Once your roof is safely installed, you have to maintain its health through the many years of its life. No matter what type of roof you have—asphalt shingles, clay tiles, metal—roof inspections are the best methods of catching small issues before they become serious. Without a roof inspection, you can expect problems like roof leaks, mold, and a shorter lifespan on your roof.
If you want to get the most out of your roof, roof inspections are the best method. They will help you prolong the life of your roof without breaking the bank. The importance of roof inspections is often understated, which is why we have comprised everything you need to know about roof inspections right here.
How Often Should I Inspect My Roof?
The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends homeowners perform two self-inspections every year with one professional inspection at least once a year. Perform your inspections at the beginning of spring and end of fall. Neglecting to inspect twice a year allows 364 days for your roof to experience a problem. Over that time, it can be detrimental to your home, so self-inspect biannually.
Self-inspections should be conducted from the inside of your home and on the ground level. You should not get on top of your own roof unless you have extensive experience. Do not get on your roof when it is wet or extremely windy, as these elements will make the process hazardous.
For those that remain on the ground, you should be able to spot most major areas from the ground. Areas like your gutters, flashing, and signs of roof damage should all be clear from there. However, that is not always the case. Depending on the size of your roof, you could have blind spots. This is especially true for those with flat roofs or portions of flat roofs. In this case, have a professional roof inspector take a look at these areas.
Roof Inspection Checklist
The roof inspection checklist we have created is a general list for all types of roofs. There may be additional items based on the type of roofing you have. When inspecting your own roof, look for the following:
- Moisture in attic
- Outside light peaking into the attic
- Signs of mold or mildew in the attic
- Loose or missing roofing materials
- Tears, cracks, or openings in the roofing
- Missing or damaged flashing
- Missing or damaged pipe boots
- Gutter and downspout damage
- Sagging
- Signs of mold or mildew on the roof
You may not be able to spot all of these problems from the ground. That is why professional roof inspections are highly recommended alongside your self-inspections.
What is Included in a Professional Roof Inspection?
A professional roof inspection involves examining all of the items listed on the self-inspection checklist but in more detail and more areas. A comprehensive professional roof inspection would also look for the following:
- Proper ventilation
- Signs of dry rot and moisture damage
- Proper drainage system
- Missing caulking or sealing
- Attic intake vents
- Signs of rot on decking and roofing
- Material-specific problems (granule loss, rust, cracks, etc.)
- Siding near roof
- Fasteners
- Underlayment
- Fascia
- Eaves
- Gables
- Soffits
- Rakes
As you can see, a professional roof inspection includes a lot more than you are unable to reach or know enough about to see signs of problems. Be sure to receive a professional roof inspection at least once a year.
How Much Does a Roof Inspection Cost?
The cost of a roof inspection will heavily vary on where you are located, the complexity of your roof, and the size. HomeAdvisor says the national average roof inspection price is between $119 to $310. Take this price range with a grain of salt since many factors go into determining a price. For an accurate estimate, contact your roofing contractor for details.
Contact BetterBuilt Builders
To learn more about our roof inspection services or hear about our roofing services, give our team a call. BetterBuilt Builders is built better than others because we take pride in the work we do. Let our team place you at the focal point of our next project. You can reach our team by calling (408) 752-1069 or visit our roofing page for more details.