Breaking Down The Estimation
Overall, a contractors estimate should definitely include these smaller details in addition to the higher overview information such as the type of shingles to use, when the job will be done by, etc.
Dont be afraid to question a contractor who didnt take the time properly inspect your roof. Your roof is not something you want to settle for when it comes to who you choose to work on it.
For a high-quality roof inspection, call First American Roofing and Siding today. We have the experience and knowledge to give you an accurate estimation, as well as get the job done right the first time.
What To Expect During A Home Roof Inspection
About the Author
Chad Fortson
Homeowners might believe that as long as the roof looks free of debris or damage, that theyre in the clear. But over time your roofs integrity does decline, especially without proper maintenance.
Roofing inspections are critical to increasing the longevity of your roof and spotting problem areas that could cost you significant money in repairs. They should be performed at least once every three years or immediately after a severe storm. If you have neglected to get your roof inspected, or if its your first time, there are a few things you should know.
How Your Commercial Roof Inspection Works
When it comes to the roof on your commercial property, it can be surprisingly easy to let preventative maintenance slip your mind. After all, you have plenty of other concerns taking your attention. Thats why its important to set up a regular commercial roof inspection schedule, to make sure you dont miss any small problems before they become catastrophes.
Ideally, you should have your roof inspected at least once every year, as well as any time your building experiences severe weather. No matter how comfortable you may feel looking for the damage yourself, our trained roofing technicians have the knowledge and the experience to find cracks, holes, and other minor defects that you might easily overlook.
While most commercial properties have low slope roofs, we know that businesses can be found in all kinds of buildings. We offer specialists for all types of roofs, including:
- Asphalt shingle
- Low slope membrane
- Roof coatings
When we send out technicians to perform commercial roof inspections, well make sure we provide you with a roofing professional who is familiar with your specific type of roofing.
At Four Seasons Kanga Roof, our commercial roof inspection process involves a thorough examination of every part of your roof, which helps us identify any existing and potential issues:
Don’t Miss: How Many Screws Per Sheet Of Metal Roofing
When To Have Your Roof Inspected
First of all, the moment you notice anything wrong with your roof, you should schedule an inspection. For example, if you spot a leak or a missing shingle. It doesnt matter how minor the issue might be. When it comes to roofs, minor issues are often deceiving. They could be symptoms of bigger problems hidden from sight or one which could become a bigger problem if not addressed right away.
Do Roofing Companies Do Roof Inspections
Reputable roofing companies typically perform inexpensive or free roof inspections. However, this service is most often associated with receiving a quote for repair or replacement. Roofing company inspections are usually relied upon for assessing storm damage, or if youre planning on replacing your roof for any reason. Hiring an independent roof inspector may be more appropriate for periodic inspections or appraisals.
You May Like: How Often Should You Get Your Roof Replaced
How Do Home Inspectors Check A Roof
Friday, October 19, 2018
The two main things we look for are: 1) evidence of roof leaks, and 2) age and condition of the roof material. Age and condition are tied together as one item because theres always a correlation between the two. In the absence of any other information, we look at the condition to determine the approximate age of the roof. Some roofs age a little faster or slower than average but, like people, there are definite signs of middle-age and then the relentless progression to senior-citizen status.
Different planes of a roof age in different ways, and we take that into consideration too. The south-facing side of the roof gets the most sun, and therefore the most ultraviolet damage. Conversely, the north-facing side gets the least sun and is more likely to have moss growth or mildew discoloration. Also, the heavy tree cover in many Gainesville neighborhoods can cause staining that makes a roof look older than its actual age.
Metal roofs corrode with age, and the fasteners are the first to show rust damage. We also check for proper fastener spacing and correct lapping of the panels.
Broken and damaged tiles, along with any improper installation, are noted at tile roofs, which are the most difficult to age by condition.
Built-up and modified bitumen roofs are used for low-slope applications and show signs of aging similar to shingles, along with alligatoring of the roofing tar.
www.thevillagesbestinspector.com Comments or questions to
What Does One Look For In An Inspection
Answer: a whole lot.
Weve got 1,600 different items on our list that home inspectors are supposed to look at, says Claude McGavic, executive director of the National Association of Home Inspectors, which trains and certifies home inspectors throughout the country.
And a home inspection can help a buyer big-time: Provided you have a home inspection contingency in your offer, you can renegotiate with the seller to fix certain problems or to lower the price. If the problems are more than you want to handle , you can walk away from the deal with your deposit in hand. Either way, its a win-win for potential buyers.
