Let’s talk about tune-ups. You tune up your car, your furnace, and your musical instruments. Tune-ups are a common occurrence for many things in life, but most homeowners don’t feel the need to check on their roofs.
While it’s true that a properly-installed roof can last at least 15 years, no roof is invincible. As time passes, your roof can wear down because of:
- Wind 🌬️
- Hail 🧊
- Debris 🍂
- UV rays ☀️
- Age 👵🏼
No one wants to deal with a sudden roof leak or be surprised about needing a full roof replacement. The best way to keep your roof tuned up is to schedule a roof inspection. This ultimate homeowners guide will answer all the frequently asked questions about roof inspections.
What Does a Roof Inspection Entail?
When you schedule a roof inspection, a roofing contractor will find a time to come directly to your property and take a detailed look at your roof. A dedicated professional won’t just take a haphazard glance at your property but will physically get on your roof and also inspect your attic.
During a thorough roof inspection, the inspector will be looking for the following issues on your roof:
- Missing shingles
- Cracked or damaged shingles
- Shingles lifted on the edges
- Exposed nail heads
- Rusted or damaged flashing
- Hail punctures
- Excessive shingle granule loss
- Clogged or faulty gutters
- Roof sagging
Then, if you have an attic, the roof inspector will spend time in your attic looking for:
- Water stains
- Musty smells
- Light peaking through the attic
- Dripping water
- Proper attic ventilation
The purpose of a roof inspection is to catch issues before they turn into larger problems. If your roofing contractor discovers any of the above issues, they’ll write up a detailed report. Depending on the age of your roof, you may need minor repairs or a total roof replacement.
Or, if your roof looks sound, you may not need to do anything! An honest contractor will never push a sale for a service you don’t need.
In some cases, storms can be the cause of roof damage. If this is the case, you have the option to file a homeowners insurance claim. If your claim is approved, you may receive insurance coverage for the repairs or replacement you need. Keep in mind that only your insurance company can approve your claim, but it is helpful to have a detailed report from your roofing contractor to support your case.
How Often Should You Schedule an Inspection?
It’s helpful to get your roof inspected regularly, but that doesn’t mean you need to call your roofing contractor monthly. There are three go-to rules when it comes to scheduling roof inspections:
- Schedule an inspection once a year, or
- After any major storm, or
- When you actively notice a roofing issue
No major storms this year, and you’re not noticing any missing shingles in your yard or signs of a roof leak? Then you’re in the clear to simply schedule your annual inspection. Many homeowners prefer to schedule theirs in spring or fall.
Had a recent hail storm or a particularly intense thunderstorm? It’s always wise to play it safe and have a professional take a look at your roof. The longer you wait to address roof damage, the more serious (and expensive) the issue can get.
How Much Do Roof Inspections Cost?
Many reputable roofing contractors offer free inspections! If it’s your first roof inspection or you haven’t scheduled one in a few years, you’ll likely be able to take advantage of this no-cost service.
However, some roofing contractors charge for their time and expertise, and if your roofing contractor inspects your property multiple times a year, they’re allowed to charge you for their labor. If there’s a price attached to a roofing inspection, it’s usually not more than a couple of hundred dollars.
Some roofing companies offer roof maintenance plans if you’re interested in having frequent roofing inspections. These programs allow you to pay a monthly or quarterly fee for regular roofing inspections and discounted repairs. They can also fall under the “customer loyalty” category, so you may get priority scheduling if you sign up for one of these programs. Ask your preferred local roofing company if they offer a regular maintenance program!
How Long Does the Inspection Take?
If a roof inspector is in and out of your property in less than 15 minutes, then you probably don’t want to hire them for any further work. A reputable roofing contractor will take their time and perform detailed work.
Usually, a thorough roof inspection takes roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of your home. If you have a particularly small home, it may take closer to 30 minutes. Similarly, if your home is over 2,000 square feet, the inspection may take longer.
Do You Need to Stay at Home?
You’re not required to be at home during a roof inspection, but it is helpful. It’s quite beneficial for the roof inspector to take a look at your attic, so it’s ideal if you can be at home to let them into your attic.
Additionally, if you stay at home, the roofing contractor can walk you through their findings and suggestions in person immediately after the inspection.
Get Started With Your Free Inspection Today!
Roof inspections are a little-known but majorly helpful resource for homeowners. As we mentioned earlier, be sure to schedule an inspection either annually, after a big storm, or when you notice visible roof damage.
If you live in Northern Virginia, your first call should be to Roof Troopers. Our experienced and dedicated team will perform a detailed roofing inspection and offer our honest suggestions for a healthy roof.
Reach out to Roof Troopers today to schedule your free inspection!
