green growths indicate the presence of moss or algae, which usually signal a ventilation issue.
- Condition of soffits and fascia: These are the parts of your roof that hang directly over your house. You may be able to add an additional vent to your soffits to improve attic ventilation.
As your roof inspector takes a thorough look at your roof, they will take measurements, photos, and notes of its condition. Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive an itemized report that describes any damage the contractor found and the repairs that they recommend.
If your contractor recommends repairs or a total replacement, they’ll provide you with a cost estimate, so you can know what to expect. If there’s urgent damage, you should definitely follow through with scheduling repairs to ensure your roof keeps your home protected. You’re also welcome to get more than one price quote, so you can make an informed decision.
Should You Stay Home During an Inspection?
You don’t necessarily need to be home during a roof inspection, but it is recommended. Ideally, the roofing contractor will take a look at your attic, in which case you’ll need to be around to let them in.
It’s also ideal if you’re around when the inspection is complete so the contractor can walk you through what they found on your roof. They’ll be able to talk to you about what repairs they recommend (if any) and what results you can expect if you move forward.
Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection Today
Since roof inspections are often free, there’s nothing to lose when you schedule one. Whether your roof simply hasn’t been looked at in a while, you were affected by a recent storm, or you plan on selling your house, the roofing experts at Tidd’s Roofing will perform a free, high-quality roof inspection for your peace of mind.
If we discover that you need repairs or a replacement, we’ll help you get scheduled at a convenient time that works for you. And with our accessible financing options, you won’t need to worry about pinching pennies in order to keep your home protected.
Reach out today to schedule your free inspection!
