Having Your Roof Inspected By A Professional
Given the general condition of your roof, its age, and the weather conditions in your area, you should have an idea about how often to have it inspected.
Now, the next thing you should think about is if you should self-check your roof or have it done by a professional.
If you choose the DIY route, keep in mind that there are safety precautions you need to follow when inspecting your roof. You should also be careful not to cause further damage to your roof or else its warranties could be voided.
If you choose to hire a professional, you can think of it as a wise investment for your home.
Not only will the qualified roofing expert look for visible signs of damages, but they will also check all the things that may be difficult for a homeowner to check on their own. For example, the underlayment, flashing, etc.
Its the wiser and safer option, even if you do have some DIY experience. You can rest assured that your roof will be thoroughly inspected and little problems will be taken care of before they become a nightmare.
What To Look For During Roof Inspections
There are a number of things that your roof repair contractor will look for when inspecting your roof. During a routine check, you can expect your contractor to look for general wear and tear around pipes, vents, and chimneys. The contractor will also look for any signs of blockages in the downpipes or gutters, as this can cause water to overflow onto your foundation. Signs of rust or decay in the downpipes or gutters could indicate that water is standing which is also surefire sign of a buildup.
Every square inch of your roof should be examined during a professional inspection. The roof repair contractor will look for any missing or broken shingles, damage to screws and fixings, and possible signs of rust on the roof flashing. He or she will also check for blistering or curling shingles which may indicate the need for replacement shingles. An accumulation of algae or moss on your roof could mean that you have a moisture issue that needs to be dealt with. Your contractor should also look for loose debris or roofing material on the ground around your homeâs foundation.
How Much Does A 5
The certification cost of $75 to $200 doesn’t change for two years compared to five years. Paying more will not lead to a longer lifespan estimate. Certification will take the same work no matter its outcome, and the condition of the space will determine how long the pro believes your roof will last.
Also Check: Where Do The Screws Go On A Metal Roof
The Benefits Of Roof Inspections
A roof inspector can typically spot any of the following:
- Damaged shingles
- Mold
- Wood rot
The earlier issues are discovered, the sooner you can fix them and potentially spare yourself the stress of further damage. The best part is that a roof inspection may not cost you anything. If an insurance company has ordered an inspection as part of the underwriting or claims process, you wont be required to pay out of pocket. Youll only have to pay for an inspection that you initiate. However, having your roof inspected every few years may be a good idea, even though hiring an inspector that often likely means youll pay out of pocket.
When you stay on top of your roofs needs, you are more likely to increase its longevity. No roof lasts forever, but if you address hiccups as they arise, the chance of your roof undergoing a massive system-wide failure is greatly lessened. Generally, roof inspections may be a helpful tool that benefits you, as a homeowner.
Find Damage Caused By Water
Your roof is going to be inspected by a professional roofer for soft spots, flashing installation, shingle conditions, as well as leaks. Apart from this, they ought to review the roofing systems interior too.
The roofing experts will be checking your attic for the proper insulation, leaks, mold, mildew, and ventilation setups. It is possible for water damage to begin long before seeing a wet spot on the ceiling. An expert will be able to catch all these leakages prior to causing significant damages to your residence.
Also Check: Metal Roof Extension
Diy Or Hire A Professional
The next thing you need to consider when inspecting your roof is whether you should hire a professional or if you should just do it yourself. After all, inspecting your roof shouldnt be that difficultshould it? The inspection process is more intensive than you may think. It involves more than simply checking for major tears and gaps. In fact, a full-scale checklist should be completed each spring and fall. You should be checking for any number of items, looking at seals around every element and essentially making sure that your roof is 100% perfect and ready to face any problems that may lie ahead. Many companies offer a roof inspection service so make sure you work with a firm that has the know-how and background to complete a full-scale evaluation, and that they will cooperate with you to complete any needed service.
How Often Should A Roof Be Inspected
Professionals generally recommend that roofs receive a detailed inspection at least twice per year. One inspection should occur in the fall and the other in the spring. The mild weather experienced during these seasons makes it easier to spot issues.
Having one inspection in the fall and one in the spring also ensures that your roof receives inspections that are evenly spaced throughout the year. These inspections are strategically placed before periods of temperature increase and seasonal weather changes to help prepare a roof for potential hazards that occur.
It is also important to have a roof inspected after periods of inclement weather. For example, roofs can receive a lot of damage from constant rain, hail, and heavy snow. New roofs should even receive an inspection after these periods of fierce weather. Any roof has the potential to be ruined or damaged during these events. It is much better to solve the problem quickly before it gets worse.
