So you just got a roof installed on your house.
Congratulations!
It feels amazing to cross something off of your list, but before sit back and admire your brand new roof, it’s important to make sure the job is done right!
That’s when you should get your new roof checked out with a roof inspection.
Here are all the reasons why you should never skip this step of the roof replacement process and always get a roof inspection after installation.
Why Should I Get a Roof Inspection After Installation?
Soon after your roof installation, you should look for a professional roof inspector. Some roofing contractors include a roofing inspection with their service. However, a newer or cheaper roofing contractor, may not provide a proper roof inspection. A roofing company should be thoroughly researched to understand what services they offer.
To be sure your roof is sturdy, secure, and won’t leak, hire a certified roof inspector to do a roof inspection after installation. Hiring an accredited roof inspector can save you a lot of stress and money. If the roof replacement gets done wrong, it can cause leaks, mold, fire hazards, soft spots, and reduced insulation.
It is much better to spend a little on a roof inspection now than a lot on water damage later. Repairing water damage can cost a considerable amount of money.
What Happens During a Professional Roof Inspection?
A roof inspection is performed to make sure your roof comes up to code. A correctly installed roof has good flashing, insulation, ventilation, and the strength to keep water out.
There are two types of roof inspections: interior and exterior inspections.
Interior Roof Inspection
An interior roof inspection happens inside your house. During an interior inspection, the roof inspector will check your attic for signs of leaks and moisture while ensuring that you have adequate insulation and ventilation. The interior inspection is the easy part of the inspection.
Exterior Roof Inspection
The exterior part of the roofing inspection requires the inspector to get up on the roof and inspect it up close. He should be looking for the flashing to be installed correctly, and any sign of leaks, missing shingles, rust, mold, rotted roof decking, or loose seams.
What Part of the Year is Best for Roof Inspections?
If you are getting a roof inspection after installation, you might not have a choice on the season. The inspection needs to happen right after the roof replacement.
However, deciding when to schedule your next annual roof inspection gives you more options. The best time to have your roof inspected is in the fall. Having your inspection in the fall will ensure your roofing system is in the best possible shape as winter temperatures and weather come in.
Other times you should get your roof inspected after a big storm and after a new installation on your roof.
Self Inspections
It’s a good idea to get your roof checked by a professional roofing inspector annually, but you should also inspect it a few times a year. These homeowner inspections can be performed from the ground. It should be pretty easy to see spots where a fiberglass shingle roof lacks shingles, for example. You should also do an interior inspection on your attic to look for signs of leaking and water damage.
How Much Does an Inspection Cost?
There are a few different types of inspections. They come at all different prices with all different technology levels.
Physical
A physical roof inspection is where a local roofing inspector comes to your house, climbs a ladder, and walks around on your roof. He checks physically for loose roofing materials, looks for clogged gutters, and checks for signs of mold. A physical roof inspection is the cheapest option for roof inspections at $75 to $200.
Drone
The second option is a drone inspection. A drone inspection is pretty much what it sounds like: a certified inspector uses a drone to see up on the roof. Drone inspections are safer for the contractor and take less time, but they are less thorough because they only use sight. The inspector can only use what he sees on the drone’s screen. He can’t feel soft spots or look up close for mold. A drone inspection will typically cost you about $400.
Infrared
The infrared inspection is the most thorough but pricey option for homeowners to get their roofs inspected. The infrared inspection also uses a drone, but it goes even farther, using thermal images to find areas where moisture may be gathering or where insulation may be thin. This infrared method can cost you from $400 to $600.
Where Can I Find Roof Inspectors?
You should look for a local professional roofer with good reviews and certification to inspect roofs. You should also check with the company to see about prices and what is included in an inspection, such as exterior and interior inspections. It may be helpful to ask a few roofing companies in your area these questions to see which one has the best deal.
How Long Does an Inspection Take?
The answer to this question heavily depends on the size and slope of your roof and the ease with which the roof can be accessed. A vast roof that is severely sloped may take several hours, while a smaller house that is relatively flat can be done in around 45 minutes. It will also take longer if the inspector is looking at the attic and doing an interior inspection.
If you are concerned about the length of time, your inspector will be at your house. You should ask the company during your initial quote. Then you will have an idea of how long you’ll need to set aside for your inspection. The answer that you get from the contractor could also tell you how thorough you can expect them to be with your roof.
Final Thoughts
So, again, congratulations on your new and exciting roof! Now is the perfect time to start reaching out to a qualified roofing contractor for quotes on a roof inspection. Think about the different things you may want from this inspection, and find a contractor who will meet all of your needs! We hope this will give you peace of mind about the quality of your roof.