How Long Does a Roof Inspection Take? (Homeowner’s Guide)

With homeownership comes great responsibility. Not to mention, plenty of surprises. 

One day, you’re shopping for new home decor, and the next, you’re Googling how long does a roof inspection take?

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably won’t give much thought to your roofing system until there are visible signs of damage that can’t be ignored. So, if you’re reading this, here’s what every homeowner needs to know when it comes to their roofs:

• The condition of their roof
• What their homeowners insurance policy will cover regarding roof damage
• Who the most reliable and trustworthy roofing contractors are in their area
• What can be expected during the roof inspection process
• When a roof inspection should be scheduled

Below we’ll cover everything you need to know before you schedule a roof inspection: about the roof inspection process, including how long it should take, what the process entails, and more.

How Long Does a Roof Inspection Take?

One of the measures of a good roofing contractor is that they will take their time evaluating your entire roofing system. Having said that, the average time for a full roof inspection is usually between 45 and 60 minutes. 

However, Roofing inspections often take longer, depending on certain factors, such as:

• The size of your roof
• The complexity of your roof
• The extent of the damage to your roof (if any)
• Whether or not there was a recent storm

With these variables in mind, you expect your roof inspection to take a minimum of one hour but up to several hours if there’s significant damage. 

The most important thing is that your roofer is as thorough and as detailed as possible. This is what will allow them to determine exactly what your roofing needs regarding repairs or a complete roof replacement — which is what allows them to provide you with the most accurate estimate for the work.

So, if your roofer only spends between 15 and 20 minutes on your roof, they probably haven’t inspected much at all.

What Does a Roof Inspection Entail?

What exactly happens during a roof inspection? Essentially, your roofer will take a close look at both the exterior and interior of your home for specific signs of damage. This includes potential structural problems like leaks and signs of water damage.

Externally, they’ll look for the following:

• Broken, cracked, or fractured shingles
• Missing shingles and bald spots
• Curling shingles or raised shingles due to wind uplift
• Loose, exposed, or rusted nails
• A sagging roof deck
• A sagging roofline
• Damage to flashing, skylights, vents, and chimney
• Cracked or crumbling sealant
• Moss, algae, or lichen growth
• Rust stains
• Excessive granule loss
• Clogged gutters or downspouts
• Animal or pest activity
• Piles of debris

Internally, they’ll check for:

• Light that’s peeking through your attic or access space
• Water stains on ceilings or interior walls
• Mold or mildew inside of your attic or access space
• Signs of pest infestation or animal activity
• Proper attic or access space ventilation
• Proper insulation levels
• Cracked, peeling, or discolored paint where the walls and ceiling meet

During this inspection, your roofer will take extensive notes of their findings as well as photos to provide you with a detailed report. This will come in handy should you need to file an insurance claim to have damages repaired or a roof replacement after a big storm.

When Should You Schedule a Roof Inspection?

As a homeowner, you’re responsible for the regular maintenance of your roof. This means having your roof inspected frequently to ensure that it remains in top working condition and that no damages turn into serious issues. 

Ideally, it’s best to have your roofing system inspected at least once per year. However, you always want to call your trusted roofer for an inspection when:

• A significant storm that brings high winds, hail, thunder, lightning, etc occurs
• You notice that you have missing shingles
• You start seeing more and more granules coming out of your downspouts
• You’re planning to sell your home

If you prefer to have your home inspected several times throughout the year, such as seasonally, you’ll want to talk to your roofer to see what types of maintenance plans they offer. That way, you can pre-schedule and pre-pay for your inspections so you don’t forget. 

How Much Does a Roof Inspection Cost?

One of the most common questions about roof inspections is how much do they cost. The good news is that many reputable roofing contractors offer free initial inspections, especially after a significant storm. 

However, there are a few potential caveats:

• Most free inspections (barring storm damage inspections) are basic inspections, which aren’t as thorough
• Free inspections are also only typically offered one time — as in your first inspection

If you’re having your roof inspected regularly, you should expect to pay your roofer for their time and thoroughness. How much you’ll pay depends entirely on the roofing company, but you can expect most roofers to charge anywhere between $140 and $250 per inspection.

Should You Stay Home During a Roof Inspection?

Lastly, it’s common to want to know if you should be home during your roof inspection. 

Ultimately, a roof inspection is something you should be home for. If you’re having a thorough inspection done, your roofer will need access to your attic or access space. They may also want to point out vulnerable areas in your home or specific areas of damage and explain why it’s occurring and what the next steps are.

Being home is especially important if you’re having an inspection done for storm roof damage, as you’ll want to confer with your roofer about filing the insurance claim.

Ready to Have Your Roof Inspected?

In the grand scheme of things, roof inspections don’t take very long. They especially won’t take as long as roof repairs or a complete roof replacement. Therefore, it’s essential to stay on top of scheduling your annual roof inspections.

When you need a reliable roofer you can depend on for an honest and accurate inspection, Tectum Roofing is the company you’ll want to call. We offer free inspections, financing plans, and much more. Call us today to schedule your roof inspection!