The Tips You Need To Find A Great Roofing Contractor
Now you know 6 things that every roofing should look for during a roof inspection. Just know this isnt everything that will be inspected, but these are the main things they should look at.
After reading this article, you should be ready to call a local roofing contractor for an inspection. Whether youre looking for a general inspection, a roof leak inspection, or an inspection for a roof replacement quote, its absolutely crucial to hire the right one.
But the truth is, this can be harder than you think with all the options available in your area. Thats why you need to know how to spot a great one from one that could potentially take advantage of you.
Because of this, we have another article that gives you tips to help you find a great roofing contractor for all of your roofing needs.
Since 1990, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided roof inspections to thousands of homeowners in Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee areas. No matter why you need an inspection, you can count on us to give you an honest evaluation of your roof.
Here are the 7 Tips to Find a Great Roofing Contractor so that you can find the right one in your area today.
What Should I Ask The Roofing Contractor
When hiring a roofing contractor for a flat roof inspection, it is essential to ask for proof of licensing and insurance, references, and a written contract.
Please note that references are essential there are many roofing companies who now purchase reviews on Google to help them rank higher in the search engines.
How Much Should A Roof Inspection Cost
A physical roof inspection typically costs between $75 and $200, depending upon the size and other considerations, such as its slope and how many stories your home has.
Factors that affect the cost of a roof inspection include the size of the roof, the pitch or slope of the roof, the number of stories in the home, and the type of roof.
For example, a roof with a steep pitch may require special safety equipment for the inspector, which will add to the cost. It also is possible to hire an inspector to do a video inspection if your homeowners insurance policy covers this type of inspection.
A general roof inspection usually costs less than a detailed one. A detailed inspection may cost an additional $200 or more, depending on the size of your home and the type of roof.
A detailed roofing analysis involves inspecting hidden areas such as valleys, rakes, and chimneys and is especially useful for preventing water damage caused by leaks that are hard to detect.
A professional also can evaluate the quality of materials used and determine whether you need to replace your roof or might need repairs.
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Can You Inspect A Roof Yourself
If you arent a roofing contractor, dont pretend to be by climbing a ladder to get on the roof. An unsafe roof is dangerous, and your safety can be compromised without knowledge and expertise. Your insurance company and the bank will not accept an inspection done by someone who doesnt have expertise in roofing another good reason to hire a reputable roofing contractor. Performing periodic visual checks from the ground should be part of every building owners to-do list. Things to look for: flapping shingles, branches or debris, and eavestroughs that have been damaged are signs of problems. It is essential to visually inspect your roof after a storm to see what Mother Nature has done to your roof.
How Long Does A Professional Roof Inspection Take
On an average-size home, a professional roof evaluation will take somewhere between 1 and 2 hours depending on the difficulty and accessibility.
On larger homes or commercial properties, you can expect a professional roof inspection to take 2 to 3 and even up to 4 hours depending on the type of inspection and all of the different factors we have discussed.
Remember, your professional roofing contractor will also need time to provide you with all the photographs and written documentation supporting all their findings. Many contractors now will label the photos to point out any deficiencies so you can easily see them and have them repaired.
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Who Pays For A Roof Inspection During A Home Transaction
The buyer or the seller can pay for a roof inspection. Typically, the party with a greater interest in having the inspection completed pays.
Most times, the buyer pays if they intend to negotiate a credit or repair because of the poor condition of the roof. Also, the buyer requires a roof certification for financing and insurance.
However, there are some cases when a seller might pay for a roof inspection. For instance, a seller might conduct inspections proactively to show the house is in good condition. This is especially true for sellers of older homes.
Neither party can force the other to pay for a roof inspection. If you want the inspection, you have to pay for it.
What Do Roof Inspectors Look For
A roof inspector is trained to visually examine all roof system components to ensure they’re performing as intended. They check for any weakness, deterioration, or hazards and list all the necessary repairs to make. When they can’t physically reach a specific spot, they may use special equipment such as drones or infrared technology. Typically, a professional roof inspection entails a thorough review of four primary aspects, which we cover below.
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Things Your Professional Roofing Contractor Will Look For During A Roof Inspection
During the roof inspection, your local roofer will be looking for signs of wear and tear on any of the roofing components and the overall lifespan remaining on your roofing materials.
They will also check to determine if your roof needs repairing or replacing to avoid any future roof leaks.
