Checking your roof should be a regular part of home maintenance. It’s exposed to the elements and takes a beating from the sun, rain, wind, hail, and tree branches. But it can be hard to see all of it from the ground, and depending on the style of your home it can be downright treacherous to climb a ladder for a closer look.
Sometimes areas of wear aren’t as apparent to a layperson as they are to an experienced roofer. That’s where a professional roof inspection can really help homeowners out.
How often should I get a roof inspection?
The recommended frequency of roof inspections will depend in part on the age of your roof, the density and placement of vegetation and trees around the perimeter of your home, and any recent weather events.
Homeowners should check their roofs at least once a year regardless of weather conditions. Ideally, take a look twice a year: once in the spring and again in autumn; and after any storm big enough to do damage. In addition to examining the roof from the outside, look at the attic interior. Take note of any areas that show water damage or leaks, or places where sunlight is coming through gaps.
Be proactive
If you notice areas of concern in the interior or exterior such as missing tiles or shingles, moss growth, sagging, water marks, or issues with the flashing, you should schedule a professional roofer to come and inspect your roof.
Weather conditions can have a significant impact on the life of your roof. If you live in an area that is subject to extreme weather conditions such as hailstorms, high winds, accumulating ice and snow, or heavy rains, check your roof frequently.
However, inspections done by a homeowner are not a substitute for a professional inspection. Certified roofing specialists are able to spot early signs of wear and tear that can indicate a roof needs attention.
What types of roof inspections are there?
Roofing professionals are increasingly using technology to aid their efforts. There are three basic methods of examining your roof:
- Physical inspection – A certified roofing professional will examine your roof from the inside (from your attic) and outside, by climbing a ladder.
- Drone inspection – Roofing companies are increasingly using drones to get a closer look at roofs. The use of drones allows for the examination of steeper and less accessible portions of a roof. Drones equipped with cameras scan the entire surface of the roof, and a certified roofing professional evaluates the footage and recommends repairs.
- Infrared thermography inspection – Infrared inspections use specialized equipment, and are typically used to detect problems that are not apparent using visual inspections. These can help detect water issues and insulation problems.
What happens during a roof inspection for insurance?
A roof inspection for insurance needs to be done by a certified professional—a visual inspection by a homeowner will not meet the requirements set out by an insurer.
The reason why you are conducting a roof inspection may impact the type of examination and cost, and might even affect who you need to hire to do the work. An assessment of roof damage for a claim will be different than an inspection as part of a home purchasing process to secure insurance coverage.
The roofing professional will examine the roof inside and out.
Interior
An attic inspection will look for leaks and any drafts that could indicate areas in need of attention. This may include looking inside the house for any signs of water stains on ceilings and walls.
Exterior
Outside, the examination will likely include the roofing expert using a ladder to get up on your roof to inspect the shingles, flashing, and areas around the chimney. If you have gutters, the inspector will look to see if there is any evidence of buildup of leaves and other matter that could lead to problems, and check for any damage that might have been caused by ice dams.
Skylights are another area of concern, as they can be prone to leaks. Improper installation or flashing that has deteriorated over time are the primary culprits of leaky skylights. If the reason for your roof inspection is a home purchase, know that regular maintenance on skylights is an important part of reducing the likelihood of water damage.
In areas of the country where tiles are a prominent building material, the roof inspection will include examining for cracks or missing pieces.
Technology used to inspect roofs
The use of technology such as aerial drones is increasing for roof inspections. Insurance companies also use satellite images to detect damage or wear.
If a roofing inspector you have hired plans to use a drone or infrared technology to assess your roof, ask about certifications. The drone must be registered with the FAA, and the operator must be certified to use the drone. For thermal inspections, the inspector should have a thermography certification.
How much does a basic roof inspection cost?
The cost of a roof inspection will depend on a range of factors. Where you live, the age of the roof, materials used, who is doing the inspection, and the complexity of the roof will all have an impact on the cost.
The average cost of a basic inspection on a simple roof of a single-family home can be anywhere from $150 to $400. The full range of costs is even wider. For example, an inspection of a very simple low roof on a small home can cost as little as $75. More complex roofs, detailed inspections, or those on multistory, larger homes are likely to be higher cost to conduct—up to $600 or more.
Can a roof inspection save me money on insurance?
Some insurance companies offer discounts on homeowners insurance for roof maintenance and upgrades.
Routine maintenance of your roof can be helpful if you ever need to file a claim. Insurers can deny claims when damage appears to be caused by a lack of maintenance. With regular roof inspections, you’ll be able to demonstrate that maintenance was kept up-to-date.
For more information about how roof inspections can impact your homeowners insurance rates, contact Rate Insurance. Their experts will help you understand what options are available to inspect your roof, and why it is important to regularly maintain this critical part of your home’s structure.
Disclaimer:
All information provided in this publication is for informational and educational purposes only, and in no way is any of the content contained herein to be construed as financial, investment, or legal advice or instruction. Rate Insurance does not guarantee the quality, accuracy, completeness or timelines of the information in this publication. While efforts are made to verify the information provided, the information should not be assumed to be error free. Some information in the publication may have been provided by third parties and has not necessarily been verified by Rate Insurance. Rate Insurance, its affiliates and subsidiaries do not assume any liability for the information contained herein, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, or exemplary, or other damages whatsoever and howsoever caused, arising out of or in connection with the use of this publication or in reliance on the information, including any personal or pecuniary loss, whether the action is in contract, tort (including negligence) or other tortious action.
