Thinking Of Getting Your Roof Inspected? Know The Cost It Involves!
One of the crucial parts of your house is the roof, as it helps in protecting your home from different elements. It often protects against problems such as precipitation and wind. However, this may cause some roofing defects and increase the need for repair.
It is advised to get a roof inspection which will help you in understanding the potential problems and also provide a solution for the areas that need to be fixed. It is a way to determine the condition and longevity of the structure and surface and will help the owner to keep the roof in good condition.
Inspect after a few years or even if there is a storm; with the inspection, you will know if there is any problem before they become more prominent. Usually, the cost that is involved in roof inspection is between $150 and $700.
Even when you get an exterior inspection of 1,000 sq. ft. of the flat roof, that will cost you around $85. But on the other hand, when you talk about the high price for thermal imaging that comes with infrared done, which is 3,000 sq. ft. of the sloped roof will cost you around $850. On average, for an external and interior evaluation, the homeowner usually pays around $400 for a 2,000 sq. ft. of a sloped roof.
What Do You Mean by Roof Inspection?
An inspection takes place, which is performed by a professional and licensed inspector who discovers the problem with the roof and also the life expectancy. The inspection process generally includes searching for standard issues like leaks or any other damage caused by organic vegetation or natural element.
Several problems are challenging to determine and require a specialized eye. With the help of inspection, the professional can spot the issues. They can also choose the underlayment condition or deck without lifting shingles or tiles to take a look at it. Doing these things can be complex for a homeowner as it involves danger.
Professional roofers do roof inspections which are different from "free" inspections, before getting a total replacement. An insurance agent may inspect if it is damaged because of debris or hailstones. The agent may look for the strike marks, which will help them know whether they should be replaced. The inspection related to this is usually free because of the homeowner's policy.
Cost of Roof Inspection by Method
Generally, the method of inspection depends on the tools and techniques. One procedure may involve manual labor to use mechanical supplies, whereas the other method requires a high-tech camera that will capture different surfaces.
There can be an increase in the cost because of advanced technological evaluation that is expensive but a basic physical evaluation. The homeowner should also know the amount they are thinking to pay for per square foot according to the roof dimensions.
Prices for Physical Roof Inspection
A physical roof inspection can cost $75-$250; it involves the inspections where the inspector climbs the roof and observes the building material condition. The process consists of the inspection around the chimneys, downspouts, and vents and checking the accumulations for water valleys. If there is an attic inside the house, that may require a thorough inspection, and the professional may check the air leakages or water spots from inside.
Cost of Drone Roof Inspection
Drone inspection charges are between $170 and $450 on average, which can be relevant if your roof is highly steep or more challenging to climb onto. The inspector might offer to finish the assessment by flying a drone over your home while it is equipped with a camera. All surfaces are closely filmed by drones, which the inspector reviews and uses to make recommendations if there are any.
Cost of Infrared Roof Inspection
An infrared roof inspection of a normal-sized roof ranges from $450 to $750. The majority of inspectors focus on the surface to find the obvious issues, whereas thermal or infrared inspection probes deeper. The inspector who comes to your house uses a drone with a specialized thermal imaging camera to spot issues like cooler or warmer air leakage from the home's interior. Leaks could be a sign of a constructional flaw.
When Should You Get Your Roof Inspected?
Many homeowners do not even know when they should get their roofs inspected, which is essential, by the way! It is crucial to get the roof inspected so you will get to know whether everything is good or not! Per the NRCA or National Roofing Contractor Association (NRCA), it is advised to do a roofing inspection twice a year, which should be in the fall and spring.
But when you talk about professional inspections, then there are different guidelines. According to NRCIA or National Roof Certification and Inspection Association (NRCIA), a homeowner should get their house inspected yearly. But as per NAHB or the National Association of Home Builders, a homeowner can wait and do the inspection once every three years.
Some factors will help you know whether you require a roof inspection or not, and if there is a need, then how often you should get it inspected. Undoubtedly, one has to get their roof inspected when they see any sign of leaks such as mold or stain growth.
If you live in the northern region, there are higher chances of heavy snowfall in the winter. That is why it is an excellent idea for you to get inspected in the spring. When you live in an area where tropical storms and hurricanes usually happen, you should contact your roof inspected even in the hot summer. It will help you ensure you are not making any mistakes and that your roof can withstand the tropical weather.
