Schedule major home repairs or even listing your home for sale before purchasing it can help you avoid expensive surprises with roof inspections. These inspections are designed to assess the condition of the roof and catch small issues before they become big problems.
Whether you’re buying a home in Portland or looking to rent a property in Boston, getting a roof inspection will help you keep in mind that one of the most important systems of your home is in good condition. Why not check out that new roof first before placing it on your head? This Redfin article will cover what roof inspection is, why it is so important, what inspectors are looking for.
What is a roof inspection?
A roof inspection is like an appointment with a roof doctor. During inspection, the condition of the roof will be evaluated by a professional to ensure it is structurally sound and does not damage the material. It is often said that home buyers should get tested before closing their homes, but routine inspections are valuable for homeowners, especially after a major storm or depending on the age of the roof.
Why is roof inspection important?
In some circumstances, the need for roof inspections is clear. If the roof of your home is leaking, an inspection will help you identify the exact source and cause of the leak. When affected by severe weather events such as storms or hurricanes, roof inspections can help you identify problems that may have caused by the storm.
Roof inspections can be valuable to home buyers. Because any issues you cannot catch before you close will be your responsibility if not addressed promptly. Whether you’re in the process of buying a home or have owned your home for years, a home inspection can detect issues that can cost thousands of dollars to repair a road.
Experts’ insight into the importance of roof inspection:
“Regular roof inspections are essential to maintaining the integrity and lifespan of your home to identify potential issues before escalating into costly repairs,” says Josh Greenwald, Roof Owner of Crack. A well-maintained roof ensures a comfortable indoor environment while increasing the efficiency of heating and cooling, reducing energy costs.
Derrick Hemelgarn of Stormguard’s roof and construction said, “Checking your roof regularly is like having a superhero vision in your home. It helps them find and fix small issues before they become big. This means stop leaks, prevent flooding, maintain mold, and your roof will go a long way for you. For a long time, catch problems early and take care of your roof.
If I have already had my house inspected, do I need to have my roof inspected?
The home inspector will check out the roof of your home, but they tend to give a general overview of the roof. Certified roof inspectors are specially trained to check every aspect of the roof of your home, and do more detailed work as they do not have to worry about inspecting other areas of your home.
“The Home Inspector is great and we highly recommend some,” says Ward Metcalfe of Roofing Done Wright. “But the house inspector is a generalist. I recommend that you take a professional to have one of the roofs inspected, one of the most expensive systems in your home.”
Is there any case where you don’t need to inspect the roof?
Roof inspection is a wise choice in most situations, but it may not be necessary.
The house is brand new and covered with builder warranty. New construction homes often include warranty covering roof issues, but it is worth reviewing what is included.
I buy condominiums and townhomes with shared roofs. In multi-unit buildings, the roof is often maintained by the HOA. The HOA may already have an inspection report or maintenance schedule.
The seller recently had a certified roof inspection. If the seller is able to provide a recent inspection report from a qualified professional, then it may be possible to review it with an agent rather than schedule it from a unique expert.
You are already planning on replacing the roof. If roof replacements are considered in your budget and planning, inspections may not be necessary.
Still, if you are in doubt, it is often better to schedule a quick inspection rather than risk unexpected repairs after closing.
What does the inspector want during a roof inspection?
A comprehensive roof inspection covers all aspects of your home’s roof. Roof inspections usually cover three main categories:
Structure: Check the condition of rafters, trusses, ceilings and other systems such as chimneys, vents, skylights and more. Materials: Focus on roofing materials like shingles. Inspectors check for damage, missing materials, staining, water damage and rust. Interior: Covers areas that are not visible from the outside, such as ceilings, attics and interior walls.
In all these categories, roof inspectors are looking for damage, mold, leaks, holes, or pests that can damage the integrity of the roof.
How much does it cost to inspect the roof?
The cost of roof inspections varies based on a variety of factors, including location, size, accessibility of the roof and crawl space, and the purpose of the inspection. Also, certified inspectors are more likely to charge more than roofing contractors, so whom you hire is important. In most cases, you can expect to pay between $125 and $360.
How often do I need to inspect my roof?
“Roof inspections are an easy way to protect your home and extend the life of your roof,” says Eric Emmanuel, sales manager for Klaus Roofing Systems in Oregon. “When your roof turns 10, it’s wise to have a small problem capture every five years before it becomes a big problem. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the granules of downspouts, or to have shingles missing or raised. These are early warning signs. If the roof fails, the damage inside is serious.
How is the roof inspection done?
In most cases, roof inspections are carried out by climbing the roof with a professional to physically check for potential problems. However, as Oregon-based Eugene Drone points out, technology can now be used to eliminate the potential dangers of navigating the roof.
“People can send drones onto the roof and collect the condition of the roof without the risk of stepping on a rotten board or slipping or falling off the roof,” they say. “In just a few seconds, the drone can snap several photos, analyze the condition of the roof through the computer and outline the imperfections.”
How long does it take to inspect the roof?
Roof inspection usually takes 1-2 hours. Duration of time depends on the size of the home, the complexity of the roof design, and what inspection is. A small-storey home only takes an hour, but a multi-storey home with a complex layout can take time.
Examinations related to storm damage may require more time, especially if the inspector is checking the issue beyond the roof itself.
When should I schedule a roof inspection?
The most common times for a roof inspection are:
Before closing the house
After a large storm or weather event
When signs of damage appear (such as leaks, missing shingles, etc.)
Before or after a roof replacement or major repair
Every few years as part of regular maintenance
Ignoring the roof can lead to major problems over time. A regular inspection schedule can extend the life of your roof and protect the value of your home.
