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Why Roof Inspections Are Important

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An Important Step in Protecting Your Roof

Every 30 days, you do the responsible homeowner duties of changing the batteries in the smoke alarm and changing the air filter in the HVAC system. You have your gutters cleaned professionally once a year, or maybe even do it yourself. Do you schedule a roofing inspection service once a year or every other year though? 

Probably not, most homeowners don’t think about that, and you should. What’s the purpose, should I get a roof inspection? You may be asking this question. A roofing inspection service will thoroughly check your roof for everything, including small issues that can become bigger problems. With roofing, there is always the possibility of finding things you can’t see from the ground during an inspection. There are also many things with roofing that the untrained eye may not realize is a small issue. 

How often should roofs be inspected?

As a homeowner, you have committed to the maintenance and upkeep of your home, and that should include the roof. Just like having the HVAC system inspected and serviced to expand its lifespan, the same is to be said of the roof too. Roofing contractors that offer roofing inspection services recommend having the roof inspected every two years, with one exception.

The exception to this rule is after a bad weather event. Having a professional roofing inspection service performed after a night or day of hail, hard rain, and heavy strong winds is recommended. You want to make sure your roof endured the bad weather without any damage left behind. If there is damage, you need to have it repaired sooner rather than later. Even the smallest damage can leave your roof and even the rest of your home susceptible to further damage. 

Other times that a roofing inspection service should be scheduled is for any of the following: 

The Roofing Material

The longevity of your roof will depend on the type of roofing material you have on your home. Ceramic tile or slate roofs have extremely long lifespans with little maintenance required. However, an asphalt roof can wear faster than the 20-year warranty that most of them have. So if you’re noticing asphalt granules in the gutter runs and downspouts, or along the flowerbeds of your home, a roofing inspection service is recommended. 

Roofing Features

Weatherproofing is essential to a roof for the prevention of leaks. The waterproofing roof features include the flashing that is installed around the chimney, pipes, and vents, and in the roof valleys. The drip edge along the roof is another roofing feature. A roofing inspection service to check these things when you notice any are loose or missing is recommended. If the flashing isn’t in a firm position, your roof is susceptible to leaks. 

Roof Age

Most asphalt shingles have a 20 to 25-year warranty, and some have a 30-year warranty. However, the average lifespan will usually be between 15 and 25 years. The weather conditions can affect these lifespans, especially extreme weather conditions like hail, hot sun, or piles of ice and snow. A roofing inspection service annually in areas like Pennsylvania where we get a lot of snow is recommended with asphalt roofing. 

How are roof inspections done?

A professional roofing inspection service will take the following steps: 

Inspect the Interior: The first area a professional roofing inspection service will check is your home’s interior, including the attic. They will be looking for indications of water leaks. They will be looking for openings in the roof where streaks of light are entering, and they will inspect the insulation and rafters for moisture and mold, all indications there is a roof leak.

Inspect the Exterior: The next thing a professional roofing inspection service will include is the exterior part of the roof. The technician will be looking for signs of damage like loose missing shingles, damaged or missing flashing, and cracked caulk. 

What do roof inspectors look for?

What a professional roofing inspection service will look for depends on the roofing material on your home. With most homes having a shingle roofing, we’ll review what the inspection focuses on: 

Water Damage – There are many things that cause water damage to an asphalt shingled roof. Clogged gutters, and damaged, loose, or missing flashing are two of the biggest culprits. 

Mold – Mold growth around the chimney or on the attic insulation is usually an indicator of excessive water damage. During the interior portion of a roofing inspection service, the technician gives these areas detailed attention.

Deteriorating Shingles – this includes loose and missing, algae growth, or signs of rot.

Clogged gutters – roofing inspection service will check the gutters for excessive amounts of shingle granules, a key indication that your shingles are wearing thin. 

How long does a roof inspection take?

Factors that will determine the time a roofing inspection service takes are the size and shape of a roof. The larger the house, the more steep angles of the roof, the longer it can take. The length of a roof inspection on a one-story home can take between 45 and 60 minutes.

Are roof inspections free?

If there have been recent storms coming through your area, most reputable roofing inspection service companies will offer a complimentary inspection. Some will charge a fee with that amount being deducted from any roofing service you have them complete. 

How much should a roof inspection cost?

As with the time to complete the inspection, the cost of a roofing inspection service will vary. With the roofing materials, the roof pitch, and the detail of the inspection, you can expect a fee between $200 and $300. Again, this fee will usually be deducted from the cost of any roofing work you have performed. 

What happens when a roof fails inspection?

If you live in the home and the roofing inspection service gives you bad news about your roof, get a second inspection. If both produce similar concerns, get the repair or replacement they are recommending. 

If you’re selling a home that fails the roofing inspection for a potential buyer, you have the option of getting the work done as recommended or reducing the sale price by the amount of what it will cost. 

In Closing 

Another common question – Do roofers do roof inspections? The answer is yes. Most roofing contractors offer roof inspection services. However, you will need to clarify that when you’re calling to schedule an appointment. There are some roofing contractors that do nothing but installations and repairs, working as third-party contractors. Home inspectors can also do a roofing inspection service as part of their general inspection during the sale of a home.

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