There are many other reasons, too, when a person needs to get their roof inspected. If you want to sell or refinance your house, you may require a letter or form to fill in the details. In that form, you need to add comments on the roof's condition and how long it will need to replace the roof. Another reason you need a new roof is when you install a new one.
For these types of inspections, one may require to inspect the roof by third-party professionals when the work is going on and when at completion to make sure that the manufacturer's warranty is upheld. The cost of inspection for this work may cost you $350 for every visit.
How Much Time Does It Take to Get Your Roof Inspected?
Usually, it will take not more than 45 minutes to four hours to complete an inspection. The time of inspection will also depend on the roof's size, which means, if the size of your roof is bigger, then it will take more time as compared to a smaller roof.
If you require an inspection that takes place inside the attic, that will increase the inspection time. Plus, if there is extensive damage because of age, weather, or accident, it will also increase the timeframe and length of time needed to complete the report. After one or two days of physical inspection, you must wait for the inspection report unless the inspector tells you something else.
What Do Roof Inspector Checks?
While attempting to find obvious symptoms of wear and tear, a legitimate or professional inspector does much more than simply walk on the surface. They are not only experts, but they also identify minor problems before they become larger ones.
A thorough examination begins on the ground. Your inspector starts by searching for some indications of damage or deterioration, such as moss, broken or missing shingles, buckling, curling or humping, or other evident symptoms. Typically, this is referred to as a material inspection.
The technique typically comes before a complete examination to look for material and structural problems. There are some defects you may not be able to see with the naked eye; then, inspection is required to check the ceilings, attics, and walls for water stains, holes, pests, and rot.
The inspector will get access to the structural integrity; it takes a look over everything from top to bottom and inside while looking at the attic. The inspector may even remove some tiles or shingles from the ground to look over the membrane from the inside for tears and moisture. Or, they may also use the technology of thermal imaging to check the moisture and even lead to making some weak spots.
Additionally, your inspector will search for movement, dampness, or rot in the structure beneath the roof. They might also examine the flashing around any openings in the building, such as the skylights or chimneys. To determine for potential entryway for moisture, the inspection will also look for a drip edge or absence thereof.
A thorough inspection examines the roof from above, below, and from the ground. A complete inspection should look at all locations and provide a comprehensive report of the findings, along with a list of all places investigated and their conditions and not like "free" inspections that may only check the surface's top or look at it from the bottom.
When there is obvious structural instability, such as slanted floors, tilting walls, or damaged ceilings, a homeowner may request an inspection by a structural engineer. Roofing professionals may also do a structural evaluation of the roof, and the homeowner may choose to hire an engineer or a roofer. This report is frequently required when making an insurance claim or purchasing a home.
The report might also give you a clearer idea of what work might need to be done when it might need to be done, and how long it might typically take.
Cost of Roof Inspector
The cost of an inspection may vary depending on the roof's pitch and size and the fact that an inspector needs to ascend one, two, or even three stories.
When it comes to size, unless your roof covers more than 3000 sq. ft, there is nothing to worry about regarding the significant increase in the inspection price for the visual inspection. The small areas of about 1000 sq. ft. will cost you the same to inspect the area of 2000 sq. ft. However, if the roofing inspector increases the price, you may get into 400 sq. ft. or an even larger area.
There is some type of inspection cost for a flat rate which will be determined according to their size and the convenience of the inspector to look over the roof. For instance, if there is a 2000 sq. ft roof with a sloped surface, then that will cost you around $450. But the cost of roof inspection may increase if the layer of shingles is more than one surface's protrusions or multiple skylights or even when the pitch is so steep that one cannot access it.
There can be an increase in the cost when the roof is in significant disrepair which may increase the price because of the danger of accessing it. It will also involve additional time to take a peak over the different layers on the surface. Moreover, a multi-story home will cost more because you may have difficulty reaching the second or third roof.
Cost of Flat Roof Inspection
An inspector knowledgeable about flat roof inspections is frequently needed for commercial inspections. Nevertheless, some residential properties also have flat roofs, which call for specialized knowledge. This method of examination has the advantage that accessing the roof is frequently more accessible than having a birds-eye view of a sloped roof.
