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. Today, we’ll be answering some of the most common questions about roof inspections, including:

How long does a roof inspection take?
What’s included in an inspection?
When should you schedule one?
How much does it cost?
Do you need to be at home during it?

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.

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!