Are Roof Inspections Really Worth It? Here’s What to Know

Your roof keeps the elements out, but beyond that, you don't think much about it or its health. But is getting a roof inspection worth it? The simple answer is yes, roofing inspections are worth it because they can help you save money, prevent future problems, and give you peace of mind. This guide explains what a roof inspection is, why it’s worth it, what a roof inspector checks for, and how much they cost. 

What Are Roof Inspections?

Roof inspections are when a roof inspector near you checks out the integrity of your roof. They typically happen every three to five years. During the inspection, your pro is looking at your roof’s current condition and when and what repairs will need to be made. And depending on your inspector, they might conduct a physical, drone, or infrared roof inspection.

How Much Does a Roof Inspection Cost?

The average cost of a roof inspection is $210, though the actual cost can depend on the type of roof inspection, the size of your roof, and the roofing style. Ideally, you should have your roof inspected every three to fives years, or as soon as you spot damage. 

What Do Roof Inspectors Check?

As we mentioned, a roof inspection looks at its overall condition to see if it’s structurally sound and safe. Here are a few areas a roof inspector will look for:

• Missing, broken, or loose shingles

• Leaks inside your home 

• Conditions of your gutter and downspouts

• Presence of mold

• Ceiling sagging

• Bulging, tilting, or leaning walls

“Typically we base our inspections on what we can see from the top of the roof,” says Expert Review Board member Keith Jacob of Integrous Roofing & Restoration, Inc. in Littleton, Colorado. We look for common areas where regular maintenance is needed. Examples include checking areas where caulking is critical and will need to be maintained like chimney flashing, or skylight flashing."

Why Is a Roof Inspection Worth it?

There are many reasons why you should get your roof inspected. 

It’s a Qualified Assessment

When you get your roof inspected by a qualified, licensed roof inspector, you’re getting a pair of trained eyes to inspect your roof. Your pro can quickly tell you what condition your roof is in and if you have a problem. While you can do a visual inspection of your roof from the ground, it’s difficult to tell whether those shingles are water damaged or if they’re too loose to provide actual protection. But when you have a pair of eyes that know what they’re looking at, you know your roof is being thoroughly assessed.  

It Prevents Health Problems Caused By Roof Damage

A common problem caused by roof damage is exposure to mold spores. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mold exposure can potentially produce allergens and irritate your eyes, skin, and lungs. Also, roof damage can let rodents into your home, which opens up a whole new world of health issues, according to the CDC.    

By scheduling annual roof inspections, you can identify any areas in your roof or interior that need attention and prevent health problems caused by roof damage. 

It Saves Money on Costly Repairs

The average cost of roof repairs is $940, not including any additional services you might need, like an exterminator. You can save money on roof repairs with an inspection before things get out of hand. And by getting inspections every few years, your pro will be familiar with your roofing conditions and can quickly tell if there’s something that needs attention now or will need attention soon.

It Gives You Peace of Mind

Whether you’re buying a new home or you’re laying down roots, there’s nothing as peaceful as being reassured that your roof doesn’t have any leaks, hasn’t caused any damages to the inside of your home, and won’t require a lot of money to repair. And even if you do have issues that need attention, with an inspection, you’ll know what the problem is and what you can do to solve it.