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What Is a Roof Inspection?

When it comes to keeping your home safe, keeping up with regular roofing services is important. A roof inspection is a great place to start, and it’s crucial to have your roof inspected regularly to maintain its condition.

A roof inspection is a thorough examination of a roof’s condition, typically performed by a professional roof inspector. The inspection process includes an assessment of the overall condition of your roof, identifying potential damage issues that may indicate it’s time for a full roof replacement.

In the inspection, the expert can help determine the age of your roof and what areas are of concern. Routine roof inspections should occur around once a year to ensure that your home is in the best, most stable condition possible.

Why Regular Roof Inspections Are Important

Each season brings unique challenges that can interfere with the integrity of your home. Winter storms, spring showers, summer heat, and fall winds can take a large toll on your roof.

Different types of roofing materials face different damages, but ultimately, most homes require quick inspections to ensure that everything is intact. Regular roof inspections can help to extend the lifespan of a roof and prevent unnecessary or premature replacement.

When you opt for a professional roof inspection, the experts can help to identify issues before they become a major problem, helping you avoid costly repairs down the line. Not only can roof inspections provide peace of mind, but they can help you make informed decisions about your home’s roof.

How Often Should You Schedule a Roof Inspection?

Your home’s safety matters, and because each year brings unique weather-related challenges, keeping up with annual roofing inspections is key. It’s best to schedule your inspection in the early fall or early spring when the weather is still moderate. This allows you to identify potential problems before the harsh winter and summer conditions set in.

Conducting yearly inspections can catch roofing problems early on, saving your home from excessive damage during harsher weather windows. If you missed the opportunity for an early fall or spring inspection, you might want to consider scheduling a proper roof inspection after severe weather events, like heavy downpours, wind gusts, hail, or snow, to ensure that your roof is still in good shape.

What to Expect During a Roof Inspection

Exterior Inspection Process

To begin the inspection, a roof inspector will typically examine the following:

Exterior of roof (including roofing materials)
Gutters
Downspouts
Flashing

While inspecting, professionals typically look for signs of wear and tear and any potential issues that could be detrimental to the roofing system as a whole. Inspectors look for missing shingles, curled or buckled shingles, and other signs of water or wind damage.

Interior Inspection

Once the exterior inspection is complete, roof inspectors move on to the interior inspection. Usually, this is limited to attics and crawl spaces where they will be able to spot:

Water stains
Mold
Rot
Holes in walls or ceilings
Pests in the attic space

Any signs of damage will allow them to determine the best plan of action going forward.

Common Roof Problems Identified During Inspections

A roof inspection can help identify potential problems before they become major issues. Here are some common roof problems identified during inspections:

Missing or damaged shingles: Missing or damaged shingles can lead to roof leaks and water damage.
Cracked or broken flashing: Cracked or broken flashing can allow water to seep into the roof and cause damage.
Roof leaks: Roof leaks can cause water damage, mold, and mildew.
Damaged or rotten wood: Damaged or rotten wood can compromise the structural integrity of the roof.
Clogged gutters and downspouts: Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to back up and damage the roof.
Loose or missing roofing material: Loose or missing roofing material can lead to roof leaks and water damage.
Pest infestations: Pest infestations, such as rodents or birds, can cause damage to the roof and its components.
Structural issues: Structural issues, such as sagging or uneven rooflines, can compromise the integrity of the roof.
Improperly installed roofing material: Improperly installed roofing material can lead to premature wear and tear.
Age-related wear and tear: Age-related wear and tear can cause roofing materials to deteriorate and require replacement.

By identifying these common roof problems during an inspection, you can address them before they become major issues and ensure the longevity of your roof.

Roof Inspection Cost and Process

The cost of a roof inspection can vary depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the roof, location, and type of inspection. On average, a roof inspection can cost between $150 and $900. It comes down to the qualifications of the roofing contractor and the difficulty of the roof inspection.

Some roofing contractors and roofing companies offer free roof inspections as part of their process to give homeowners an estimate for a potential roof replacement project. Because experts have a trained eye, it’s important to always go with certified home inspectors from a reputable roofing company instead of trying to perform your own roof inspection.

Hiring Professional Roof Inspectors

While many people attempt to do their own basic roof inspection, a simple visual inspection isn’t usually enough for homeowners to be able to tell whether they have a severe problem on their hands or not. Hiring a professional roofing inspector not only ensures that no underlying issue goes unnoticed but it keeps you safe from the potential dangers involved in a true roof inspection.

When looking for help, work with people who have knowledge and experience in roofing inspections. At Erie Home, we send out a professional roofer to assess your home for damages, and if you had your roof installed by our team, then you may be covered under our limited lifetime warranty, making you a candidate for roof repairs.

Benefits of Working with a Roof Inspector

If you haven’t had an inspection in over a year, now is a great time to get a roof inspection. Though it may seem pretty straightforward, performing your own home inspection is not going to give you the level of security that your roof needs in order to last decades to come.

A professional roofing inspector can provide a thorough roof inspection, identifying potential issues and needed repairs, keeping you safe from whatever the next season has to throw at your home.

Working with a roof inspector can help homeowners avoid costly repairs that come from not replacing any missing asphalt shingles or ignoring other signs of damage that could cause your roof to wear unnecessarily.

What to Do After a Roof Has Been Inspected

Once the roof inspection is all said and done, you are typically provided with a report that will allow you to view the findings of your home inspection. The report might say that your roof has a clean bill of health, or it may indicate that you need repairs or a roof replacement.

Keeping a copy of the roof inspection documents, as well as any repair or roof replacement documents, can help you keep track of timelines and prior issues so that you can always be prepared when it comes to your home’s safety. It’s essential to have your roof inspected regularly to ensure it remains in good condition.

Preventing Roof Damage

Whether it is a roof repair or you need an entirely new roof, it can feel like a hassle to go through the process from start to finish. After having your next standard roof inspection, ask for any advice on ways to keep your roof protected. If you notice any minor problems, reach out to a roofing professional to see if something can be done to remedy the issue.

Your roof system is one of the most important parts of your home, keeping you and your loved ones safe. If you notice a roof problem, the best way to prevent further roof damage is to reach out to a professional immediately so you can get the necessary repairs or roof replacement you need to continue living comfortably and safely within your home.