Understanding Roof Inspections: How Long Does A Roof Inspection Take?

A roof inspection is essential for assessing your roof’s condition, especially following an adverse weather event, such as a hail storm or heavy rainfall. How long should this process take?

How A Roof Inspection Is Conducted

A roof inspection requires a professionally trained inspector with the knowledge and experience to examine your roofing system thoroughly. The inspector likely will need access to your garage, attic, and other interior spaces. Typically, the inspector will draft a written report detailing their findings, including your roof’s condition, areas of concern, and recommended solutions.

What To Expect During A Roof Inspection

An inspector is responsible for analyzing four critical aspects of your roofing system: 

1. The roof’s underlying structural integrity,
2. The roofing materials utilized at each layer,
3. Any interior spaces adjacent to the roof, and 
4. The quality and sufficiency of previous workmanship.

A roofing inspector will perform an orderly assessment of your roofing system by following this process:

• Examine the home’s interior areas, including attics, crawl spaces, garage rafters, and areas between walls and ceilings. Typically, the inspector is looking for indications of moisture intrusion and structural issues.
• Walk the property’s exterior perimeter from the ground level to observe and document telltale signs of damage to the roofing system, including gutters, downspouts, soffits, fascias, and other visible components.
• Crawl onto the roof to closely inspect the surface roofing materials and penetrations (vents, chimneys, skylights, etc.). Also, the inspector will assess the sublayers, including the flashings, underlayment, and decking.
• Prepare a written report that includes photographs, video recordings, analysis, and recommendations. This report generally incorporates the findings to enable a homeowner to make an informed decision about next steps.

Areas A Roof Inspector Examines

Usually, an inspector will analyze the following roofing components:

1. Attics & Crawlspaces

Upper areas of a home’s interior adjacent to the roof often reveal troubling issues, including hidden moisture intrusion, mold and mildew damage, and pest infestation.

2. Gutter System

A reputable inspector will assess the gutter system and downspouts for cracks, blockages, or irregularities. Optimally functional gutters are essential to a healthy roofing system.

3. Roof Penetrations

Chimneys, vents, and skylights must be tightly sealed to prevent water penetration through the roof. When installed and maintained correctly, flashing helps stop leaks before they form.

4. Soffits & Fascias

Soffit boards cover the underside of roof overhangs (eaves). Fascia boards run along the roof’s edge. These areas can become susceptible to rotting, cracking, and warping.

5. Structural Components

Rafters and joists serve as a roof’s framework. This foundation element of a roofing system provides structural support. If it becomes unstable, the roof will weaken dramatically.

6. Sublayers Of A Roof

Several sublayers, including the underlayment, decking, and ice and water barrier, lie under the shingles, tiles, shakes, panels, or other outer roofing materials.

7. Surface Roofing Materials

Most homes have asphalt shingle roofing. Over time, deteriorating shingles may experience cracking, splitting, curling, or missing granules. Shingles also loosen or fall off.

8. Ventilation System

Did you know that your house breathes? Your house utilizes its ventilation system to maintain a consistent interior temperature and regulate humidity levels.

Frequency Of A Roof Inspection

Most professional roofing inspectors recommend that a roof receive an annual inspection. How often a roof should be inspected depends on many factors, including the roof’s age, the severity of weather events, and telltale signs of damage, such as missing shingles, dented flashing, water leaks, ice dams, and clogged gutters.

Approximate Amount Of Time For A Roof Inspection

Most roof inspections take between 1 and 2 hours to complete. In a few instances, a roof inspection could require up to 3 or 4 hours. Many factors impact the length of time to facilitate an inspection. Let’s examine relevant considerations:

1. Accessibility Of Interior Spaces

Most roof inspectors prefer that a homeowner be present at the home throughout the inspection. That way, the inspector can more easily access indoor areas.

2. Age & Condition Of Roof

If a roof is in less-than-ideal condition, the inspector may need more time to thoroughly assess the situation for visible and hidden signs of damage.

3. Layout & Square Footage Of Roof

A roof with many angles, several “difficult to reach” areas, and more square footage may require more inspection time than a smaller roof with fewer variations.

4. Type Of Roofing Material

Different kinds of roofs require particular considerations. For example, a metal roof involves a separate process from an asphalt shingle or clay tile roof.

5. Walkability Of Roof

A steeply sloped roof can involve more time to inspect. Also, assessing a roof during inclement weather can take longer.

Choosing A Qualified Roof Inspector

As the leading roofing contractor in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), S&S Roofing proudly offers a full menu of residential roofing services, including comprehensive roof inspections. Our knowledge and experience in this industry ensure that you receive the highest-quality inspection.

More Seattle homeowners choose S&S Roofing for their roofing needs. Contact S&S Roofing today to schedule an appointment or ask about our roof inspection services.