- Proper attic ventilation, because improper attic ventilation is one of the biggest reasons roofs fail. Making sure you have the proper attic ventilation and that it is installed correctly is critical to the life of your roofing materials.
- Condition of your decking & framing from the attic, going inside the attic to see the condition of the framing and decking ensures that your roof is solid.
- Condition of your penetrations these items are typically what require maintenance. Often times your roof does not need replacing to get more life out of it. By performing maintenance on these items you can prolong the life of your roof.
- The integrity of your flashings, your metal flashings is what keeps all of the rain out of your home. Making sure that they are sound and secure and that they have not started to deteriorate or rust is essential to the health of your roof.
- The lifespan left on your existing roof materials is a judgment call that takes an experienced professional roofer to estimate how many more years may or may not be left on your roofing materials. Having experienced and knowledge of different roof types is essential in getting a thorough and honest roof inspection.
Can I Choose My Own Home Inspector
You can typically choose your home inspector. However, your real estate agent may have several solid recommendations to start you off on the right foot. While you dont have to use one of their recommendations, you may want to contact them to compare your options. You can also ask your friends and family for referrals to determine which home inspector suits your needs.
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How Much Life Your Roofing Material Has Left
The lifespan of your roof is the number of years youll get out of your roof. This can be anywhere from 20 to 50 to even 100 years, depending on the type of roofing material you have.
As long as your roof was installed properly, it should get as close as possible to its maximum lifespan. But you wont know how much life is left until you get a roof inspection.
During an inspection, the roofing contractor will check out the condition of your roof and determine if it’s time for a roof replacement. For an asphalt shingle roof specifically, theyll look for things like granule loss, moss growth, and missing, loose, cracked, blistering, or buckling shingles.
If your roof still has plenty of life left, this is also the opportunity to repair little things like backed-out nails that could cause potential leaks. Just be aware some roofing contractors will say you need a new roof even if you dont need one.
Thats why its important to get multiple opinions once you get the news that you need a new roof.
Other Roof Inspection Factors
Your inspector will also search for movement, dampness, or decay in the structure underneath the roof. He or she may also inspect the flashing around openings in the roof, such as the chimney or skylights. The examination will also search for a drip edge, or the lack thereof, to see if there are any locations where moisture may get in.
The roof is inspected from the ground, from the roof itself, and from underneath the roof. While free inspections may just examine at the top of the roof or from the ground, a complete examination should cover all locations. It will provide you with a comprehensive report of the results, including a checklist of all areas inspected and their conditions.
When buying a house or filing an insurance claim, this report is frequently required. The study may also assist you in determining what repair has to be done, when it should be done and how long the roof should endure on average.
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Are Roof Inspections Worth It
Roof inspections are definitely worth it! Since many roofing contractors offer free inspections, theres no reason not to have one done at least once a year. These inspections can help you identify potential problems before they cause serious damage to your roof or your home.
If you wait to have your roof inspected until you see damage, it will be more expensive to repair because the damage will have had time to worsen. In some cases, roof damage can even lead to water damage in your home.
So, if youre looking to save money on roof repairs, then its definitely worth it to schedule a roof inspection on an annual basis. This simple and easy maintenance task could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars down the road!
What Should I Expect During A Commercial Roof Inspection
Our professional roof inspector will closely examine your roof to look for leaks, potential weak spots for leaks, signs of wear and tear that threaten its integrity, damage from debris, water ponding, and other obvious signs of roof degradation.
Through our photo app, weve identified some common commercial roof issues that we easily shared with property owners:
- Rusted fasteners
- Compromised aluminum coatings
- Improper slope, water pools
Our professional roof inspector will look for these and any other issues that may threaten the integrity of your buildings roof and then consult with you regarding the best solutions. At no point will your facility need to shut down during this initial inspection.
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What Gets Covered In An Inspection
So, what does a roof inspection actually entail? First off, its worth noting that professional inspections should be thorough. If a roofing contractor performs an inspection and is in and out of your property in 15 minutes, thats likely not someone you want to hire to perform repairs or a replacement.
Detailed roofing inspections should take closer to 45 minutes or an hour, and the roofing contractor should look for:
As your roof inspector takes a thorough look at your roof, they will take measurements, photos, and notes of its condition. Once the inspection is complete, youll receive an itemized report that describes any damage the contractor found and the repairs that they recommend.
