Roof Inspections: Cost, Scheduling & More (The Homeowner’s Guide)

Your home’s roof is responsible for carrying out several major functions. These functions include:

•  shedding water
• keeping rain, snow, and ice from getting in your home
• allowing for air circulation 
• protecting your home

Therefore, it’s safe to say that having your roof inspected regularly is important if you want it to keep up the good work. From the average roof inspection cost to how often you should have your roof checked out, consider this a quick and simple guide.

Keep reading to learn more.

Why Roof Inspections Are Necessary

There are several reasons why you need to have your roof inspected periodically and why you may need to schedule an inspection sooner than later. 

The primary reason is aging and deterioration, which happens due to:

• Settling. The materials used to build your home and roof expand and contract as the temperature changes. This causes your home to “move” which is also referred to as settling. As your home settles over time, the foundation may slightly shift, causing damage to your roof. 
• Improper installation or poor maintenance.  If your roof isn’t taken care of the way it should be or if it was installed improperly, you could end up with a lot of unnecessary issues. A roof inspection will allow your roofing contractor to spot any of these issues and fix them before it’s too late.
• Wear and tear. Keep in mind that your roof has a lot of responsibilities. As it ages, it’ll experience regular wear and tear that can weaken it over time. 
• Severe weather events. Weather can be extreme as well as unpredictable. Bad storms and extreme temperatures can easily damage a roof, regardless of its age.  

When Should You Schedule a Roof Inspection?

Having your roof inspected regularly is the key to preventing major structural issues. 

The general rule of thumb is to have your roof inspected once a year to ensure it’s in good working condition. However, if you live in an area that sees a lot of big storms, it’s also recommended to have your roof inspected once they’ve passed to ensure there aren’t any damages that need repair. 

If you’re selling your home, you’ll also need to schedule a roof inspection. This is to ensure that your roof is not only structurally sound and up to code — otherwise, you won’t be able to sell it without repairs or having it replaced.

What to Expect From a Roof Inspection

When you schedule a professional roof inspection, you can expect your roofer to assess all the components of your roof. This means checking for existing and future signs of damage from the interior to the exterior.

Interior Inspection

Roof damage isn’t also visible from the outside, and a lot of homeowners fail to recognize the signs from inside. Generally speaking, your roofing specialist will examine your interior for the following:

• Cracks or holes in the ceilings and walls
• Leaks and water stains in the ceilings and walls
• Light shining into the attic
• Mold or mildew
• Pest infestations
• Rotting wood

Material Inspection

The exterior inspection of your roof will be looking for both the obvious signs of damage — missing or broken shingles, algae growth, etc. — and the less obvious signs. This means examining the materials, including the flashing for:

• Missing or damaged materials
• Rot
• Discoloration
• Pest infestation
• Rust
• Improper drainage

Structural Inspection

The structural inspection involves evaluating the critical components of your roof system. During this part of the inspection, you can expect your roofer to look for:

• Damaged or missing collar and rafter ties
• Deteriorating rafters or trusses
• Leaning or tilting exterior walls
• Sagging ceilings

Roof Inspection Cost

While most roofing companies offer free inspections, it may only be a one-time offer. Other roofing contractors will charge for inspections, which can cost anywhere between $100 and $500, depending on the company. 

The national average for roof inspections is $193, but the ultimate cost will usually depend on your roof’s size and pitch. The other factors that can influence the cost of your roof inspection include:

• The level of visible damage
• Roof accessibility
• The roof’s square footage
• Your roofing material and style
• The type of roof inspection your require

When it comes to detailed and thorough inspections, such as real estate inspections, you can expect to pay, whereas free inspections typically only cover the basics.

Need a Roof Inspection?

Having your roof inspected regularly is non-negotiable if you want to keep the rest of your home — and family — safe. The key is finding a reliable roofing contractor that you can trust.Here at Avenue Roofing, we can offer you an honest and thorough roof inspection. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our free inspections, accurate estimates, and more.