When comparing home and roof inspections, the two tasks are in two different ballparks, but they can be merged together. Almost all home inspections include a thorough roof inspection, which is an integral part of the home, but it won’t be as focused as a dedicated roof inspection. A home inspector is more often than not a generalist; while they may note roof issues, a roofing professional will have more insight,” says Ami Feller of Feller Roofing. “Also, unfortunately, some home inspectors never get on the roof and take the bulk of their photos from the ground or from the top of the ladder. If this is the case, you should hire a roofing professional to inspect. A typical home inspection will include all three parts of the roof inspection. But home inspections often forgo looking for pests and leave that up to the homeowner. Whereas roof inspections consider pests one of their main concerns. Plus, you probably won’t get to request drone or infrared inspection options.

It is generally recommended to have a roof inspection at least once a year, or after a major storm. Some experts recommend having a roof inspection every six months to catch problems early on.

A roof inspection typically includes a visual examination of the roof surface, the roof structure, and the attic. The inspector will look for signs of wear and damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, leaks, and water damage.

If the roof inspection reveals problems, it is important to address them as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Depending on the severity of the issues, you may need to repair or replace your roof.

The length of a roof inspection can vary depending on the size and complexity of the roof, but most inspections take between one and three hours to complete.

A thorough roof inspection should be able to detect hidden problems, such as water damage inside the walls or in the attic. However, some problems may only be visible with more invasive testing methods, such as removing shingles or drilling into the roof.

Many roofing contractors offer free estimates, while others may charge a fee for the inspection and estimate. The cost of a roof estimate can vary depending on the size and complexity of the roof, as well as the location of the property.

A roof estimate should include a detailed breakdown of the materials, labor, and other expenses associated with the project. It should also include a description of the work to be done and any warranties or guarantees offered by the contractor.

To compare roof estimates, it is important to look at the scope of work and the materials included in each estimate. Be sure to compare apples to apples by looking at estimates from contractors who are offering similar services.

Several factors can affect the cost of a roof estimate, including the complexity of the roof, the type of material used, and the property’s location. The contractor should be able to provide guidance on these factors and help you understand the costs involved.

It may be possible to negotiate the cost of a roof estimate, particularly if you are getting estimates from multiple contractors. Be sure to communicate your budget constraints and any concerns you have about the costs to the contractor.

If the roof estimate is higher than you expected, reviewing the scope of work and materials included in the estimate is a good idea to understand the costs. Consider getting additional estimates from other contractors.