Homeownership is always chock full of new experiences. You constantly find yourself searching YouTube or Google for ways to fix things, and you seem to be spending more time in home decor aisles at department stores. Perhaps you’re finding yourself wondering about the condition of your roof and if you should get a roofing inspection.
If you’ve never had your roof inspected before, it’s normal to have questions about the process.
This Blog At A Glance:
Roof Inspection Duration
- Typical Time Frame: Most roof inspections take at least 45 minutes.
- Variable Duration: Depending on the size, complexity of the roof, and specific concerns, inspections can take several hours.
- Customized Estimate: Before the inspection, ask your potential roof inspector for a time estimate based on your roof’s unique characteristics.
Signs Your Roof May Need Replacement
Signs Your Roof May Need Replacement- Curled or Cupped Shingles: Edges of shingles that are curling or tabs that are cupped can indicate significant wear and may lead to leaks.
- Bald Spots: Missing granules on shingles can expose the underlying materials, making your roof more vulnerable to the elements.
- Cracked Shingles: Cracks in shingles can allow water to seep through, leading to potential water damage.
- Dark Streaks: Often caused by airborne algae, dark streaks can be a sign of moisture retention and potential deterioration of the shingles.
- Moss Growth: Moss can trap moisture on the roof surface, leading to damage over time, particularly in cooler and damp climates.
How Long Does a Roof Inspection Take? ⏰
Like many things in life, the answer to “how long does a roof inspection take?” is “it depends.” Generally, you can expect the inspection to take 45-60 minutes. (The measure of a good roofing contractor is that they spend a good amount of time taking a close, detailed look at your roof. If someone’s in and out in 15 minutes, they probably didn’t do much actual inspecting.)
However, roof inspections can take longer— up to several hours— based on certain factors, such as:
- The size of your roof
- The extent of the damage
- If there was a recent storm
You want your roofing contractor to be as detailed as possible because that lends to a more accurate price estimate. The more inspecting they do upfront, the fewer amount of surprises should occur if you end up needing roof repairs or a replacement.
What Is Included in a Roof Inspection? 🔍
So, what does a roof inspection entail, besides a professional roofer taking a glance at your roof and telling you that you’ll need to pay money for repairs? (Keep in mind that a respectable roofing company will always remain honest— and that includes when you don’t need any repairs.)
Your roof inspector should take a closer look at both the exterior and interior of your home. They’ll look for structural problems, water damage, leaks, and potential leaks.
On your roof, they’ll look for:
- Cracked or broken shingles
- Missing shingles
- Curling shingles/wind uplift
- Loose, exposed, or rusted nails
- Sagging roof deck
- Cracks or damage to flashing, skylights, and vents
- Crumbling sealant
- Moss or algae growth
- Rust stains
- Excessive shingle granule loss
- Clogged gutters or downspouts
Inside your home, they’ll check for:
- Light peeking through your attic
- Water stains on your ceiling or interior walls
- Mold or musty smells in the attic
- Symptoms of unwanted pests
- Proper attic ventilation and insulation levels
- Cracked or peeling paint where the wall and ceiling meets
When Should You Schedule an Inspection?
Regular roof maintenance is one of the responsibilities of homeownership. Professional roof inspections are one of the best ways to maintain your roof and ensure it remains in top condition for many years.
Ideally, you should schedule a roof inspection at least once a year on an annual schedule. In addition to your annual inspection, call your preferred local roofing company to come check on your roof:
- After a storm (hail, wind, thunderstorms, etc.)
- If you notice missing shingles
- You see excessive granule loss in your downspouts
- You’re planning on selling your home soon
If you prefer to have your roof inspected multiple times a year, some roofing companies will offer annual maintenance plans that you can sign up for to ensure your roof is taken care of.
Average Roof Lifespan
Typical Lifespan: The average roof lasts between 25 to 50 years.
Material Quality: Higher-quality roofing materials tend to last longer.
Durability Factors: The lifespan depends on the material used, with some materials like slate and metal roofing lasting significantly longer than asphalt shingles.
Maintenance Impact: Regular maintenance and timely repairs can extend the life of your roof, regardless of the material.
How Much Does a Roofing Inspection Cost? 💰
The question on everyone’s minds— how much does an inspection cost? If you’re scheduling an inspection after a storm or to see if you need any repairs, many reputable roofing companies offer free inspections. However, if you’re calling your roofer every six months to take advantage of the free inspections, they have the right to begin charging you for their time and labor.
If you pay for a roofing inspection, you’ll probably pay somewhere in the $140-$220 range. And as we mentioned above, some roofing companies have roof maintenance plans that you can sign up for. With these, you usually pay a flat fee, and your roofer will check on your roof every few months.
Do You Need to Be Home During a Roof Inspection?
Finally, since a thorough roof inspection should include an interior inspection, it’s a good idea to be home during it. Your roofer will want to take a closer look at your attic, so you’ll want to be home to let them in and show them to your attic.
If finding time during regular business hours proves difficult, you can either have your roofer inspect only the exterior components or try to find a company that works outside of normal business hours. If you’re experiencing storm damage, some roofing contractors provide emergency services.
Schedule Your Free Inspection With Roof Troopers
We hope this guide helped answer your main questions about roof inspections. If you live in Northern Virginia and need a roof inspection, Roof Troopers should be your first call. As the most trusted roofing company in the area, we’ll provide a thorough inspection complete with an honest and accurate price quote.
Reach out today to request your free estimate!
