How Long Does a Roof Inspection Take? [Homeowner’s Guide]

Before you can get any roof repair services done on your home, your contractor will start with an inspection. While many contractors’ websites detail exactly what to expect during various kinds of repair and replacement services, they’re often vague on the details when it comes to roof inspections. You might leave your online research session wondering:

• How do I sign up for a roof inspection?
• Do I have to pay for the inspection or just the service after?
• When should I get a roof inspection?
• How long does a roof inspection take?

The answers to all these questions could fill a book! For now, we’ll tackle just the final question by discussing how long roof inspections usually take.

What Happens During a Roof Inspection?

There are generally two parts to a thorough inspection: the inspection of your home’s exterior and the inspection of your attic.

Roof inspectors often start on the outside of your home, looking for the most visible signs of damage:

• Bent, torn, or missing roofing materials
• Damaged flashing or sealant
• Loose or clogged gutters

If you’re getting your roof inspected because of a storm or other damage-causing event, the inspector will take an even closer look at relevant areas of your roof to see if there are structural problems or other signs of serious damage.

Next, they’ll move to the interior inspection, which requires access to your attic. From the inside, they’ll be looking for evidence of damage to the insulation, mold and mildew growth, drafts or other ventilation issues, signs of rodent or insect infestations, and gaps in your roofing material.

How Long Does a Roof Inspection Take?

All in all, the roof inspection process usually takes anywhere from half an hour to several hours, with the vast majority of inspections on single-family homes taking one to two hours.

Your roofing inspection may be longer or shorter than average, depending on a variety of factors:

• Extent of the damage: If you’re simply scheduling an annual inspection or a routine check-up after getting a new roof installed, a run-of-the-mill inspection might be all that’s needed. However, a more thorough examination might be required if you suspect a specific kind of damage on your roof.
• Your roof’s square footage: The bigger the roof, the longer the inspection.
• Access: This is determined by the location of your roof access point, whether you have a multi-story home, and the pitch of your roof. Some roofers may utilize a drone inspection on a roof that is particularly difficult to access. Additionally, your roofer will need access to your attic; if they don’t have it, they may need to schedule another appointment to complete the process.
• Attic inspection: Many roofing contractors treat an inspection of your attic space as an additional service, but it might be worth getting while you have someone on your property anyway. This can add time to whatever they initially quoted and may incur an additional fee.
• Your preparedness: Help your professional roofer help you. Have any documents ready that show the history of your roof’s replacements and repairs. Also, point out any specific spots of concern, such as a small leak, so that they can be checked out right away. Prior to inspection time, clear a path to your roof and attic.

How to Know When to Get a Roof Inspection

Getting your roof looked at shouldn’t be reserved for only when you think there’s a specific issue. Ideally, you should be getting your roof inspected on an annual basis so that you can complete immediate repairs on small signs of concern before they turn into major damage.

Additionally, call your roofing contractor right away if you notice any of the following things on your property:

• Shingle granule loss
• Missing or torn shingles
• Leaks in your walls or ceilings
• Abnormally high energy bills

They’ll send someone to check things out pretty quickly, as most of these are sure signs that you’ll need some sort of roof repairs in the near future.

Schedule a Roof Inspection Today

Now you know how to answer the question, “How long does a roof inspection take?” While a roof inspection may take a few hours of your time today, it can save you many hours (and a lot of money!) by helping you discover minor flaws before they turn into major issues.

If you’re looking for a local roofing company that offers free inspections, look no further than Avenue Roofing. With an expert roof replacement team and a quick response time, we have everything you need to fix a roof leak, replace your shingles, or complete any other repair you’re looking for. Contact us now to set up your next roof inspection!