Dani Straughan is a content producer for Today’s Homeowner from Durham, North Carolina, with an extensive writing background across multiple industries, ranging from coffee to automotive parts. Dani specializes in creating empathetic content that helps readers make informed decisions about home products and services. When they’re not writing about DIY projects and roof care, you will likely find Dani building custom handcrafted furniture or going on nature walks with friends.
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Table of Contents April 25, 2024 by Dani Straughan
The roof of your home performs several major functions. It sheds water, prevents wind and snow from entering your home, allows for air circulation, and protects you and your home. These jobs are no easy feat.
Inspecting your roof regularly ensures it will continue functioning correctly and withstand exposure to the elements. This guide explains what to expect during a roof inspection, including methods, costs, and troubleshooting for roof-related issues and common questions.
Get a Free Roofing Estimate Get Connected with Professional Roofers in Your Area HighlightsThere are various reasons you may need a roof inspection. Roof systems can deteriorate for the following reasons:
Regular roof inspections are the key to preventing potentially major structural damage. At a minimum, we recommend inspecting your roof annually. You should review your roof after any major weather event. Catching minor issues before they become serious problems or require costly repairs is critical.
A professional roof inspection should examine all components of your roof, check for signs of damage throughout the ceiling and walls, evaluate structural support, and assess roofing material. Expect it to include an interior inspection, material inspection, structural inspection, and workmanship inspection.
Not all roof damage is visible from the outside, so an interior inspection of your roof is vital. Your roof inspector should check your home’s attic, ceilings, and walls. Typically, they look for the following signs of damage:
During the material inspection of your roof, the roofing company inspector should focus on the roofing materials — primarily the shingles and flashing. While looking for any general damage, the inspector should check for missing materials or discoloration from moss, rust, or water infiltration. They’ll also check for any signs of cracks, leaks, or pests. Check out our article to learn how to uncover concealed roof leaks.
A structural inspection examines the well-being of the critical components of your roofing system and how the roof system overall is holding up. During this part of the evaluation, a roofing inspector looks for any signs that may indicate a sagging roof, including the following:
While on the roof, the inspector should check the condition of other roof components like the fascia, gutters, and soffits. If your home has a chimney or any skylights, they’ll inspect the grout, seals, and vents for any indication of damage
To ensure your roof inspection is thorough, ask your inspector to perform a workmanship inspection. The inspector should look for any problems in craftsmanship and common signs of a bad roofing job that could point to future risks of leaks or other damage, like incorrect flashing around roof penetrations.
Generally, a professional roof inspection costs between $105 and $281, though the national average cost is $193. The cost of a roof inspection depends on several factors, like your roof’s size and pitch. Some roofing contractors will give a basic roof inspection for free before you hire them to do any work. However, if you want a detailed inspection, expect to pay for it.
While most roofing inspectors charge a flat fee, some factors can influence the inspection cost, such as the following:
The type of roof inspection you get for your home can also affect the cost. Read on to learn more about the various types of roof inspections.
A physical roof inspection is the most straightforward and least expensive inspection option. A roofing contractor will climb onto your roof and visually inspect critical components. These include the following:
After a physical inspection, the roofing contractor will make recommendations to remediate any issues.
Infrared roof inspections offer a more detailed picture of potential problems with your roof. By using infrared technology, professional inspectors can identify signs of damage that aren’t obvious or visible. This can include small cracks and leaks that could eventually cause significant damage.
If your roof poses a high safety risk for the inspector, you can request a drone inspection. Typically, you would request a drone inspection if your roof is extremely steep or other factors have rendered it unsafe to walk on.
During this type of inspection, the inspector will fly a drone around the house’s exterior, taking detailed pictures and videos of your roof and its components, then analyzing the data afterward.
Home inspections and roof inspections are not the same. Almost all home inspections include a thorough review of your roof, but it’s usually more general than a dedicated, roof-specific inspection.
Today’s Homeowner TipsWhile a home inspector may discover major roof issues like water damage, you’ll get a more accurate and detailed idea of any problems with a roof inspection service.
For example, while pest infestations are a primary concern with a roof inspection, home inspections won’t typically focus on something like that. It’s also less likely that a home inspection will offer a drone or infrared inspection of your roof, so if you want a comprehensive inspection report, you’ll need to enlist the help of a professional roof inspection company.
If you want to inspect your roof, it’s possible to do it yourself, especially if your roof is relatively flat or you have a single-story home. However, this can be dangerous, so you’ll need the proper safety equipment, like a harness. If you want to look for signs of damage or missing material, the safest option is to inspect your roof from a ladder. If you’re feeling unsure, call a professional.
Today’s Homeowner TipsIf you find anything of concern, call a roofing professional to conduct an evaluation. An expert roof inspector can ensure the job has been done correctly and allow you to proceed with necessary repairs and maintenance.
For a relatively low cost, a professional roof inspection can discover any potential problems, allowing you to repair them and prevent further damage. If roof maintenance issues go undiscovered or are left unattended, it could cost you thousands of dollars. A thorough roof inspection is worth it for potential savings and peace of mind — and it’ll extend the lifespan of your roof.
