A roof inspection performed by a reputable roofing contractor, such as S&S Roofing, offers the homeowner invaluable insight into the existing roof’s condition. The homeowner can utilize the information received from the roof inspection to make informed decisions regarding what steps to take next. Because a roof represents a significant expenditure to replace, a roof inspection reveals what options exist for repair or restoration.

What Is Included With A Roof Inspection

A comprehensive roof inspection incorporates three primary components: (i) an assessment of the home’s interior in affected areas (such as water stains on a ceiling), (ii) an analysis of the roofing materials and corresponding underlayment or sublayers, and (iii) an examination of the structural components of the roofing system that form the foundational basis of the roof.

Entering the home becomes necessary in many instances to trace (reverse engineering) the root cause of the roofing problem from the endpoint to the beginning. In this case, an inspector will assess water staining, mold, wood rot, holes in drywall, and attic issues.

A roof inspector will evaluate the roofing materials (shingles or tiles) and look for signs of weakness or damage. The inspector also will scrutinize the flashings, the sealants, the underlayments, the sublayers, and other aspects of the exterior roofing system.

This thorough analysis will review the rafters and trusses for cracking, splintering, or rotting. It also will identify roof sag. It may involve inspecting the condition of soffits, fascias, skylights, vents, and gutters to ensure each feature performs optimally.

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Types Of Residential Roofing Inspections

Homeowners should know that many kinds of roof inspections exist for particular situations. They include the following options:

This inspection involves surveying the roofing system to develop a professional opinion on a roof’s condition (including the remaining service life), necessary repairs to be performed, and if or when replacement is needed.

When a new roof is constructed, or significant repairs are performed, a roof inspection likely will follow. This step will verify that the completed work meets building code requirements (to receive a passing grade).

An insurance company may occasionally require a roof inspection (especially following a storm). An insurance adjuster-based inspection will study all aspects of the roofing system, including structural integrity.

Roofing industry experts generally recommend that a homeowner schedule an inspection twice per year. If that frequency is not practical, at worst, a homeowner should line up an inspection at least once annually.

Following a violent storm, the roof may incur substantial damage. A storm damage inspection will help determine what should happen next. Repair? Restoration? Replacement? An inspection report will provide options.

Common Roofing Problems Identified During A Roof Inspection

Trustworthy roof inspectors will facilitate a thorough inspection, assessing a roof for the following challenges:

Damaged shingles or tiles are noted during the inspection. In many cases, problematic roofing materials can be difficult, if not impossible, to spot with the naked or untrained eye. Tiny fissures and small cracks can be the precursor to more troubling issues. Water does not require large openings to find a means of entry through the roof and into the home.

Properly functioning flashing is critical to the roof’s overall health and effectiveness. When flashing is not performing optimally, the roofing system suffers. Often, damaged or missing flashing produces air pockets or areas for water to infiltrate the roofing system. Incredibly, many installers do not install flashing correctly. This failure is inexcusable.

Asphalt shingle granules are not merely cosmetic. They serve a crucial role in protecting and preserving your home from UV (solar ultraviolet) radiation. As roofs age and the material decomposes, granules shed off shingles. When a shingle no longer has any granules, it lacks purpose. Roofing professionals recommend replacing “bald” shingles with new ones.

As a roof ages, it can weaken under the force of external conditions (such as snowfall) as well as gravity. A sagging roof is one step closer to a collapsing one. Somewhere within the home’s internal structural components, weak spots (like insufficient internal bracing or undersized rafters or trusses) produce a potentially dangerous drooping effect.

Sealants provide a veritable means to eliminate air pockets and moisture penetration. A quality roof sealant is extremely tough yet flexible. Over time, the chemical composition of sealants breaks down, and cracks form. As cracks expand, the sealants need reinforcement or replacement. A quality inspector will identify any signs of sealant problems.

