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Roofing companies That offer Roof Inspections near me
A roof inspection involves having a professional inspector thoroughly examine your roof to identify any issues or areas that need repair or replacement.
Regular roof inspections can help homeowners avoid costly roof repairs down the road. Identifying minor problems early on gives you the chance to fix them before they turn into major damage. A comprehensive inspection also lets you know if your roof has reached the end of its lifespan and needs full replacement.
Roof problems that go undetected can lead to water leaks, mold, rotting roof decking and rafters, and other issues. A leaking roof can damage insulation, walls, ceilings, carpets, and furnishings. Catching problems early prevents further deterioration and more expensive repairs.
Inspections provide peace of mind that your roof is in good shape. They also help safeguard your home and belongings from the elements. When you know the condition of your roof, you can budget and plan for any necessary maintenance, repairs or replacement.
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When To Get A Roof Inspection
TKnowing when to schedule a roof inspection can prevent costly damage and repairs down the road. Here are some of the most common times homeowners should consider getting their roof professionally inspected:
Age of the Roof
TThe age of your roof is a major factor in determining when you'll need an inspection. Most asphalt shingle roofs last around 15-25 years, while metal and tile roofs can last 50 years or longer. Once your roof reaches 10-15 years old, it's a good idea to have it inspected even if no issues are visible. This allows you to spot minor wear and catch problems before they become major.
"After Extreme Weather
Storms, hail, heavy snow, and high winds can all damage shingles and flashings over time. Even if your roof looks intact after extreme weather, it's wise to call a roofer to inspect for hidden issues. Wind can lift shingles while hail and debris can create tiny punctures. An inspection after inclement weather gives peace of mind that the roof wasn't compromised.
Before Buying/Selling a Home
Roof inspections are commonly performed when buying or selling a home. Sellers want to disclose any roof defects, while buyers want to know the condition of such a major investment. Inspections prior to listing or accepting an offer allow both parties to negotiate the home price accordingly. Identifying problems ahead of time also allows the seller to proactively replace the roof if needed before listing.
What To Look For In A Roof Inspection
When getting a roof inspection, there are a few key things the inspector will look for that can indicate problems or issues that need addressing:
Lifting/curling shingles - One sign of roof damage or wear is when shingles start to lift or curl at the edges. This can allow water intrusion and continued deterioration. The inspector will look for any raised or curled shingles that may need repair or replacement.
Leaks/stains - Stains, moisture, or water leaks on ceiling or attic areas can signify roof leaks above. The inspector will look for any signs of leakage, water damage, or stains around roof penetrations, flashings, valleys, and eaves. Leaks indicate the roof needs repair.
Flashings - Flashings around chimneys, vents, valleys and roof joints are common areas for leaks. The inspector examines flashings for any cracks, damage, or signs of deterioration which could allow water intrusion into the home. Worn or damaged flashings will need replacement.
Getting a professional roof inspection can identify potential issues early before they worsen into major roof problems or leaks.
Knowing what to look for allows the inspector to thoroughly evaluate the roof's condition. Signs like lifting shingles, stains from leaks, and flashing damage or deterioration are all important to identify and address.
Types of Roof Inspections
There are a few different types of roof inspections that can be conducted to thoroughly evaluate the condition of a roof.
Visual Inspection
A visual roof inspection involves physically going up on the roof and looking for any visible signs of damage or deterioration. The inspector will look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles, damaged flashing, pooled water, leaks, exposed nail heads, and other issues. They will thoroughly check the roof surface, skylights, vents, edges, valleys, and joints. The advantage of a visual inspection is that problems can be seen and documented. However, some issues like water leaks or structural defects may be hidden from view.
Drone Inspection
Drone roof inspections utilize a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with an attached camera to get a bird's-eye view of the roof. The drone can hover and maneuver to thoroughly inspect hard-to-reach areas like the roof edges, peaks, and upper elevations. A drone inspection allows the roof to be assessed without anyone needing to walk on it, which can be safer and prevent damage. The video footage and images captured by the drone can be closely analyzed later to spot any areas of concern.
Infrared/Thermal Imaging
Infrared or thermal imaging uses a special camera to detect temperature differences on the roof. This allows wet insulation or areas of trapped moisture to be identified based on temperature variations. Thermal imaging can discover leaks and moisture that may not be visible to the naked eye. It provides additional information beyond a standard visual inspection. However, access to the appropriate thermal imaging camera equipment is required.
Who Should Conduct The Inspection
When it comes to roof inspections, you'll want to hire a professional who is qualified and experienced with examining roofing systems.
There are a few options for professionals who can properly conduct a roof inspection:
Hiring a licensed roofing contractor is a common choice for roof inspections. Roofing contractors work on roofs regularly, so they know what to look for in terms of wear and damage. They can identify issues and determine if repairs or replacement are needed. Make sure to verify their licensing.
Certified Home Inspector
A home inspector who has roofing certification is another option. They are trained to examine all systems and components of a home, including the roof. Home inspectors with a roofing certification will understand what constitutes roof defects.
Architect/Engineer
You could also hire an architect or engineer to perform a roof inspection. They have design expertise to recognize roofing issues that may lead to structural problems or leaks. An architect or engineer will know the proper load capacity and specifications for the roof.
When hiring for a roof inspection, look for licensing, certifications, experience, and knowledge specific to roofing systems. This will ensure the inspection is done properly to uncover any existing or potential problems.