You May Like: How To Extend A Metal Roof Overhang
Walls Ceilings And Floors
A home inspector will check the walls, ceilings, and floors for any discoloration, mold, or water damage. They will check for sagging ceilings or cracks and other structural damage in the walls. They will also look for uneven baseboards in the flooring or bulging areas in the walls. It is important to note that the inspector will not place negative marks on cosmetic items, only structural damage or areas in need of repair due to safety hazards.
What Does A Home Inspector Not Do
While home inspectors do their best to identify problems, theyre only able to do a visual inspection. That means, for example, they cant open up a wall to find out if there are issues going on in places you cant see. In other words, the inspector will be limited to what they can see, and that means some issues might go unnoticed.
Another limitation is that its not exhaustive, and the inspector wont have a chance to disassemble systems and components to make sure theyre in perfect condition. For example, the inspector might run the furnace to make sure it works and check its age, but wont look inside to make sure all the components are working optimally.
Its also important to remember that home inspectors have a good general knowledge, but they arent experts in every area, and they can miss things.
Don’t Miss: How Many Screws Per Square For Metal Roofing
How Much Does A Roof Inspection Cost
As weve said, an excellent roofer is going to offer free roof inspections. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to pay for inspection for one reason or another, Home Advisor has some average data for how much that may cost.
The average cost of a roof inspection is around $210. Roof replacement costs vary by material.. But they can range from low $100s to low $300s. Depending on the roofer and the situation, they can even go up from there.
Doing Your Own Roofing Repairs
Any loose, damaged, or missing shingles should be replaced immediately. Check for popped nails that need to be hammered back in place.
If youre comfortable working on a roof, then its not too difficult to replace shingles and caulk flashing yourself. Cost: $24 for a bundle of shingles, $6 for roofing caulk. Allow a half-day to make a few shingle repairs.
Metal and vinyl flashing around chimneys, skylights, and attic vents that has separated needs to be resealed with caulk. However, flashing and vent boots that are beginning to rust or deteriorate should be replaced.
Don’t Miss: Cost Of New Roof California
How Often Should You Replace Your Roof
The roof is one of the most important parts of the home. Without a strong and secure roof, a house can experience damage, disaster, and even become unhealthy for the occupants. It is essential to maintain your roof over the course of its life, as well as to replace it when the time comes.
In order to keep your roof in good condition and catch it when itâs time for replacement, you should inspect your roof at least once a year.
If you know what to look for and youâre comfortable on your Dublin area roof, you can do the roof inspection yourself. However, if you arenât confident in what to look for or you are worried about the heights, you should contact a reputable roofing contractor, and have them conduct the inspection for you.
How Do Insurance Adjusters Determine Roof Damage
If your home or business has taken on damages from an unexpected storm, tornado, or other severe weather occurrence, the first thing you need to know is that time is of the essence! Its very important to take pictures and /or write down any damages immediately, and then to get the insurance claims process started as soon as possible after a storm, so that you can get the money that you need to make the needed repairs on your roof!
So to answer your question, What do insurance adjusters look for on roofs? the truth is a LOT! Insurance adjusters who inspect your roof for damages look at three main things:
- The Age of the Roof The age of the roof may come into play if your roof is over 20 years old on some material types. Ask questions, AND always make sure that you read the fine print when you sign your agreement, because some home insurance policies will put a limit on the worth of your roof after 20 years!
- Was it Installed Properly In this document by FEMA.gov, they point out a fact that is very true to knowledgeable people who understand what a roof is up against in nature every day AND even MORE TRUE for experienced roofers! They say that:
Proper roof installation is achieved through experience and sound construction techniques, thoroughinspections, and compliance with code requirements, standards, and manufacturer recommendations.
Read Also: Where Do The Screws Go On A Metal Roof
Can You Inspect Your Own Roof
For mortgage and insurance inspection purposes, you will not be able to inspect your own roof. The lender or underwriter will need to see an inspection report from a certified and/or licensed roof inspector.
For other purposes, such as suspected damage after a hail storm, there are things you can do, and things you cant. You can visually inspect for broken shingles and other signs of damage. That is, of course, depending on your ability and willingness to get up on a ladder and climb up on all areas of your roof. However, a roofing inspector has additional tools and experience to help spot smaller problems. For example, a thermal scan can detect a change in temperature that indicates a small roof leak thats hard to spot with the naked eye. Many inspectors use drones for developing a comprehensive view of the roof’s condition.
Importance Of Roof Inspections
Even with binoculars, many roof issues are challenging to see from the ground. If you dont know what to look for, various problems might be challenging to detect.
Furthermore, determining the state of the roof underlayment or deck without raising a few shingles or tiles to have a look might be challenging. For a homeowner, this might be tough to carry out effectively and adequately.
Professional roofers can carry out roof inspections. These are not the same as the free inspections offered before a total roof replacement, which are just designed to provide you with a price estimate.
