A Roofing Inspection Checklist to Get Ahead of Problems
Let’s face it! Most homeowners neglect roofing inspections until all the small issues build up to a significant problem. Plus, going DIY isn’t an option, not only for how dangerous it can be but also because you might miss some very minor issues that a professional would have otherwise noticed. That’s precisely why you need a roof inspection checklist!
If you ever want to do a DIY roof inspection, having a checklist with all the potential roof problems you might face is a must. Otherwise, you might miss a tiny roof leak, or a curled shingle, which can be detrimental when the rainy season comes around.
So, today, we’ll look at what’s included in professional roof inspection services (and how you can take the DIY route), as well as how often you should schedule one. Before all that, though, let’s find out how long a roofing inspection takes.
How Long Does A Roofing Inspection Take
When inspecting your roof by yourself for the first time, the whole process will take at least a few hours. But professional roofers will check the interior and the exterior within 1-2 hours. Of course, there are some reasons at play that can make the inspection last more or even less.
For starters, a partial roofing inspection, which only consists of checking out the exterior, can take as little as half an hour. On the other hand, if you have a gable roof or some parts of it, like the attic, can’t be accessed easily, your contractor might be there for up to 4 hours.
In case you hire a professional to check out your roof, we suggest clearing a pathway both on the inside and the outside. This way, not only will the whole process last less, but it’ll also cost you less.
Roof Inspection Checklist – What To Look For Inside And Outside
Whether you choose the DIY way or you want to ensure that the professional you hired inspects every part of your roof, having a checklist is vital. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of common roofing problems you should look out for during an inspection.
Interior Checklist
Starting with the interior, there are really three parts that you need to check: the vents/chimney, the insulation, and the decking.
Vents/Chimney: The most common problems with these are improper ventilation (which can only be checked by using specialized tools) and leaks or holes.
Insulation: During the inspection, ensure that your attic insulation is dry, and there’s no mold growth or any signs of condensation.
Decking: If you notice any cracks on the decking or there are sun rays penetrating your attic, it’s likely time to get a roof repair done.
Exterior Checklist
Checking out your roof’s exterior parts is a bit more complicated, as you’ll need to ensure that there are no issues with all the shingles, the gutters, the flashing, etc.
Shingles: While you're inspecting your roof, make sure that there are no curled, damaged, or missing shingles. Also, ensure that there’s no excessive loss of the top layer of granules on the shingles.
Nails: One of the main things to check during your inspection is if there are any loose or exposed nails.
Flashing: Make sure that the flashing isn’t rusty or missing. In either case, your roof will be vulnerable to water damage.
Gutters/Downspouts: Have a look at your gutters to confirm that there aren’t any issues with them. Leaking gutters are pretty common, especially with shingled roofs.
When Should You Schedule A Roof Inspection
Now that you know what to look out for, only one question comes to mind. When’s the best time to contact the pros? Well, even though this depends on your location, we tend to get most calls for inspections right after the summer or the winter here in SoCal. So, you should schedule one during Spring or Fall.
But this brings us to the next question? Do you actually need to inspect your roof every year, or is it more of a precaution so that you don’t have to deal with an emergency roof repair later on?
How Often Should You Have Your Roof Inspected
You should get a roof inspection at least once a year for the first decade of your roof’s lifetime. From then on, scheduling one every 6 months is necessary to ensure that it lasts well over its expected lifespan.
Do It Yourself – Drone Roof Inspection
Look, we know that many homeowners are squeamish about getting on their roofs. That’s where technology comes to save the day; we’re, of course, talking about drone roof inspections.
If you know what to look for (see our checklist above), simply use a drone to inspect all the intricate details of your roof's interior and exterior. While these are still somewhat expensive, it’s the best way to do a DIY roof inspection.
Let The Pros Handle It, the Wise Way
There’s no doubt that roof inspections are a necessity. Despite most homeowners neglecting them, scheduling one every year right as the flowers bloom is the best way to ensure your roof is healthy and properly maintained. And, if you’re in Southern California, look no further than us!
At Roofing Wise, we make sure that your roof will surpass its expected lifetime with the help of our professional roofing team. Call us now at (833) 315-7663 for a free estimate!