How often should you have your roof inspected

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Roof Inspected?

Your home is likely your greatest investment, which makes maintaining it and keeping it in excellent condition your top priority. Roofing is a key element in a home’s one of the most important parts of a home’s integrity and structure. 

Moreover, knowing the condition of the roof should be a major consideration before buying a home seeing as it is often the first line of defense against problems like rain and wind. Unfortunately, such weather conditions inevitably lead to the roof deteriorating or developmental problems that require repair.

A roof inspection helps to identify potential problems, offers solutions on what areas to fix, determines the longevity and the condition of the roof, and can help you keep it in good repair. After all, prevention is better than cure.

It’s far cheaper to fix the problem earlier than being forced to later replace the whole roof due to negligence. Many roof issues can be difficult to spot from the ground, even with binoculars. And several issues may also be difficult to spot if you don’t know what to look for as such they are best inspected by professional roofers.

So how do we determine the cost of a roof inspection? Well, most inspections cost a flat rate that is determined in part by your roof’s size and the material. On average the national average cost for a roof inspection is $290 to $350. If you just want to check the condition of your roof, you’ll probably have to pay for a general maintenance inspection.

However, the size and type of property is the first factor in determining the cost of a roof inspection. Single-family residential homes are typically small with simple roofs, which often make the inspection price for them lower. Commercial real estate structures that are more complex or larger will often lead to more expensive inspection fees. It’s also important to consider the materials that your roof is made of.

For example, 1,500 square foot asphalt 4 roofs will cost between $250 and $600 for an inspection, with an average cost of about $450. Whereas, a tile roof for example, may cost up to $800 for an inspection of the same size, due to the nature of the material.

Also, green materials, slate, thatching, and wood singles are all specialty roofing products that may require the expertise of a roofer who is qualified in those materials and this may affect the cost as specialty products often attract premium pricing models.

So, how is a roof inspection broken down into?

It is primarily split into four categories, structure, materials, interiors, and workmanship.

  • Structural Inspection: The inspector will check for structure damage such as uneven roof planes or cracked chimneys. The venting in the attic will also be checked because improper venting can lead to heat and moisture buildup that reduces roof life and increases the risk of ice dams forming at the roof’s edge. 
  • Material Inspection: This is where they examine loose shingles, algae growth, stains etc. for quality deterioration. 
  • Interior Inspection: The inspector will examine the house’s interior ceilings, the attic, and walls for water damage, algae rot etc.
  • Workmanship Inspection: A thorough inspection includes looking for problems in workmanship that could increase the risks of leaks or other roof damage in the future. Also inspectors will check for incorrect flashing around roof penetrations–including vent pipes, skylights, and chimneys.
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Additionally, in some cases an inspection may include some minor repairs for safety purposes. Also few inspectors charge more to include an interior, attic-view roof check. Moreover, the extensiveness of a roof inspection is another factor that determines the price of a comprehensive evaluation.

Some roofing inspections include an examination of the attic, checks of all gutters, external fixtures, and windows seals. It’s likely that the cost of a roof inspection will be higher in cases that require more labor, or dangerous conditions, like an extremely steep roof.

In short, homeowners must take into consideration all of these factors that influence how much a roof inspection costs. It is preferable to have your roof inspected annually to ensure you’re preventing damage from costing you even more money.

After all, identifying ongoing maintenance needs in and around your home is the most effective method in catching problems before they start. Also it is recommended that you never climb onto your roof yourself to look for damage.

The only way to know the condition of your roof is by hiring a professional to evaluate, so it’s important to know how much a roof inspection costs. Even if there are repairs required, it may be cheaper to improve the life of your current roof than buying a new one.

It’s also worth noting that if you feel that your roof has been compromised or for seasonal inspections, especially if your roof is over ten years old, call your insurance company as they may cover the cost of repairs.