Although it may seem tedious to perform these inspections so often, youll find this task much more favorable than fixing a broken roof. Even the smallest areas of damage can end up leading to major problems when not fixed immediately. This can even lead to damage within the home as well. Preventing these major problems will end up saving you money in the long run.
Read Also: Roof Overhang Extension
When Action Is Necessary
For homeowners with colored grit found in places like the gutters, thats a red flag. It might look like sand, but it means the roof is being exposed to dangerous UV rays. It might be that the roofs service life is about to expire, and acting quickly may give you a few more years. Any shingles with issues require immediate replacement. There are some things a handy DIYer can do him or herself, such as nailing back in loose shingles. But for the most part its best to leave things to a pro.
In an ideal world, roofs are expertly inspected annually, preferably in the autumn before the wind, rain and snow sets in. Otherwise, its recommended to have a new roof inspected after the first five years. And then at 10 years, 13, 15, 17, and every year after that. Handymen are truly handy for small fixes and can save you a few dollars, but theres no substitute for a professional, licensed roofer who carries liability insurance and workers compensation on their employees.
If You Notice Anything Out Of The Ordinary
Calling professionals to deal with roof repair is one of the best decisions you can make. Not only do roofing professionals have experience, knowledge, and skills to deal with roof repairs efficiently, they also understand the importance of safety for them and your family when on a roof or working in close proximity to it. Working with www.my-pittsburghroofing.com, you can ensure to avoid any further damage and problems. Having professional help means leaving your roof and house in good hands.
Also Check: How Much Do New Shingles Cost
A Damaged Roof Can Lead To Other Problems
Leaks are a roofs worst nightmare. It can lead to water damage, which can be a costly problem to fix. Water leaks will also cause mold and rot within your house or building if left untreated leading to more serious problems like structural integrity issues that could affect the safety of you and your family when traveling in high winds or storms which isnt something any homeowner wants!
To prevent these terrible things from happening, it is important for people with leaky roofs to call roofing professionals as soon as they find out about the issue so repairs can begin right away before further damage occurs.
How Often Should I Check My Roof For Damage
Most people do not give their roof the credit it deserves. Your roof protects your home from rain, snow, ice, and wind. It also provides a barrier against heat and sunlight, while keeping destructive critters from wreaking havoc in your home. While your roof has many functions, most of us do not maintain it the way we should. Over time, the elements and other factors can cause extensive damage to your roof. Allowing roof damage to sit untouched can result in costly repairs down the road. Learn how often to check your roof for damage and when you should call a roof repair contractor.
You May Like: Extending A Roof Overhang
How Often Should You Get Roof Inspections
Knowing how often to get a roof professionally inspected depends on various factors, including what building materials compose the roof and what kind of conditions it has been exposed to in the course of the year. Signs of damage may also require more immediate action. In fact, the National Roofing Contractors Association recommends a self-check at least twice a year in addition to professional inspections. Here are some guidelines to help determine how often to schedule a professional home roof inspection.
A Legitimate Roofing Professional Should Not Charge For Inspection
A legitimate roofer can offer the inspection services for absolutely no fee! When searching for a professional to perform an inspection on your roof, you must ask if they can do that for you for free. After all, who does not want freebies?
Do not overlook the need to inspect your roof as recommended and when there is a need. In the same breath you should for an oil change for your car, it is equally important that you do the same for your roof. Regularly check your roof in case of damage and work with a professional in the field to help you out.
It is also important to note that metal roofs require little to no maintenance, unlike asphalt roofs. When you buy a metal roof, you are guaranteed up to 60 years of efficiency and less damage and maintenance on your end making them a great bargain for you. At Top Metal Roofs, we offer quality metal roofing solutions for commercial residences and homeowners. Let us know if you would like a metal roof installation.
Read Also: Extending Roof Overhang
Infrared Roof Inspection Costs
A thermal roof inspection costs between $400 and $600. This approach is typically more expensive than a standard checkup because of the technology involved. Typically, it includes a drone that captures thermal imagery of the surface.
Like a typical drone inspection, this alternative works well for roofs that are difficult to access. It adds a layer of complexity in that the thermal imagery allows for an estimation of where both the surface and the insulation need replaced. Especially in colder climates, it can help you optimize your home’s heating in addition to finding leaks.
The pro will not need to physically access the roof or even have to touch the surface to determine its integrity. Instead, infrared rays assess the higher and lower temperatures of different parts of the roof. The footage helps to determine if heat is escaping in some areas more than others, which indicates wear and weakness in that portion of the room.