If your roof has been damaged by hailstones or other significant falling debris, an insurance agent may conduct a roof check. If the roof needs to be replaced, the insurance agent searches for striking marks. This sort of examination is frequently included in your homeowners insurance policy for free.
You May Like: Tesla Solar Roof Cost Per Square Foot
What Does A Roof Inspection Cover
You might ask the contractor to search for particular problems that youre encountering, such as an area that leaks indoors every time it rains. If you dont have any specific concerns with your roof and just want a general examination, your inspector will use a standard checklist to search for typical faults.
Gutters, downspouts, rooftop vents, soffits, and fascia are frequently inspected as part of a roof inspection. The roofing contractor will also examine the condition of the roofing material to see if any repairs are required.
Even yet, as a careful homeowner, you can inspect the roofs and gutters on a regular basis. Clean gutters regularly to save money in the long run and avoid repairs, especially if theyre blocked with leaves or debris.
Furthermore, suppose youre confident in your home renovation abilities. In that case, you might be able to perform minor repairs on your own, such as caulking a leaky window or replacing a broken roof.
Who Can Do A Roof Inspection
Certified roofing inspectors like the Atlanta GA experts at Perimeter Roofing can complete your roof inspection. Perimeter Roofing is a roof inspection company that puts an emphasis on excellent, efficient services to quickly address any potential issues with your roof. Beyond just the inspection, we can also complete any necessary repairs to get your roof back in shape. Whether you just want to check on your aging roof or want a roof inspection for an insurance claim, we are ready to help!
Read Also: Where Do You Put Screws In Metal Roofing
General Roof Inspections Checklist
As previously stated, some of the main issues that need to be inspected on your roof are nail pops, the age of your roof, and proper roof installation. Here are a few more things that insurance adjusters look for while performing a general roof inspection checklist:
- Fascia Board Rot or Damage
- Properly Fastened Gutters/Excess of Granules in Gutters
- Any Siding Above the Roof (Second Story or Attic Rooms
- Proper Eave Overhangs
- Loose or Exposed Nails
- Dry Rotted Rubber Boots Around Vents
- Cracks, Tears, or Loosened Flashing Around Vents, Skylights, and Chimneys
How Much Do Repairs Cost
First, you will want to get an amount of damage report from a professionally licensed roofing contractor. Also calling out an insurance adjuster so you can file a claim and determine the damage to your home. The national average for a leaking roof repair is $750.
However, if you have major hail damage, you are looking at a huge cost of repair. The cost range depending on damage and materials needed can be between $2,000 to $12,000. The cost of a total roof replacement varies by materials and labor charges in your area.
Think about the age of your roof too. If you have architectural shingles, they last about 30 years outside the state of Florida. Unfortunately, it is less in the hot and humid states. Also, three-tab shingles last about 10-15 years in states with severe weather. When looking at repairs, factor in the cost of the roof if it is near its time.
Don’t Miss: Where Do You Put The Screws On A Metal Roof
Your Roofs Penetrations And Skylights
A roof penetration is anything sticking out through your roof. When your roofing contractor inspects your roof theyll check all the penetrations and, if you have them, skylights to ensure theyre staying leak-free.
For example, your roof pipes will have neoprene pipe boots that keep water from running down into your home. Those become cracked over time and, if not caught, can cause a leak.
To ensure your roof stays leak-free its important to get your roof checked out from time to time. Read this article on the importance of roof maintenance to learn how it can maximize the life of your roof.
Is A Roof Inspection The Same As A Roof Certification
The two are not the same, but they are similar in that they are both used to ascertain a roofs value and condition.
With a roof certification, the inspector is looking at more than just a roofs condition. The inspector will still determine the roofs value and lifespan but also looking at the following:
- Age of the roof
- Number of layers on a roof
- Square footage of the roof
- Type of roofing materials used
- Pitch of the roof
- Quality of previous repairs
This means that when you get a roof inspection report from a certified roof inspector, youre getting a number that you can use to plan and prepare for future repair costs. With an inspection, the report isnt as detailed or as specific.
You May Like: Repair Roof Trusses
Breaking Down The Estimate
Overall, a contractors estimate should include those smaller details in addition to the higher overview information such as the type of shingles to use, when the job is done by, etc.
Dont be afraid to question a contractor who didnt take the time to inspect your roof properly. Your roof is not something you want to settle for when it comes to who you choose to work on it. This guide should help you know what you look for, what to expect, and the right questions to ask. Dont settle for less protect your investment in your home.
For a high-quality roof inspection, call First American Roofing and Siding today. We have the experience and knowledge to give you a thorough inspection, accurate estimate, and take care of the repairs or replacement the first time.
