The average roof can last anywhere from 20 to 100 years,
depending on the material. Of course, you'll only enjoy its full life expectancy if you take good care of it!
Our roofs spend so much time baking under the hot California sun that inspections and maintenance are the keys to their long lifespans. That's why experts recommend roofing inspections once a year at a minimum.
If you've fallen behind on these check-ups, you may be wondering what to expect. When should you schedule them, for example, and what happens when your contractor arrives? Let's take a look at everything you should expect from your roofing inspection.
1. When to Schedule a Roof Inspection
The average property owner should schedule a
roof inspection
at least once a year. However, there are times when it helps to reach out to a contractor more often.
If your roof has significant tree coverage, getting inspections twice a year may help. Branches that break off during inclement weather can fall and damage the surface of your roof. In addition, loose leaves and debris can sometimes encourage the growth of mold, algae, and other moisture-loving nuisances.
You should also schedule more frequent inspections if you have an older roof. A roof that has reached the midpoint of its expected lifespan may become more vulnerable to weather damage as it continues to age.
It's also a good idea to schedule a roof inspection before buying or selling a property. This can help you determine the condition of the roof as you negotiate the property's sale price and contract terms.
Last, you should always reach out for an inspection if you've noticed signs of damage. Missing shingles or roof tiles, broken flashing, attic leaks, and holes in the roof membrane are all red flags.
The ideal times of year to schedule a roof inspection are spring and fall. These seasons give you time to prepare for the extreme weather of summer and winter, which can wreak havoc on your roof. They also tend to have mild enough weather to make inspections easier on contractors.
2. How to Prepare for a Roof Inspection
There isn't much property owners need to do to prepare, but a few tips can help make your contractor's job easier.
First, your contractor will be sure to ask questions about the roof's history. Be sure to gather any documents you have about your roof, including details about its installation and last repairs.
This can be especially crucial if you've just bought a property and aren't up to speed on its previous work. If you struggle to find answers, you may be able to
look through public records.
Next, try to make sure you'll be available throughout the roofing inspection. If your contractor has questions during the inspection, you should be there to answer.
If you can safely do so, clear away any leaves, twigs, or other debris on your roof before the inspection. This makes it easier for your contractor to make their assessments.
3. The Cost of a Roof Inspection
Roof inspection costs here in California range between $400 and $700. The final price tag will vary based on a few factors.
First, your roof itself will influence the cost. The square footage, slope, and accessibility of your roof will determine how much time and effort the contractors will have to spend on the job. Larger roofs may call for additional team members, and steep or less accessible may require special safety equipment.
Second, you'll pay more for certain types of roof inspections than others. An inspection that uses infrared technology or a camera-equipped drone, for example, will cost more than a traditional inspection.
4. Areas of Inspection
Your contractor will often begin your inspection by climbing up to your roof to check for potential damage or problems. However, you might be surprised to learn that roofing contractors won't just check your roof during an inspection!
Back on the ground, they may also check any gutters and downspouts on your property. This can help ensure that these systems function as they should.
Your roofer may also request access to your attic. Stains, mildew and mold, cracks and holes, water damage, and other common problems are easy to spot on the wood. Your contractor may also take a moisture reading and check your insulation.
Your roofer may also check your property's walls or ceilings. This is especially helpful when you or the contractor have noticed a roof leak that may be draining indoors.
5. What Roof Inspectors Look For
During your home or commercial roof inspection, contractors are doing a few things at once:
Interior Inspection
As noted above, your roofer will perform an interior inspection of your property. During this time, they'll check your attic, ceilings, and walls.
Material Inspection
As your roof ages, its materials may degrade or grow damaged. Your contractor will check for signs of discoloration, water infiltration, cracks, and other damage.
They'll check your shingles or tiles as well as your decking, flashing, vents and soffits, and chimney. If you have skylights or other penetrations, they'll inspect those as well.
Workmanship Inspection
Your roofing inspector will also check the workmanship of your roof. This ensures that installation issues don't cause problems with your roof. Incorrect or lazy techniques can lower the lifespan of even top-quality materials, so your contractor will take note of anything that should be addressed.
Structural Inspection
The structural integrity of your roofing system is crucial. A structurally sound roof is better able to withstand impacts and damage.
During an inspection, a contractor will check for signs of sagging. This may include damaged collar or rafter ties, sagging ceilings or exterior walls, and damaged rafters.
Contact Us for Roofing Inspections
Now that you know what to expect, it's time to schedule your inspection! Regular roofing inspections can help you protect your roof and even expand its lifespan. With an experienced roofer to check for small problems before they snowball into massive headaches, you may even be able to avoid the need for costly repairs.
If you live in Sacramento or the surrounding areas, our expert team here at Garner Roofing would be happy to perform a complete inspection. Licensed since 1991, our contractors have plenty of experience helping property owners protect their roofs from anything the California weather can throw at them.
Contact us today
for a free estimate.