Roof Inspection
Roof inspections are like going to the doctor - sometimes it’s an emergency and other times it’s a check up.
Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements, and keeping it in good repair should be a high priority. Whether you check your roof yourself or get a professional inspection, knowing what a proper inspection of your roof looks like will help you get the highest quality possible.
Knowing why you need a roof inspection is the best way to know when to get one. The first and most common reason to schedule a roof inspection is to assess damage and file an insurance claim after a storm or accident. Another common reason for a roof inspection is during the process of selling or buying a property. The quality of your roof will affect the sum of your appraisal, which is why learning about and doing roof repairs can help you raise the value of your property. The last reason you may want to get a roof inspection is to catch roof problems before they become emergencies. Regular roof inspections are an investment in your home that may also save you money in the long run.
Some roofing professionals suggest getting an inspection once a year. And, in some cases your insurance company will cover some or all of the cost. Check your policy or ask your insurance agent for more details.
As a homeowner, you can do a basic roof inspection yourself. But it’s important to know what you’re looking for. For example, from the safety of the ground, you can look for missing shingles or shingles that are curling up. If your roof is less than five years old, has no interior leaks or signs of water damage, and hasn’t been through a major storm, chances are that all you need is a quick exterior check of the parts of your roof you can see from the ground plus a peek into your attic.
However, if your roof is older or has been exposed to intense weather, then you should get a more in-depth inspection done. If you feel confident on a ladder, you can do a closer inspection of your roof yourself. Please take care to wear safety gear and don’t do inspections when your roof is slippery or wet. Up on the roof, you will want to check for missing or damaged roof materials, not just shingles, but flashing and skylights. Check the sealant and keep an eye out for rusted or loose components. If you live in a moist climate, you will also want to look for moss or algae. While beautiful, these growths can crack and separate your shingles and expose your home to moisture. If there is moss or algae, your roof will need to be cleaned. Finally, you’ll want to look for evidence of pooling water. Pooling water means your roof is not draining correctly. This may mean you have clogged gutters or, worse, a sinking roof.
While doing your own roof inspection may work in some cases, it’s still important to have a professional roof inspection done every few years or as needed. While professionals can see everything you can, they also know the less obvious signs to look for. This includes things like checking your venting and watching for signs of sagging. If you don’t want to deal with going up into your attic and potentially putting a hole through your ceiling, a professional will take the time to properly inspect for water stains, leaks, and other signs of damage. Professionals also know how to look for problems in workmanship that may not be obvious to the untrained eye, like incorrectly installed flashing and developing chimney problems.
At Storm Guard, we take the process a few steps further. Storm Guard works with your homeowner’s insurance company to help you file a free inspection claim. Other inspection companies may charge up to $300, and who knows whether they actually know what they’re doing! Our technicians are trained to spot hard-to-see damage from the ground and on the roof. We will then work closely with you and your insurance company to complete any repairs or replacements that are needed.
Learn more about our most frequently asked roof inspection questions
Roof inspectors are looking for damage to your roof and anything that may cause future damage. This includes roof leaks, broken shingles, cracked sealant, moss, debris, standing water, and broken flashing.
A thorough roof inspection will take place on the ground, on the roof, and in your attic if there is an access point. The roof inspector will take notes on the damage they find and walk you through any needed repairs.
A roof inspection helps you catch small problems before they become big. By the time you can see leaks on your ceiling, chances are you already have a large amount of damage.
An annual roof inspection is ideal. Some professionals recommend as often as once a year, but if your roof is under 5 years old and hasn’t been exposed to extreme weather, you can do it less frequently.
This depends entirely on negotiations but, typically, the seller will pay for roof repairs or negotiate the price.
First, check your policy. If the reason you want a new roof is not covered then you may be on your own. If not, then odds are you can work with your insurance company to pay for some if not all of the new roof. Be sure to document the damage in writing and in pictures. Pictures help make your situation clear, especially photos with timestamps. The more evidence you have, the better. Also, check the age of your roof. Roofs less than 10 years old are usually covered by insurance, but older roofs may have limitations. Your final step is to get a professional opinion and an estimate on how much the repair or replacement will cost. If your roof professional says repairs will save the insurance company in the long run, they’re more likely to help pay. Storm Guard will help you file your claim and get the repair process started.
