A roof inspection is, bar none, the best way to discover if you have any issues with the one thing that truly protects your home from all the elements. So, if you need an inspection, hiring a roof inspector can illuminate any potential issues.
There are many valid and even pressing reasons to get a roof inspection.Â
If you’re selling your home, buying a new one, or working with an insurance company to repair roofing materials or roof damage following a major storm, getting a professional roof inspection will provide you with knowledge.
A roofing contractor can take the inspection and decide if you need a new roof and the average cost to replace it. This inspection can also provide you with a valuable roofing certification letter during the home-selling process.
Nothing is free, though. Roofing inspection costs vary from state to state and company to company. Several factors, such as the type of inspection, the need for an inspection report, or even the roof slope, can cause costs to vary.
Before you attempt a DIY roof inspection to save a dollar, let’s break down the costs and factors that go into prices.
Cost Factors: What You Need to Know
When it comes to a home’s roof, it’s essential to make sure it’s inspected and maintained regularly. A professional inspection can help you identify any potential problems, establish your roof’s life span, and help you plan for any needed repairs or replacements. On average, expect to pay around $200+ for an inspection. But what factors into the cost?
Size of the Roof
The roof size is one of the factors that will affect the cost. The larger the roof, the more time and materials it will take to complete the inspection. The size of the roof can also have an impact on the amount of labor needed to conduct the assessment.
Type of Roof
The type of roof is also essential when it comes to the cost of roof inspection services. For example, a flat roof may require less labor and materials than a sloped roof. The type of roof will also determine the inspection type and the tools and materials needed.
Condition of the Roof
The roof’s condition is also a factor in the cost. If the roof is in poor condition, it may require more time and materials for a roof inspector to complete the inspection. This is especially true if the roof needs repair before a contractor can conduct the assessment.
Accessibility of the Roof
The accessibility of the roof will also have an impact on the cost of the inspection. If the roof is difficult to access, the roof inspector must devise a plan for a quality physical inspection or one using a drone. However, keep the drone roof inspection cost factors in mind!
Extent of the Inspection
The extent of the inspection can also affect the cost of the inspection. For example, techniques like a drone inspection, infrared inspection, structural inspection, or a combination of a physical drone and infrared inspection will increase an average roof inspection cost.
It’s essential to remember that the cost will vary depending on the size, type, condition, accessibility, and extent of the inspection. A professional roof inspector will give it to you straight, though, and tell you everything they spotted during their roof inspections.
Inspection Types
Roof inspectors have many different ways to get a roof inspected. Your roofing inspector has more than a set of eyes to help spot any problems. Let’s review a few of these options before getting a roof inspection.
Visual Inspection
A visual inspection is the most basic of roof inspections, involving a visual examination of the roof to look for signs of damage or wear. This process is usually done by a roofing contractor, who will look for loose asphalt shingles, cracked tiles, mold issues during an interior inspection, or other signs of wear. This is usually the first step in getting a new roof.
Roof Survey
A more detailed inspection is a roof survey. A survey involves a thorough physical roof inspection, including measurements of the roof’s pitch, slope, and dimensions. A roofing contractor will use many tools to ensure your asphalt shingle roof, for example, is in top condition. Even structural items like roof decking and roof materials get a critical eye.
Roof Certification
A roof certification is an even more detailed roof inspection. This involves a thorough examination of the roof. Your roof contractor will inspect material, check asphalt shingles, roof vents, roof decking, proper attic ventilation, and more. A roof certification allows for a detailed look at your roofing material and ensures every square foot of roof is in working order.
Roof Condition Assessment
Finally, a roof condition assessment is a comprehensive inspection. This inspection involves a detailed examination of the roof, including measurements of the roof’s pitch, slope, and dimensions. A professional roofer typically does this type of inspection to determine the roof’s overall condition and structural integrity. This type of inspection also determines if any repairs or maintenance are necessary.
Technology and Roof Inspections
Roofing contractors have found new and exciting ways to inspect a roof, all thanks to technological advances. While these gadgets and gizmos can increase costs, it still beats the overall cost of a roof. The National Roofing Contractors Association has plenty of information about this new tech.
An infrared roofing inspection has a roofing contractor use infrared cameras to detect and diagnose issues. By measuring the temperature of the roof surface, the cameras can detect differences in roofing material and identify potential problems by spotting warmer or cooler air spots.
Thermal imaging provides a detailed view of the roof, allowing home and business owners with commercial roofs to take action before the problem becomes worse. Overall infrared roof inspection costs tend to average between $400 and $600.
Drones are also revolutionizing commercial and residential inspections. For example, drones equipped with cameras and sensors can inspect a roof in a fraction of the time required for a manual inspection.
A roofing contractor can cover a larger area in less time and get a detailed look at the roof that would be impossible to get with a ladder. Drone roof inspection costs can average between $150 and $400.
Conclusion
Knowing the potential cost factors if you need a roof inspection allows you to understand what you’re getting into with an inspection. With mortgage lenders needing guarantees on a roof to allow for a successful sale, getting your roof certified by a professional is critical. If you’re not selling, the peace of mind for your roof is also priceless.