Due to the ease of access for inspectors, flat roof inspection fees may be closer to the bottom of the price range than the top, but the process still involves the same tests as a pitched roof inspection. No matter the material, larger roofs will almost always be more expensive than smaller ones.
The inspections should take place every two or three years, but if someone has faced any problem on their road before, they should get the inspection on a tighter timeline. The inspectors will examine the vents, gutter, and drainage pipes for damage like they do on the sloped surface.
These inspectors usually look for storm debris, pooled water, and proof that there is no drainage of water adequately. If you get the flat roof fixed of about 800 sq. ft., it will cost you around $75, but if the roof is 2000 sq. ft., then it will cost you around $350 and even more if you get the physical inspection.
Cost of Roof Inspection Report
Depending on the inspection's specifications and the inspector you employ, these reports change. Although there is no proper inspection format or report, there are many similarities between the descriptions in the reports from different roof inspectors. General information regarding the roof, such as its age and manufacture specifications, and any damage the inspector discovers throughout the inspection, should be included in your report.
If the inspector is a representative of a roofing firm and can provide the actual prices their employer charges, they may be able to give estimates for the repair and replacement of all or part of the roof.
With the help of inspection, one can determine whether or not the shingles break when bent, which may be used to assess the roof's state as part of the inspection.
The report will outline its findings in writing and may also contain images of any damage or other issues the inspector discovers. You typically do not need to pay more for your report because it is usually included in the fee you pay for your inspection and will be offered in just a few days of inspections.
Cost of Roof Certification
Certification involves a thorough inspection to evaluate the condition of the roof, spot any issues, and decide whether repairs are necessary. If repairs are required, the expert will describe the requirements for certification. A certification letter is necessary for several situations, such as while refinancing or selling your home. This form, which an inspector issues, attests that a roof has undergone inspection, is fault-free and guaranteed to last for the given period, typically between 2 and 5 years. This inspection will cost you an additional $85 to $250.
Some house owners mistakenly think that an inspection and a certification are the same. Both, however, have observable distinctions. A report provides thorough observations on the roof's existing condition and suggested fixes. A certified inspector promises that it will last for a specific number of years, which makes it different from other types of documentation.
Do Roof Material Impact Inspection?
Not every inspector knows all kinds of materials. Slate, tile, and metal roofs have different requirements than flat or shingle roofs. To make sure they can inspect yours, ask the inspector. Although slate or tile surfaces are durable, they should be checked annually for material cracks before leaks manifest. An inspector checks a metal surface for corrosion, frayed fasteners, moisture problems, and bent or deflected panels.
The inspector of an asphalt roof searches for cracked or missing shingles, indications of moss or deterioration, and irregularly shaped shingles. While the checks are comparable, for the inspector to complete the most efficient and precise inspection of each material, they do require direct familiarity with each substance. Inspections of slate and tile surfaces may be more expensive. But with the new drone technology should not be more than the average cost.
Things to Do After Roof Inspection
Depending on factors like your age, material, and climate whether or not a storm has passed recently, your inspection may reveal a wide range of difficulties. Common issues that may be discovered during your inspection include missing, curling, or broken shingles; shingles that have been bruised or cracked as a result of hail or impact damage; missing, cracked, or broken flashing; and membranes that are bubbling, splitting, or that have too much moisture.
Sometimes the necessity for a new roof is self-evident, making an inspection unnecessary. On the other hand, it can reveal issues you had no idea were even conceivable. It would help if you chose whether or not you want to undertake repairs as well as the timing of your plans.
Due to the roofing’s cumulative nature issues, roofers typically advise getting repairs done quickly. Once enough water gets into the attic, leaks into the walls, and erodes the very foundation of your home, a small hole that lets water into the attic may become a catastrophe. You might wish to choose a professional unrelated to the individual who handled your inspection to prevent conflicts of interest. Additionally, you should get quotes from several providers and approach the repair, such as any other home improvement project. Make sure the roofing contractor you select has current insurance and a valid license from the state.
Cost of Roof Maintenance
You may significantly increase the roof’s life with the help of routine expert maintenance. However, as a homeowner, you may complete numerous activities on your own, which can lessen the blow of your upcoming report. The typical homeowner shouldn't attempt complicated repairs, but one can still keep an eye on your roof to guard against unnecessary damage.