What Happens During An Inspection
When a roof inspector arrives to your property, they will begin by thoroughly walking the roof to visually inspect it. The inspector will look for any obvious signs of damage, deterioration, or needed repairs. They will pay close attention to areas that commonly experience issues like roof edges, valleys, vents, skylights, and chimneys.
As the inspector evaluates the roof, they will take detailed photos to document any concerns or problem areas. These photos become an important part of the inspection report.
Inspectors will utilize various tools to fully examine the roof. This includes ladders to get up close access to the roof surface and edges. Probes allow the inspector to check for soft spots or moisture in roofing materials. Infrared cameras can identify areas of heat loss, moisture, or energy inefficiency.
The inspector will also evaluate other roof elements like flashing, gutters, downspouts, and visible portions of the attic space below. They are checking for proper installation, leakage, corrosion, blockages, and any other issues needing to be addressed.
A comprehensive roof inspection involves careful observation and documentation of the roof's condition. This provides you with a detailed assessment of any repairs or replacements needed to keep your roof performing optimally.
Potential Problems To Find
During a roof inspection, there are several potential issues to look out for:
Worn Shingles
Over time, roof shingles can become cracked, curled, or otherwise damaged from exposure to the elements. An inspector will look for any shingles that are worn, as these can lead to leaks. Replacing just a few shingles is fairly inexpensive, but if large sections are worn, the whole roof may need replacement.
Damaged Underlayment
The underlayment is the waterproof barrier layer underneath the shingles. If this becomes torn or degraded, moisture can seep through to the roof decking and cause rot or leaks. Inspectors will look for any damage to the underlayment material during an inspection.
Rusty Nails
Metal fasteners used to secure shingles can rust over time when exposed to moisture and weather. This can lead to the nails becoming loose or pulling free from the roof deck. Inspectors check for any rusty nails that may need replacing to prevent roof leaks.
Insufficient Attic Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation allows hot air to escape and prevent moisture buildup. Inadequate ventilation can lead to several problems like mold, rot, and poor energy efficiency. Inspectors will check for sufficient intake vents, exhaust vents, and air circulation in the attic space. Adding more vents is a relatively easy fix.
Roof Inspection Report
A comprehensive roof inspection should result in a detailed written report that includes photographic evidence of the roof's condition. This provides documentation of the inspection findings and serves as a reference for the property owner.
The report summary should give an overall assessment of the current state of the roof. It notes the roof's approximate age, type, and structure. The summary indicates whether there are signs of deterioration, damage, or required repairs.
The main body of the report elaborates on the roof evaluation. It may specify:
The number and location of any leaks or moisture signs.
Damage like cracked or missing shingles, curling, and granule loss.
The condition of flashings, vents, skylights and other roof elements.
Issues like ponding water, improper drainage, or signs of structural failure.
Photos accompanying the report give visual evidence of any problem areas or defects. They provide documentation to accompany repair estimates or insurance claims.
The report concludes with a list of recommended repairs and replacements. It outlines which areas need immediate attention versus longer term monitoring. The report assists in planning and budgeting for roof maintenance.
A detailed roof inspection report ensures all parties have a clear record of the roof’s current state. It serves as an important reference for planning roof repairs and replacement.
Cost Of A Roof Inspection
The cost of a roof inspection can vary significantly depending on several factors:
Average Cost Range: On average, a professional roof inspection will cost between $150 and $500. Simple visual inspections tend to be toward the lower end of this range, while more comprehensive inspections with testing can cost more.
Roof Size: The size of the roof is a major cost factor. Larger roofs take more time to thoroughly inspect. Expect to pay more for inspection of larger homes or commercial buildings versus smaller homes.
Roof Slope: Steeperly pitched roofs are more difficult and dangerous to walk on. Inspectors charge more for roofs with a steep slope, as they require safety equipment and take longer to navigate.
Roof Accessibility: Roofs that are difficult to access, such as those on multi-story homes, increase the cost. Special equipment like ladders or lifts may be required. Easy access from the ground reduces costs.
Scope of Inspection: A basic visual inspection costs less than one involving physical roof probing, moisture readings, infrared scans, drone inspections, and extensive documentation. The more thorough the scope, the higher the price.
Knowing the average cost range and factors that impact pricing can help homeowners budget and prepare for a professional roof inspection to assess the condition and identify any needed repairs.
Why Roof Inspections Are Important
Getting regular roof inspections is one of the best ways to protect your investment in your home. An inspection can identify issues early, before they become larger, more expensive problems. Catching minor problems now can prevent the need for major roof repairs or full roof replacement down the line, saving you significant money.
Some key reasons regular roof inspections are so important:
Find Issues Early: An inspection can detect small problems, like a few missing or damaged shingles, minor flashing issues, or small leaks. Finding and fixing these small problems now prevents exponential damage later.
Prevent Costly Roof Repairs: Spotting minor issues now allows you to make small, affordable roof repairs. Waiting can turn those minor issues into major roof problems that require expensive solutions like full roof replacement.
Protect Home Investment: Your roof is a major investment in your home. Getting inspections helps ensure you maximize the lifespan of your roof and avoid big unexpected repair costs. This protects the value of your home.
Maintain Warranties: Most roofing material and workmanship warranties require regular inspections. Skipping inspections can void your warranty protections.
Give Peace of Mind: Getting a thorough inspection that doesn't find any issues can give you confidence your roof is in good shape. Knowing your roof is solid will provide peace of mind.
Regular roof inspections are like preventative checkups for your home. Just as you get your car inspected and go to the doctor for checkups, inspecting your roof periodically is essential preventative maintenance for your most important asset - your home.
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