Your roof tells you when an inspection is necessary in various ways, including blocked gutters, pooling water, and cracks and tears. As a property owner, you should always pay attention to such indicators and never put off a close inspection because it can affect your insurance and warranties.
Since we know how essential roof inspections are, we’ve decided to walk you through the entire project. Our article has every crucial detail, including what this project involves and tips for picking the best inspectors.
What is a Roof Inspection?
A roofing expert assesses your entire roof’s condition during an inspection. Exceptional inspectors often inspect the following:
- Shingles & Other Coverings: Roofers look for missing or broken shingles. They also check if your roof has blistering, buckling, or curling components. This is crucial because damaged shingles expose your home to leaks and water damage.
- Decking: Skilled inspectors check the spacing between rafters and isolate any signs of damage, including excess humidity and mold growth in the attic. They also inspect available openings and the type of reinforcement under your deck.
- Roof penetrations: The holes made through your roof for installing equipment like skylights and AC units are known as roof penetrations. During an inspection, pros check if they flashed as per roof manufacturer specifications and look for signs of deterioration.
- Flashing: While inspecting your roofing system, a contractor looks out for several issues related to the flashing. For starters, they check if the caulk used to seal these components has degraded and whether a new layer is necessary. They also single out loose components needing repairs.
- Gutters: A roofer visually inspects your gutter and pinpoints issues like missing parts, gaps, signs of leaks, etc. They may also hose down these components to determine if the water flow is smooth and seamless.
A professional roof inspection is thorough because it aims to help you identify and remediate any issues before they aggravate.
Roof Inspection vs. Estimate
Many property owners think roof inspections and estimates are similar and use these terms interchangeably. But they are not.
As discussed, a contractor uses a roof inspection to ascertain the condition of your roofing system and point out evident issues. However, an estimate is simply a run-down of what to expect from a specific roofing company and associated charges.
Most reputable roofers offer free estimates with crucial details like:
- Labor charges
- Material costs
- Clean-up service charges
The differentiating factor between a roof inspection and an estimate is this: when you request the latter, the contractor won’t factor in hidden issues. They will simply offer a detailed project description, including material and labor requirements.
Who to Call for a Roof Inspection
Always request roof inspection services from a reputable contractor. The following can help you single out the best service provider in the market:
License and insurance
A licensed roofer is guaranteed to do a splendid job with little to no mishaps. Plus, in Florida and many other states, the law requires roofing contractors to be licensed before undertaking any project. So, asking a service provider for proof of licensing is mandatory.
Also, ensure the roofing company you hire to inspect your roof has insurance coverage. This is necessary because a roofer can get hurt on your property, and you need protection against any ensuing outcomes, including medical bills and financial compensation.
Positive online reviews
Before committing to a specific roofer, check online reviews and customer feedback. Don’t skip this step because many false claims and scams exist. Without sufficient precaution, you may hire self-acclaimed experts who lack the skills and experience required to conduct a thorough inspection.
Online reviews back up a roofer’s claims. If a company has much positive feedback, rest assured it will provide exceptional services and meet client expectations. If not, run.
Ratings and Awards
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is among the authorities responsible for rating roofing companies. BBB uses several factors to vet a service provider before assigning points and ratings, including its customer base and overall reputation.
Look for a roofing contractor with an A+ BBB rating. This grade is the best indicator of a company’s trustworthiness and reliability. Plus, a roofer with this rating is more likely to address complaints and concerns promptly whenever they arise.
Service area
Most roofing companies conduct inspections within their local areas. You will be hard-pressed to find a reliable contractor willing to serve clients in any part of the nation. Besides, working with a local roofer is advisable because they know your locale well, value their reputation, and are more accountable. Before hiring a roofer, confirm if they serve clients in your location.
Talk to the Experts
Does your roof need an inspection? Let Westfall Roofing help. Don’t just look at the roof yourself because inspections can affect your insurance policy and associated premiums. If you don’t let the pros identify and fix issues now, your insurer will catch them in the future, void your policy, or raise monthly payments.
We serve property owners in West Central Florida, including the Sarasota and Tampa Bay areas, and offer free estimates. Contact us today and schedule an inspection before it’s too late.
