Your roof is the first line of your home’s defense against severe weather such as hail, wind, rain, and snow. Having a professional roof inspection performed at least twice per year is ideal for keeping your roof in good shape. This regular inspection allows homeowners to address issues before they become more significant (with higher costs). Understanding the importance of roof inspections will keep you ahead of most roof leaks and roof damage. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends that you schedule a roof inspection at the beginning of Spring and Fall and after any significant storm event that produces hail or high winds.
Signature Exteriors is a professional roofing company in Charlotte, North Carolina. Some of our most frequently asked roofing questions are about roof inspections: what to expect, the cost, and what’s included. Our team of experts has published this guide to help new homeowners and existing homeowners navigate the roof inspection process so you can have peace of mind. Read on to learn more!
Do you need a roof inspection?
We mentioned above that any homeowner should have their roof inspected at least twice per year and after any significant storms in the area. Other indicators that you need a roof inspection are visible roof leaks or cool drafts throughout your house, and these issues are signs that potential faults in your roofing system need to be inspected or repaired.
If you’re an existing homeowner, you might want to schedule a roof inspection once your roof is ten years or older. Although most shingle types offer a lifespan of at least 15-20 years, general wear and a history of severe weather events can compromise their functionality. A certified roofing contractor will be able to tell you if you have any damaged shingles or risks of roof leaks after they complete an inspection.
If you’re a prospective home buyer, you’ll want to schedule a home inspection (where a roof inspection is included), so you can factor in any costs for roof repairs before you close the deal. Some roofing contractors will be able to offer you prices for repairs while they’re on-site so that you can take that information back to your agent for negotiations.
How much does a roof inspection cost?
Since roof inspections are an essential part of owning a home and the home-buying process, another commonly asked question is the cost of a roof inspection. National data suggests that roof inspections can average between $119.00 – $309.00 in some areas. That said, we recommend homeowners and potential home buyers check their top-reviewed local roofing contractors to see if any offer free roof inspections in your area. Most roofing companies that are locally-owned will offer their roof inspections for free.
If you’re in the Charlotte, North Carolina area and need a roof inspection, Signature Exteriors offers free inspections and roof repair estimates for existing homeowners. If you aren’t in the Charlotte area and need help picking the best roofing company for your inspection, check out our other guide about hiring residential roofers to help you find someone you can trust.
What will my roof inspection report include?
A typical roof inspection report details any signs of water damage on your roof, recommendations for clogged gutters, damaged flashing, and nail pops. A great roofing contractor will also provide photos of anything they include in your roof report.
If you’d like to see a roof inspection in action, check out our video below!
We’ve outlined some of the other most common items inspected and included in roof inspection reports below:
SHINGLE DAMAGE OR SHINGLE DETERIORATION
The roof inspector will look at your shingles and notate any loose, broken, bent, or damaged shingles. These are the most apparent signs of any storm damage or deterioration of your roof.
SIGNS OF WATER DAMAGE
Water damage can come from many different things, such as clogged gutters, damaged flashing, or shingle damage that allows water to penetrate the underlayment of your roofing system. A trusted roofing professional will evaluate the roof’s sheathing inside the attic.
CLOGGED GUTTERS
Gutters serve to direct water away off your roof and away from your home’s foundation and crawl space. The roof inspector will look at your gutters while they’re on the roof to see if they are clogged, contain an excessive amount of debris, or look for any excessive shingle granules collecting in your gutters (a sign of shingle deterioration).
Some roofing contractors will include an estimate to install gutter guards if your home is under a lot of trees or if you have a reoccurring issue of clogged gutters at your home.
MOLD/MILDEW
Roof inspectors will check for mold, mildew, or algae growth throughout your roofing system. This issue is usually a sign of poor drainage or a roof leak.
ROOF PENETRATIONS
A roof penetration is defined as any vents, pipes, stacks, or chimneys, anything that penetrates the roof system. Pipe boots and flashing around these vents and penetrations will wear down over time and are a common cause of roof leaks. A roof inspector will tell you if you need any modifications around these areas to avoid roof leaks.
DAMAGED FLASHING
Flashing is the pieces of metal installed under shingles and on the joints of your roof to create a leak-resistant barrier. It’s a crucial element of your roof and should be included in your roof inspection report. Roof inspectors will ensure that the flashing was installed correctly, the sealant is in good condition, and that no storms have damaged the flashing.
If you’d like to learn more about roof inspection reports, check out our FAQ page, where we answer our most common questions, define roofing terms, and more!
Once your roof inspection is completed, your inspection report should include information about all of the areas of your roof we mentioned above and have photos of each. If needed, your roofer should also provide you with the cost of any needed roof repairs or a recommendation for a roof replacement if it’s warranted.
Some companies, like Signature Exteriors, specialize in insurance claims and help you through the claim-filing process. We will also work with your insurance company to ensure that every item is addressed and that your home is restored fully to a pre-loss condition, should you decide to go that route.
WHERE CAN I FIND A ROOF INSPECTOR NEAR ME?
A quick Google search of “roofers near me” or “roofing companies near me” can give you a ton of results, and it can be hard to pick a quality roofing contractor from the list. We recommend checking consumer reviews on Google, Angi (previously Angie’s List), and Better Business Bureau to help you decide. Please read the reviews to find out how other homeowners felt about their experience. Don’t be afraid to ask your roofing company for their proof of insurance and licensing too!
If you’re located in the greater Charlotte, North Carolina area, Signature Exteriors offers free and professional roof inspections. Give us a call at (704) 729-4898 or email us at info@signatureexteriorsinc.
