Why should I get a roof inspection?

How often should you have your roof inspected?

For a business or homeowner, you should follow the basic rule of thumb and do a visual inspection after any significant weather event. You or a maintenance team should walk around once a month to check for any roofing issues.

Twice a year, getting a professional roof inspection is advised. A professional roofing contractor will do a more thorough inspection because they know the smallest things to look for that can indicate bigger problems are possible.  After a storm that had hard rain, hailstone, and/or high winds, a professional contractor will often offer free roof inspections.  If there is a cost, they will deduct that from the total bill if you choose to go with their services.

When is a roof inspection necessary?

Whether you do it yourself, pay for a roof inspection or get a free roof inspection, it is the best way to make certain that the roof of your business or home is free of any damage and is overall healthy. Consider being of the same purpose as your annual medical check-up.  Here are 5 reasons why you should have routine roof inspections:  

1) The Annual Check-Up

As we mentioned above, getting a free roof inspection annually is the best way to be certain your roof is healthy. This annual inspection and evaluation will give you peace of mind that all is well. Or it will find small issues that can be addressed before becoming a bigger problem.

2) Never Had a Roof Inspection

If you haven’t ever had a roof inspection of your business structure or home, you should take up any offer for a free roof inspection by a professional contractor. A previously owned home or business structure can have roofing issues that a roof inspection could discover.

3) Buying or Selling

Potential home buyers often ask their realtor, “Should I get a roof inspection when buying a house?”, and the answer is, “You may not have a choice if you’re financing the purchase.”. The same with buying a commercial structure. Anytime you’re financing a large purchase like buying a commercial structure or home, an engineering inspection and roof inspection are required.

If you’re paying cash, getting a free roof inspection is recommended, or even if you have to pay for the service, just so you’ll know what you’re getting before closing on the deal. And if you’re selling your business or home, again, a full-fledged roof inspection may be required by the buyer’s bank.

4) Weather Events

We can’t stress it enough, if there is any extreme weather event that includes hailstones or extreme winds, you’ll likely get a knock on the door offering free roof inspections. Take advantage of that service, but do not sign any agreement until you have at least 2 more roof inspections. Today, roofing contractors are doing drone inspection along with a physical roof inspection and will provide you images of any roof damage that can help with an insurance claim.

5) Damage Noticed

During your monthly walk around, if you notice any loose or missing shingles, flashing, dented siding, or other damage, call your insurance company and file a claim.

Does insurance cover roof inspection?

To have the recommended annual roof inspection, no, your insurance policy will not cover that cost. Insurance covers roof inspections done by their insurance adjuster when you have filed a claim.

What does a roof inspection consist of?

A professional or free roof inspection should include examining every component of the roof. This includes the structural support, the roofing material’s stability, and any indication of damage to the ceiling and walls. This will include the inspector checking the attic or upper crawl space.

Because the roofing contractor will need to enter your home or business to do a thorough roof inspection, be cautious of the free roof inspection offer. Take the time to check their credentials and history in your area to be sure they aren’t the ‘fly-by-night’ kind of deal.

What should I expect from a roof inspection?

A roof inspection should include inspecting both the exterior and interior and checking the attic and ceiling for water damage that can indicate a roof leak. Next, the inspector will get on the roof and inspect the roof for the following:

• Debris and Vegetation
• Broken Shingles or Tiles
• Deterioration and Rust on the Flashing
• Clogged gutters, downspouts, and roof valleys
• Cracked or failing seals at roof penetrations including the attic vents, plumbing vents, fans, pipes, etc.

After the paid-for or free roof inspection, you should get a written report and/or estimate for any damage found and the cost of any repairs or replacement.

How long does it take to do a roof inspection?

The time a paid-for or free roof inspection will depend on the size of the structure, but most are completed within 1 to 2 hours.

What happens if a roof fails inspection?

If the home or business is getting a roof inspection to complete a buy/sell transaction and it doesn’t pass, the two parties will need to negotiate the cost of the purchase. Options can include the roofing to be repaired or replaced prior to the closing or the cost of repair/replacement being deducted from the agreed purchase amount. 

If the roof inspection is being done to upgrade or change insurance policies, a failed inspection will require the repair or replacement to be completed prior to the insurance policy being issued.