Roof inspections are an essential part of home maintenance. A professional contractor can assess a roof’s components and general condition, helping you know what repairs to complete to protect your home. In this guide, we’ll dive into how inspections benefit you as a homeowner, how much they typically cost, how the process happens and how to find the right contractor for your needs.
Why Get a Roof Inspection?
Protecting your home starts with ensuring your roof’s health. Whether you are purchasing a new house or have just experienced a heavy storm, getting a roof inspection will give you peace of mind knowing your home is safe. If there is a problem, a roof inspection will give you the opportunity to fix it as soon as possible.
One of the most significant benefits of getting a roof inspection is catching minor issues before they grow into larger problems. A contractor will notice a damaged shingle or a loose metal sheet, enabling you to fix the issue before water starts to leak into your home and cause further issue.
Some other benefits of getting regular roof inspections include:
- Preventing mold growth
- Solving ventilation issues
- Reducing energy bills
- Preparing for winter weather
- Recovering after storms
- Preserving shingles and gutters
- Extending the life of your roof
When to Get a Roof Inspection
Roofs can last for 25 to 50 years, but only when they are kept in good condition. It’s best to have your roof professionally inspected at least once or twice a year to ensure its long life. Fall is an ideal time for inspections, helping to prepare for the wet winter ahead. Spring is also an excellent time to get your roof inspected so you can review any damage that may have happened over the winter before spring rains set in.
You’ll also want to consider getting a roof inspection after a major storm. Severe wind and hail can rip away shingles, tear holes into your roof and cause large branches to fall onto your house. Getting your roof checked out right away will help you prevent small issues from escalating into expensive problems in the future.
Other reasons you may need to get a roof inspection include:
- Moving into a new house
- Tracking a water leak
- Staining on walls or ceilings
- Smelling damp odors in the attic
The Cost of a Roof Inspection
On average, a roofing inspection costs about $220. The price will increase or decrease based on a few factors, such as:
- The roof’s size, pitch and style: Accessibility can greatly affect how much a roof inspection costs. The larger or steeper the roof, the more expensive a roof inspection might be. Roofing style may also affect the price if it makes the inspection more difficult to complete.
- The damage extent: Some roofing companies may charge fees for longer inspection times. If your roof has extensive damage that takes a long time to survey, inspection prices may be higher. Some companies may charge nothing at all for a quick review of a roof.
- The type of inspection: Some companies use drones and infrared cameras to analyze difficult-to-reach roofs and identify water leaks. These inspections are more pricey, ranging from $400 to $600. A traditional physical inspection, where a contractor climbs onto the roof themselves, usually costs $75 to $200.
- The roofing company: Prices will vary from company to company. Some out-of-state contractors may charge higher rates, while others may have fees for different services they provide. Some local companies, like us here at Equity Builders Roofing, offer free inspections to help homeowners easily identify ways to preserve and protect their homes.
What Does the Roof Inspection Process Look Like?
A certified contractor will evaluate several aspects of your home and roof throughout a roofing inspection. The components they look at include:
Downspouts and Gutters
Before even climbing onto the roof, a contractor will inspect your downspouts and gutters. They will check for clogs, debris, standing water and other issues to ensure your roof’s drainage system is working properly. It’s essential that these components are functional so that water moves away from your roof instead of leaking through into your home.
Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is vital to your roof’s longevity and your home’s protection. When inspecting your roof, a contractor will calculate if there is enough ventilation for the size of your house and roof. They may recommend adding more vents to keep your attic well-ventilated, or they may suggest repairing your current roof vents if they are damaged or clogged.
Penetrations
In addition to checking vents, a contractor will inspect other roof-penetrating components such as pipe boots, pipe jacks, skylights and chimneys. They will look for possible leaking points around the protrusions, evaluating the grout, seals and mortar for cracks.
Roofing Materials
Contractors will inspect flashing, soffits, fascia and shingles, looking for stains from rust, moss, algae or water. They will see if any materials are missing, cracked or damaged by pests. For asphalt roofs, they will check for granule loss and any looseness, blistering or buckling.
General Roof Condition
Contractors will appraise the roof’s overall appearance to see if there is any blistering, sagging or bulging. They will inspect valleys where water can pool, ensuring ice dams haven’t damaged the roof and let water seep through. Roofing companies will also check the condition of roof decking by feeling for spongy spots or loose nails.
Interior Spaces
After reviewing the exterior, a contractor will also inspect the inside of your house and attic to see how well your roof is performing. They will check for sagging or stained ceilings, missing or damaged rafters and tilting or leaning walls. They will look for signs of damage, such as water stains, wood rot, holes in the walls or ceilings, beams of light coming into the attic and pests.
How to Find the Right Roof Inspection Contractor
Your home’s safety and stability are some of your top priorities, which is why it’s essential to find a qualified contractor to inspect your roof thoroughly. A few things to look for when searching for an inspection contractor include:
- Certifications: Find a contractor with the proper licensing, certifications and insurance to inspect a roof.
- Customer reviews: Look for recent reviews to get an idea of how reliable a roofing company is.
- Locality: Out-of-state roofing companies may charge higher rates than local ones, so search for a contractor that understands your area’s unique needs.
- Well-established: Check for the roofing company’s online presence, and research how long they’ve been in business in your area.
Get a Free Inspection From Equity Builders Roofing Today
When you need a reliable roofing company, come to Equity Builders Roofing. Since 2002, we’ve made our customers’ comfort and trust our top priority. We maintain high standards for the quality of our work and our customer service, so you can trust that you are in good hands when you work with our experienced contractors.
Invest in the safety of your home by working with Equity Builders Roofing, your go-to licensed roofing company in Bloomington, Indiana. Request your free roof inspection today, or call us at (812) 650-2424 to learn more about our services.