What Happens During A Roof Inspection?

It’s easy to think that the only time you might need a roof inspection is after a weather event when trying to file an insurance claim, or maybe if you’re buying or selling. But that’s far from true! Most folks aren’t regularly checking out the state of their roof, and having professional eyes on things means that you can catch small problems before they become major issues. But what exactly does a roof inspection entail? Follow along as we outline that, along with some other things you need to know.

What Is a Roof Inspection?

Put simply, a roof inspection is a professional evaluation of your roof’s condition. The purpose of a roof inspection is to identify damage, wear, and potential issues in order to inform the homeowner and offer actionable next steps. Roof inspectors can be roofing contractors, specialized roof inspectors, or certified home inspectors. In the case of Reliable Roofing, we are able to handle every stage of the process–from initial inspection and recommendations to any needed repair or replacement.

What to Expect During a Roof Inspection

Scheduling a roof inspection is vital if you want to thoroughly protect your home–one of the most important investments you'll ever make. For your home to be comfortable and remain structurally intact, you need to know that your roof is constantly defending against the elements. A roof inspection can help you to do that, with a comprehensive, top-to-bottom evaluation of key elements like structural integrity, materials, ventilation and water flow. Here’s what’s included.

First off, we’ll work with you to pick a day when you’re available and we’ll have easy access to the roof and attic or crawlspace. We’ll arrive on time, ready to carry out the inspection. This begins with an initial walk around the home. We can gather a lot from the ground, and it gives us a sense of how your home’s setting impacts the health of your roof. After this, we’ll climb up and take a look for a more detailed inspection (don’t worry–we’re fully insured).

Exterior Inspection

• Roof Surface: look for missing or damaged (curling, blistered, cracked) shingles 

• Flashing: check for rust, cracks or misalignment of metal flashing around any protrusion (chimneys, vents, pipes)

• Water Flow: inspect gutters and downspouts for clogs, debris, and shingle granule loss; ensure water is not pooling and flows well

• Structure: look for uneven roof lines and spots that are soft underfoot or that visually sag

Exterior inspection complete, we’ll ask for access to your attic or crawlspace and respectfully navigate through your home to reach the attic. Then we will look for the following:

Interior Inspection

• Attic Airflow: inspect for adequate ventilation allowing heat and moisture to escape, preventing buildup

• Water Penetration: check for staining on the roof deck and interior ceilings, along with visible mold or mildew

• Structural Concerns: ensure that all elements of the roof’s internal structure are intact and there are no rotting materials

Once this process is complete, you will know whether the structural components are compromised or are in good condition, and whether water damage is an immediate threat to your home. During the inspection, we may share information with you regarding what we’re finding, but rest assured that you will also receive a report that outlines any areas of concern that require action. 

When To Get A Roof Inspection

Regular, often annual roof inspections are recommended for many reasons. For one thing, it’s good to have a baseline idea of the state of your roof. This allows you to compare it from year to year, or after a particularly bad storm or severe weather event. Having several inspections to compare can clue you in to the durability of your roofing materials, along with offering insights going forward, when it’s time once more for roof replacement. Spring and fall are ideal times to schedule a roof inspection, but you don’t have to stick to that schedule. Any time that you notice damage, missing shingles, or interior roof leaks, it’s time to get a set of professional eyes on your roof.

If your area experienced a bad storm or severe weather, or even if a certain season was particularly harsh, that’s the perfect time to schedule a roof inspection. You can get a clear idea of how that intense weather affected your roof. If you end up finding damage and need to file an insurance claim, doing so as soon as possible after the event is generally necessary, so you’d want to schedule an inspection right away. 

Commonly Asked Roof Inspection Questions

We’ve mentioned a lot of points already, but here are a few more common queries that come up when homeowners are considering a roof inspection. 

Do I have to use a professional for a roof inspection or can I do it myself?

Homeowners are free to perform visual inspections whenever they’re able, and it’s good to have a regular idea of what’s going on with your roof. That said, professional roofing services providers will bring years of experience and far more technical knowledge that will impact the thoroughness of the inspection. They are also used to being on and around roofs, and so they can typically be more safety conscious when carrying out the inspection. As far as insurance purposes go, companies will require a professional evaluation of your roof.

Can my roof fail an inspection?

Not exactly, since the goal is simply to get a clear picture of the state of your roof. If our team notices any problems, there will be some key roof repairs or prevention measures that will be recommended in order to prevent or rectify damage. We will give you a clear action plan to follow along with our professional recommendations. 

Do I need to be home for a roof inspection?

Not necessarily. If we are only conducting an exterior inspection, then we don’t need a homeowner to be present. But to ensure that your roof’s interior and your attic are venting well and there is no water intrusion, we will need access to the home. Indoor inspections would require the homeowner to be available. 

How long does a roof inspection take?

We don’t want to take up too much of your time or inconvenience you, so we aim to work quickly. A typical home inspection can take as little time as thirty minutes or as long as two hours or more, depending entirely on the size and complexity of your home and roof. On average, we’d say that for a typical home in our area, it could take up to an hour to complete a thorough roof inspection. And as always, if you have questions and want to talk, we’re happy to oblige.

If you have a question that wasn’t covered here, please contact Reliable Roofing! We’re happy to chat all things roofing.

Why Schedule A Roof Inspection?

The roof of your home bears the brunt of weather, UV exposure, seasonal debris, and sometimes impact from hail, trees, and more. Every day of every year, your home’s roof is working hard for you and your family. At the same time, it could be slowly breaking down, giving way to the nonstop onslaught. A roof inspection with a professional roofing expert is essential for early detection and problem solving. A roofing contractor has their head in the game, and they may spot a tiny less-than-ideal spot that could end up leading to extensive repair if not handled properly right away. They can spot what the untrained eye may not notice, such as hidden issues or improper installation, both of which could spell disaster down the road.

Beyond the very practical concern over ensuring that your roof is keeping the elements at bay, roof inspection also helps you to maintain your home’s value. If the inspector notices an area that requires repair, you can address that immediately, before it turns to a case of total replacement. When selling a home, you can be sure that potential buyers will place great value in a solid roof that they won’t have to worry about right away. There are plenty of reasons why regular roof inspections are a must for homeowners.

Your Local Reliable Roofing Company

Your roof is your home’s most important feature–it’s what keeps you dry and protected from the weather’s worst, all year, every year. For that reason alone, it deserves care and attention. Regular roof inspections are always a good idea, and are especially recommended following any major weather event. At the same time, it can be hard to know who to trust if you’re considering a roof inspection. At Reliable Roofing, Inc., we’re here to help. Our team has deep roots in our communities and we will be here for you during the inspection and roof repair or roof replacement process.

Our aim is to make the process streamlined, simple and stress-free for homeowners. You can rely on us to think of everything and deliver a beautiful, durable roof that performs for years to come. Our company owner is always available and on-site as we work, and our professional team is as trustworthy as they come. From initial site prep to the final, detailed cleanup, expect the best with Reliable Roofing, Inc.

If you’re ready to schedule roofing services or need a comprehensive roof inspection, let us be your go-to roofing company. You’ll benefit from our experience and expertise, receive accurate assessments every time, and have access to our honest recommendations, all resulting in your peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more and schedule!