The roof is an important exterior part of the house which provides protection against elements such as rain, snow, etc, and that's the reason roof maintenance is crucial. Roof inspection is an important step to maintain the roof, which helps identify leaks and also to understand the pricing for repair or installing a new roof. Most of the homeowners pose a common question: "How much does a roof inspection cost?" The answer depends on several factors discussed later in this article, which can help you inspect the roof at the best possible price.
Importance of Roof Inspection
A roof inspection is important for many reasons, especially to evaluate the overall condition of the roof:
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Detection of potential issues - A roof inspection provides a detailed examination of the roof to identify any potential issues. Early detection of these minor issues can save costly repairs that may occur in the future.
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Compliance with warranty - Some roofing warranties remain valid only if regular inspection is done. Negligence in these inspections would lead to invalidation of the warranty.
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Extended lifespan - Routine inspection along with maintenance will increase the lifespan of the roof and prevent costly repairs.
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Curb appeal - Regular inspection will help maintain the roof, which will result in a better home appearance and resale value.
Factors Affecting Roof Inspection Cost
1. Roof Size and Materials
The inspection cost varies depending on the size of the roof. Inspectors charge more to inspect a larger roof as it takes more time and effort to examine it. The cost also depends on the material of the roof. Slate, tiles, or certain metals need more expertise to inspect. Therefore, the cost of inspection also increases.
2. Location
The labor and overhead costs for inspectors depend on the location of your house. Therefore, homes located in places with higher demand might have higher inspection fees.
3. Roof Complexity
The complexity of the roof's design determines the cost of roof inspection. More complex designs with features like layout and multiple slopes will have higher inspection charges. As steeper slopes need more safety precautions and equipment, the inspection cost also increases.
4. Scope of Inspection
The cost of inspection varies depending on the list of inspections. A basic visual inspection or a walk-on inspection of the roof can be costlier than a drone inspection or thermal imaging.
The scope of inspection depends on how old your roof is, what the condition of your roof is, and the nature of your concern. A more detailed inspection with reports, photos, and recommendations is provided by some inspectors, but at a higher cost.
5. Inspection Type
The type of inspection affects the cost of it. A standard physical inspection generally costs around $331, including the examination of the roof's condition and material using a ladder. Whereas a drone roof inspection for roofs that are difficult to access may cost you around $400.
The most expensive is an infrared roof inspection, costing around $400 to $600. This method allows the inspection of damage not visible to the naked eye through infrared technology.
6. Climate
Inspection rates increase in winters as it gets difficult to carry out the physical inspection because of the snow. The inspection is also difficult in the rainy season, though the problem areas are easily detected.
Average Cost of Roof Inspection
Roof inspection cost based on its type:
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Physical roof inspection - $75 – $200
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Drone roof inspection - $100 – $450
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Infrared roof inspection - $400 – $600
Roof inspection cost based on other factors:
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Basic Inspection - $150-$350
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Complex Roof - $300-$600
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Expert Inspectors - $400-$800
What are the Additional Costs of Roof Inspection?
During the inspection, certain specific issues are identified that require repairs or maintenance. The additional cost of these services depends on the damage and materials required to repair them. Addressing these necessary repairs instantly will prevent the roof from further damage and also avoid more costly repairs later.
Consider the long-term benefits of these maintenance and repair costs. They will extend the lifespan of the roof and ensure a better energy-efficient home by reducing heating and cooling costs over time.
Saving on Roof Repair Costs
You can cut down on roof repair costs by scheduling timely roof inspections. This will help you identify and address the issues before they worsen and reduce costly repairs later. Overall health and longevity of the roof can also be improved after understanding the underlying issues.
Inspectors might address issues like signs of wear and tear, damage from weather, or weak spots that can lead to leaks. Addressing them promptly will help you save a lot of money that you would have to spend on repairs in the future.
What Do Roof Inspectors Look For?
These are the 5 things a roofing contractor looks for during a roof inspection:
1. Attic Ventilation and Roof Vents
One of the first things that a roofing inspector generally checks is the attic's ventilation. It is important for the durability of the roof and to lower the home's energy bills. Improper ventilation will trap hot and cold air, which will shorten the roof's lifespan and make the indoor space warm during the winter and vice versa.
The inspector will also check if there are any obstructions or damage to the vents on the roof. If the inspector doesn't inspect your attic system, ask them to check the functionality.
2. Layers of Your Roof
This is applicable only for homeowners who have an asphalt shingle roof. The inspector will check the number of layers of shingles on your roof. They will tell you the number of layers that need to be torn off for roof replacement.
Homeowners sometimes avoid the process of tearing off the shingle to cut costs and nail over their old one. Sometimes old homes also have three or four layers of shingles. Remember that more layers will need more labor costs to be torn off.
3. Roof Decking
It is important to check if the roof decking (sheathing) is rotten or damaged, as they are the foundation that holds the entire roof system. The roofing inspector generally checks this by testing whether it's spongy or solid under their feet.
They also check if the nails of the decking are firmly holding the deck. They cannot tell if the decking needs replacement until the old roof is torn off.
4. Life of Roofing Material
During the inspection, the roofing inspector checks the condition of the roof and determines whether it needs replacement. Generally, the roof will have a long lifespan if it was installed properly. The lifespan can be from 20 to 50 to even 100 years, based on the material of the roof.
The inspector looks for granule loss, moss growth, and missing, loose, cracked, or buckling shingles, especially for an asphalt shingle roof.
5. Roof's Penetrations
The roofing inspector checks for any roof penetration, including pipes, skylights, and chimneys, and inspects if they are leak-free.
They check for cracks around the pipe boots that can cause leaks. For skylights, they look for damaged flashing or seals that can leak. The issues with flashing, mortar, or the chimney cap are checked in chimneys.
Final Words
Experts recommend an annual roof inspection, especially after major storms, to identify early damage signs. Keep an eye on the roof after storms, and if you find any damage, call a roof inspector immediately.