If your contractor recommends repairs or a total replacement, theyll provide you with a cost estimate, so you can know what to expect. If theres urgent damage, you should definitely follow through with scheduling repairs to ensure your roof keeps your home protected. Youre also welcome to get more than one price quote, so you can make an informed decision.
Roof Inspection Cost Factors
The inspection method is usually the biggest cost factor for a roof inspection. However, prices may also fluctuate based on several other factors, including:
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Size: Some inspectors might charge a premium for larger-than-standard roofs. Others might charge you by the roof’s square footage.
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Roofing material type: Different materials require a different level of expertise to inspect for damage. Inspecting a slate roof costs more than inspecting a roof made of asphalt shingles.
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Slope and accessibility: If your roof has a steep slope and is difficult to access, expect to pay more for a physical inspection. Alternatively, you may have to upgrade the assessment to a more expensive option, such as a drone or infrared assessment.
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Climate: More humid climates require an emphasis on moisture damage, while areas with frequent stormslike Florida and Kansasneed inspections for blow-offs. Getting a roofing inspector experienced with conditions in your specific locale and for your particular type of roof is essential.
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Inspect The Attic Closely
Make sure that the contractor looks around your attic as well. Specifically, they should be looking to see how the ventilation is in your attic, as well as if there is any rotten wood on the roof.
A quick look in the attic can tell you a lot about the condition of the roof, as well as the risk its been subjected to in previous years. If there is poor insulation, you should look closely for excess wear on the roof from the additional heat that would leak through. During the winter, this heat can cause serious problems by causing the formation of ice dams. Essentially the snow melts on your roof and runs down, freezing to the end of it.
What Will A Roof Inspection Cost
Following the inspection, the roofing contractor should give you a written report and the photos he took while he was on the roof. If he recommends any work, it is up to the homeowner to determine whether he will hire the contractor that did the inspection or if he will shop around for estimates from others.
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Labor Costs To Inspect A Roof
Roof inspections differ based on the kind of roof, the size and slope of the roof, and the general condition. The cost of most inspections is a set amount that is determined in part by the size and type of your roof. An assessment of a 1,500 square foot asphalt roof, for example, will cost between $250 and $600, with an average cost of $450.
If there are numerous layers of shingles on the roof, several skylights or protrusions in the roof, or if the pitch is abnormally steep, costs may be greater. Due to the nature of the material, an inspection of a slate or tile roof might cost up to $800.
What Your Virtual Roof Inspection Process Should Look Like:
Now that you have a basic understanding of virtual inspections and aerial imagery, lets walk through the process from beginning to end, so you know what to expect.
(You can also learn from the pros. Read more about the inspection process in the Don Kennedy Roofing case study.
Step #1: Select the right roof inspector vendor or expert
With advancements in technology, there are a lot of choices out there when it comes to aerial imagery vendors. Everyones throwing their hat in the ring lately. However, that doesnt mean all choices are created equal.
So when selecting a virtual roof inspector vendor, youll want to consider the following:
- How long have they been in the field?
- Do they use satellite, aerial, or drone imagery?
- What type of technology are they using to capture the images?
- What viewpoints do they use? Orthogonal or oblique?
- How accurate are their images, and what is the resolution?
- If theyre using drones, are they flown manually or automatically?
- What type of customer support do they offer?
- What is their reputation within the industry?
Step #2: Tell them what youre trying to achieve
Virtual roof inspections are used for a variety of purposes, from providing insurance assessments to roof replacement estimates. And each has its own specific needs and requirements.
Step #3: Review their processes for capturing images and sending reports
Step #4: Get clarity on what exactly youll be getting from their roof report
Step #5: Order your report and create an estimate
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Things A Roofing Contractor Looks For During A Roof Inspection
Now you have an idea of how much a roof inspection costs. Remember, every roofing contractors inspection price will be different.
But there is one thing that every roofing contractor should have in common, what they look at during a roof inspection. Lets get to 6 things a roofing contractor looks for during a roof inspection.
Should You Stay Home During An Inspection
You dont necessarily need to be home during a roof inspection, but it is recommended. Ideally, the roofing contractor will take a look at your attic, in which case youll need to be around to let them in.
Its also ideal if youre around when the inspection is complete so the contractor can walk you through what they found on your roof. Theyll be able to talk to you about what repairs they recommend and what results you can expect if you move forward.
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