Get Quotes From Local Roof Inspectors
Some Important Reasons Why Home Roof Inspections Are Necessary
As a homeowner, it is not easy to identify the actual condition of your homes roof just by looking at it. Since roof repairs or roof replacements tend to cost a huge chunk of money, you should consider investing in regular roof inspections to avoid paying for expensive roof repairs in the future.
Not only that, but if you are looking to buy a new property, you should also schedule a roof inspection along with a home inspection in order to determine the condition of the roof. And if you are an existing homeowner, you should hire a roofing professional for routine roof inspections to ensure that the roof is always in good condition.
Read Also: Adding Eaves To Gable End
Do You Need More Help With Your Roof
MHI Roofing are fully QBCC Licenced and members of the Housing Industry Association . This means we can fully guarantee all our workmanship and products for your absolute peace of mind. In fact, we offer a full 10-year warranty on workmanship and materials, on all products, on every residential roofing job. 20 Years Experience. Were proud to have assisted over 8,000 happy customers.
When Your Roof Is Damaged
Recently we wrote about checking your roof for damage after a storm and a regular home roof inspection can prevent most damage to the home, but sometimes storms can severely harm the roof as well. This damage is often visible through leaks in the ceiling, usually noticed in the form of water stains. Other signs include tiles and shingles missing or damaged, or even granules of the shingles in the gutters and drainage system. Any kind of daylight showing in the attic or crawl space is another indication of damage and should be immediately addressed. Dry rot, as well as mold and mildew thanks to water seepage, can also pose a major threat to the integrity of the home. Keep an eye out for dark spots or streaks, or for sagging in the roof itself. If you notice any of these things, the roof needs to be professionally inspected immediately to prevent further damage to the home.
Recommended Reading: How Often Does A Roof Need To Be Replaced
How Often Should I Schedule An Inspection
The basic rule of thumb about roof inspections is that you should get it done twice per year. A spring inspection and a fall inspection make the most sense for most homeowners.
A spring inspection lets you catch any problems caused by winter weather. You can get a roof repair estimate and schedule a roof repair service. A fall inspection lets you catch any problems cause by summer storms.
You might wonder, How much is a roof inspection? Youll typically a little over $200 for a standard roof inspection, although prices can vary around $100 up or down.
What Is A Roof Inspection
Your roof is a mechanical system. It may seem to be a passive feature of your house. But, just like your homes HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems, your roof performs functions that require proper maintenance and periodic inspections to ensure reliable service.
A roof inspection is a thorough examination of all roofing components on, or in, your home. The inspection is performed to determine the current performance of your roof and what, if anything, needs to be done to correct any problems.
Roof inspections are also performed to certify a roof. That is, to determine the quality and expected lifespan of a particular roof. These inspections are common when buying or selling a house.
Read Also: How Much Shingle Roof Cost
Choosing The Right Roofing Materials:
The cost of your roof inspection depends onthe kind of materials which is used in your roofing. Commonly used shingles forroof covering are composite and asphalt shingles, these are widely used inUnited States and wooden shingles are on the second number because of theirmaterial, they are getting popular.
Asphalt and composite shingles needprofessional inspection every three years, wooden shingles too needs inspectionevery three years and tile roof need inspection in every five years. Theseshingles have longer life expectancy.
Commercial Roof Inspection Costs
Most commercial roof inspections range between $200 and $500, but that price can be $1,000+. That higher price is largely because commercial roofs are typically bigger than their residential counterparts.
As a result, many commercial contractors charge by the square foot instead of by the project. Expect a price between $0.05 and $0.10 per square foot, meaning a small 10,000 square foot warehouse will range between $500 and $1,000.
Commercial projects also come with more regulations, like a check for OSHA guidelines. That’s another reason for the higher price.
Also Check: Attic Trusses Cost
There Is More To Your Roof Apart From Shingles
Although tiles and shingles are the things which individuals usually think of while picturing a roof, there are a lot more components which might need repair and regular inspection. In fact, the roof consists of a structure made of rafters for providing it with proper support.
Besides this, there is a sheathing material on top of it which is made of boards or sheet metal covering the rafters and covering the structure of the roof. There is also a base layer above this on which the tiles and shingles are placed.
It will be quite difficult for the property owners to inspect this particular layer on their own, and this is the part that degrades quite easily thus requiring repair more, frequently as compared to the roof coverings out there. It is likewise possible for the gutters and flashing to wear with the advent of time and they must be in proper shape for maintaining the condition of the roof.