The formation of moss, lichen, fungus, and algae on the roof is common. But no homeowner should accept vegetation growing on their roof. Vegetative growth causes gradual (and, in some cases, rapid) erosion of roofing materials. An inspector can detail this issue.

Clearly Damaged Roof with Multiple signs of damage

Benefits Of A Roof Inspection

Why should you get a roof inspection? A residential roof inspection provides numerous decisive (and consequential) advantages for the responsibility-minded homeowner.

A roof’s condition is not solely determined by the actual problems it is experiencing. A roof may have few current issues, but it might be in danger of a host of challenges in the not-too-distant future. Avoid this possibility. Secure a roof inspection and know what could lie ahead.

A roof inspection provides the ideal means to gather the necessary information to enact solutions to lengthen your existing roof’s lifespan. Many homeowners experience the benefit of added years to the life of their roof that they never realized before after making roof repairs.

Unexpected expenses can arise anytime, whether you own a vehicle, house, or vacation property. A roof inspection serves as a veritable means to identify problems and potential issues early. That way, you can address them proactively (before they become far more costly).

Any prospective buyer will require a home inspection before closing the deal. If you have not assessed your roof’s condition for a long time, you may be in for a surprise. Avoid uncertainty. Know the status of your roof. You also can improve your home’s market value with timely fixes.

You don’t know what you don’t know. Don’t be trapped in a situation that catches you off guard. A roof inspection gives you the knowledge (and documented evidence) necessary to discern what to do next. It also provides you with bargaining power if you need to secure a roofer.

The leading roofing concern for the average homeowner is moisture intrusion. They don’t want their roof to leak. A reputable roofing contractor can inspect your roof (by employing the latest methods and technologies) to determine if areas of concern exist (and how to address them).

Maybe your current roof is in solid shape for the next several years. Knowing that information can relieve your anxiety. A quality roof inspection will reveal the truth, helping you move forward with whatever needs doing (or allowing you to rest easy knowing your roof’s good condition).

If you have a roof warranty, the terms and conditions spell out what you, as the homeowner, must do to keep it in full force and effect. In other words, you need to act responsibly in the upkeep of your roof to ensure coverage. A routine inspection demonstrates conscientiousness.

Frequently Asked Questions

The typical roof inspection costs between $300-400. It depends on the services the homeowner requests, the roof layout’s complexity, and the inspection’s magnitude. Many roof inspections include some combination of the following facets: a physical walkthrough, a drone overhead assessment, and an infrared imaging scan.

Yes. It is highly recommended that the homeowner remain available throughout the roof inspection. Although an exterior roof analysis can occur without the homeowner’s presence, the homeowner can provide a point-of-entry if the inspector requires access to interior spaces or other hard-to-reach areas. Also, the homeowner can ask questions and observe the findings.

A reputable and trustworthy roof inspector will positively respond to many of your most pressing questions. However, if the inspection findings (including any written report) do not reveal specific answers to essential inquiries, make sure to address the following questions with the inspector:

In your estimate, what is the roof’s overall condition?
How many more years can I expect the roof to last?
Are there any immediate roof repairs necessary?
What are potential issues of which I should be aware?
Did you observe any areas warranting closer analysis?
Do you recommend any specific preventive measures?
Does the insulation or ventilation need addressing?
When should I schedule the next roof inspection?

The homeowner has the crucial responsibility of asking the inspector follow-up questions if they identify issues during the inspection. Revelations that the roof has problems necessitate a proactive approach to protecting your home. Does the roof need repairs? Can it be restored to extend its longevity? Or will it require a roof replacement? And when? Gather all of this information.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to address potential roofing issues. Contact S&S Roofing today to schedule a comprehensive roof inspection with our trusted professionals. Our expert team will provide you with a detailed assessment of your roof’s condition, identify any problems or areas of concern, and recommend the best course of action to protect your home and investment. Act now and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your roof is in good hands. Call us at (360)322-1178 or complete our online contact form to request a roof inspection today!