Cleaning the gutters, trimming trees, so they don't drop leaves and dead branches on the ground, and checking your attic for leaks after rainstorms are all simple ways to ensure that it is strong and long-lived.
Home Inspector Vs. Roof Inspector
You will hire a home inspector to inspect the house for you, including the roof, if you are buying a new home. However, the majority of house inspectors will not ascend to your roof; instead, they will inspect it from below.
As a result, while they might notice some roof problems, they might also overlook others. Typical house inspections cost between $350 and $550, yet they frequently encounter the roof, and a roof check typically costs around $150 to $650.
Inspection of various roof types and roofing materials is a specialty of roof inspectors. They are more likely to notice problems than a house inspector because they are better familiar with the difficulties that particular roofs are prone to.
Therefore, even while a house inspector can frequently tell you whether the roof is still serviceable or must be replaced, they might be unable to tell you whether it requires repair or how long it might last before it needs to be replaced. It might be a good idea to have a qualified roof inspector conduct an additional inspection if you have specific concerns about the roof or if the house inspector notices something they are unsure about.
Some Additional Costs and Considerations
- Fees for travel- many inspectors also ask for the travel fees when they arrive and also find that they are not able to inspect the roof because of bad weather, snow, or any other problem. The average fee that one has to give is around $275.
- Error and omission (E & O) insurance- You should check if the inspection company has error and omission insurance. If the inspector does not report an issue but later develops into a problem, this liability insurance reimburses homeowners.
- Qualified drone operators- To guarantee that your inspector is legally permitted to conduct inspections in a specific area, check to see if they have a current FAA drone license. To make sure that their work quality is top-notch, read evaluations left by previous clients.
FAQs
How is a roof inspected?
Roof inspections are conducted from the ground, the edge, and below the attic surface. Look for cracked, curling, or missing shingles, damaged or missing flashing, or indications of infiltration of water on the deck when inspecting it.
What does a roof check cost?
A roof inspection can set you back $100 to $800. Numerous elements, like the home's size, intricacy, and slope, affect the price.
Is the roof inspected by a home inspector?
While they may examine it from the ground, home inspectors lack the training to identify every potential problem. To take care of the roof, it is, therefore, preferable to hire a roof inspector.
What do you mean by the certified roof?
A certified roof does have a minimum three-year life expectancy and has undergone an inspection by a professional inspector.
What do you mean by certified roof inspector?
An inspector who has earned certification has undergone formal training that enables them to recognize roofing issues that may need fixing or attention. Homeowners can schedule repairs and upkeep using their inspection results.
How would a person know that they require a roof inspection?
After a significant storm with large hail or strong winds, getting your roof inspected is a good idea. Some of the physical indications that you could want a roof inspection without a storm include:
- Large limbs falling to the roof.
- Lack of shingles, sagging or loose gutters.
- Shingles that have been torn off are being blown to the ground.
- There are numerous grains of asphalt shingle in the gutters.
- Shingles that rust, algae, or moss have severely stained.
- Ceiling stains from active water leaks amid a storm.
- Attic scents of dampness.
Having a certification for a roof means a warranty?
No, a manufacturer or installer, as the only parties authorized to offer a warranty, do not grant these certifications. A guarantee only covers the price of new materials; a certification verifies that a roof is problem-free.
What are the different things included in roof inspection?
These inspections often involve visually examining the gutters, flashing, and shingles. Examining the attic and ceilings inside your house could also be included. An expert inspector can estimate the cost, including some simple questions.
What is the cost of a drone roof inspection?
If you are considering getting the drone roof inspection, that will cost you around $175 - $450. It will help you get a bird's eye view of the roof condition. You get to see everything and know the actual condition of the roof, making it easier to fix things.
When should a person have their roof inspected before or after listing the house?
Before the process of selling the property starts, an inspection should take place. Real estate brokers generally advise sellers to examine their roofs before advertising their houses. Sellers can set the price of their homes appropriately by knowing the state of the roof.
Can a person inspect their roof by themselves?
You are not a roof inspector or contractor, so you should not try to become one by climbing the ladder and getting on the roof. Without knowledge and experience, your safety may be jeopardized by an insecure roof. Another reason to select a respected roofing contractor is that your insurance provider and the bank would not accept an examination performed by someone without roofing experience.