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Roof Inspection Cost
Most homeowners don’t realize the importance of the roofing system over their heads — except for that it protects the home from the elements. However, your roof is responsible for several other functions, including:
- Shedding water
- Maintaining healthy air circulation
- Protecting your home and everything inside of it (from the elements and more)
Therefore, roof maintenance is an essential task in homeownership. Part of that maintenance is scheduling a roof inspection regularly to ensure it’s in strong working condition so it can continue to perform the above functions. [Roof Inspection Cost]
Of course, if you’re reading this, your biggest concern is what your roof inspection cost will be. Below we’ll cover what you can expect regarding the cost of roof inspections and more. Roof Inspection Cost
When Should I Schedule a Roof Inspection?
Having your roof inspected regularly is the key to preventing vulnerable areas and damages from turning into serious structural issues.
Any trustworthy roofing contractor will tell you that you should have your roof looked over at least once per year to ensure it’s in good working condition. However, if you live in an area that sees a lot of severe weather activity or extreme temperatures throughout the seasons, then it’s recommended to have your roof assessed:
- Twice per year, in between your harshest seasons
- After big storms (if your roof is older or you suspect damage)
It’s also strongly recommended that you have your roof looked at if you plan on selling your home. You want to ensure that your roof is structurally sound and up to the local municipal building codes. Otherwise, you may not be able to sell your home at its fair market value — or until the roof is replaced. Roof Inspection Cost
What to Expect From a Professional Roof Inspection
When you schedule a roof inspection, you can expect the roofing professional to evaluate every component of your roof, inside and out. They’ll check for signs of existing damage as well as vulnerable areas for future signs of damage.
A thorough inspection will happen in three parts:
Exterior Inspection
The exterior part of the inspection revolves around looking for obvious signs of damage to the roofing material used to build your roofing system. This includes
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Missing granules and bald spots
- Rot
- Algae, mold, or lichen growth
- Discoloration
- Pest infestation
- Rust
- Improper drainage
- A sagging roofline
Interior Inspection
The interior part of the inspection means taking a look at your roof and its surrounding walls from the inside of your home. Your roofer will examine your attic or access space and top-floor ceilings and walls for:
- Cracked or holes in the ceilings and walls
- Leaks and water stains on the ceilings and walls
- Light shining through the attic or access space
- Mold or mildew
- Pest infestation
- Rotting wood
Structural Inspection
The structural part of the inspection involves the evaluation of the primary components of your roofing system. Your roofer will look for:
- Damaged, broken, or missing collar and rafter ties
- Deteriorating trusses and rafters
- Exterior walls that are tilted or appear to be leaning
- Sagging ceilings
How Much Should a Roof Inspection Cost?
Roof inspection costs range between $75 and $600, with an average cost of $220. However, most roofing companies will offer a free inspection if you’re looking to have your roof replaced or repaired.
Of course, this is typically only a one-time offer, as they will charge you for annual or seasonal inspections. Fortunately, many roofing companies also offer maintenance packages that allow you to pre-pay a fee for an annual roof inspection or multiple inspections over time.
The price you pay for a roof inspection will also depend on the type of inspection you require — with the three most common being physical, drone, and infrared roof inspections. Roof Inspection Cost
Here’s the breakdown:
Physical Roof Inspections
Physical inspections are traditional and most common. Cost-wise, they range between $75 and $200.
We expanded on physical inspections above, where your roofer will check the exterior, interior, and structural integrity of your roofing system to look for:
- Structural deterioration
- Water damage and leaks
- Mold, algae, or lichen growth
- Worn-out or vulnerable building materials
- Pest activity
- Other signs of physical damage
Drone Inspection
Thanks to modern technology, drone roof inspections are becoming more popular. They also come in handy for homes that significantly have steep roofs that make it too challenging for a roofer to walk around on.
During a drone roof inspection, your professional roofer will look for the same signs of damage and wear as listed above, and they are usually accompanied by an interior physical inspection. However, due to the technological factor, drone inspections can run you anywhere from $150 to $400.
Infrared Roof Inspection
There are some roofing issues that cannot be detected by the naked eye — until it’s too late. Infrared technology allows roofing professionals to catch leaks and cracks before they become physically exposed on ceilings and walls.
Essentially, these infrared devices are able to show any areas that have an unbalanced level of heat and moisture, which is often a sign of saturation insulation, worn roofing seals, and cracks.
You can expect the infrared roof inspection cost to be the most expensive, ranging from $400 to $600.
Roof Certification Inspection
For an additional fee, a roof certification letter can be added to your roof inspection. A roofing certification letter is a document issued to provide an official estimate for a roof’s remaining lifespan and to prove that it’s free of defects.
A roof certification document is typically created when a homeowner is choosing to sell their home or refinance their mortgage as the document will:
- Provide potential buyers with proof that the roof is in good condition
- Provide proof of the roof’s remaining lifespan
- To meet the documentation requirements of mortgage lenders
- For peace of mind when dealing with insurance companies
Ready to Have Your Roof Inspected?
Maintaining your roof by scheduling a roof inspection regularly is a must — especially if you want to keep the rest of your home structurally safe, as well as your family. [Roof Inspection Cost]
If you can’t remember the last time you had a roof inspection, it’s time to call the trusted roofing professionals at Tectum Roofing. We offer free inspections and accurate estimates!