Skip to content 
How long Does a Roof Inspection Take? – Facts!
As a homeowner with a packed schedule, it can be challenging to manage work, family responsibilities, and home maintenance tasks simultaneously. You may find yourself asking, “How long does a roof inspection take?” To help you fit this crucial task into your busy day, let’s dive into the key factors that determine the duration of a professional roof inspection.
Entrust your roofing needs to the expert team at Nitro Roofing, Columbus Ohio’s trusted roof inspection specialists. As a family-run business, we’ve proudly provided top-notch roofing inspections, repairs, and replacements in Columbus and New Bremen. Lean on our experience for a comprehensive roof inspection and any subsequent repair or replacement services you may require.
How Long Does a Roof Inspection Take?
On average, a thorough roof inspection typically lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. However, certain roofs may necessitate up to four hours for a comprehensive assessment. It’s important to be aware that if you engage a roofer who completes an inspection in just 15 minutes, there is a possibility that they may have overlooked signs of damage.
The duration of a roof inspection can vary depending on multiple elements. These include the size of your roof, its type, the extent of any potential damage, how easily accessible it is, and whether the inspection will extend to your attic. So, when you ask, “How long does a roof inspection take?” these are the factors to consider.
Roof Size
The inspection process for larger homes takes longer due to the increased square footage. High-quality roof inspectors carefully examine every aspect, including individual shingles, tiles, or panels, flashing, gutters, and more. Rushing through this process to expedite inspections is not recommended. It is crucial to allocate sufficient time for a thorough assessment and ensure the best possible results.
Roof Type
The duration of your roof inspection can be influenced by several factors, including the type of roof, materials used, pitch, and overall structure. For example, examining a flat roof may require less time compared to navigating a steeply pitched roof that demands meticulous attention. Additionally, roofs with multiple valleys, vents, chimneys, and skylights will naturally take longer to inspect due to their increased susceptibility to damage.
Roof Damage
If your roof has endured significant damage from a hurricane or storm, or if it hasn’t been inspected in years, please note that the roof inspection may take longer. Homeowners typically reach out to roofing contractors for inspections to identify potential issues like roof leaks, deck sagging, and other forms of damage. As a result, inspectors must allocate more time when there is extensive damage.
Comprehensive roof inspections go beyond examining the roof from above. Inspectors may also assess the interior of the home for water stains on ceilings and walls, as well as other indications of water intrusion.
By conducting a thorough inspection, we ensure that all aspects of your roof and potential damage are carefully evaluated.
Roof Accessibility
Access to your roof is another key factor when addressing the question, “how long does a roof inspection take?” If the inspector needs to rearrange outdoor furniture or can only access certain parts of your roof from specific points, it could prolong the inspection time. To expedite the process, consider clearing away furniture and other items from around your home’s perimeter before the inspector arrives. This will facilitate quicker and easier access to your roof.
Attic Inspection
A comprehensive roof inspection typically involves a detailed look at the attic. The inspector will check for indications of roof damage such as water stains, damp insulation, mold, light seeping through the roof deck, or evidence of pests.
Before your appointment, it’s a good idea to inquire if the inspector requires access to your attic. Depending on where your attic entrance is located, you might need to relocate furniture or other items.
By taking into account these variables, your roofing company can give a precise estimate of the time needed for your roof inspection. Reach out to our team at Nitro Roofing to get a clear idea of how long your inspection will take.
What To Know Before You Schedule A Roof Inspection
Depending on your home’s size, the entire roof inspection process could take anywhere from 45-60 minutes. In most cases, a roof inspection includes a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior, rooftop, and your home’s attic. If any active roof leaks have led to stains on the ceiling or interior damage, we will inspect that as well.
What does a roofing contractor look at during a roof inspection?
The duration of a full roof inspection can vary, typically ranging from 45 to 60 minutes, contingent upon the size of your home. Typically, a roof inspection encompasses a meticulous examination of your home’s exterior, the rooftop itself, and the attic space. In instances where active roof leaks have resulted in ceiling stains or internal damage, these areas will also be included in the inspection.
- Check the ventilation system in your attic.
- Examine the soffit and fascia.
- Look for any visible roof leaks or interior water stains.
- Determine how many layers your roof has.
- Assess the condition of your roof’s decking.
- Inspect the roof vents.
- Verify the integrity of the roof flashing.
- Evaluate the drip edge.
- Examine the overall condition of the main roofing material, such as shingles or metal.
- Assess the chimney.
- Inspect the roof penetrations, such as pipes and skylights, and their flashing.
- Evaluate the gutters and downspouts.
However, similar to the duration, the specifics of what gets inspected can be influenced by the type of service you’re availing. For instance, if you’re getting an inspection for a new roof, certain measurements such as the pitch of the roof, base of the chimney, length of the valley, etc., are necessary. These details are crucial when estimating the cost.
Roof Inspection From Outside
Nitro performs a comprehensive inspection of your home’s exterior, thoroughly examining it from both ground level and the roof itself. We carefully assess the following areas for any signs of damage:
- We carefully check roof eaves, soffit, and overhangs for indications of rot or insect infestation/damage.
- Our team examines gutters for any clogs or drainage issues.
- Roof valleys are thoroughly inspected to ensure there is no debris buildup or damage.
- We pay close attention to the slope, as missing shingles and storm damage are common issues. Each area is carefully examined.
- All roof components, including vents, pipes, and fans, are subject to wear and tear. We carefully inspect each one for any damaged or cracked seals.
- Roof flashing is prone to cracking and rusting, so we thoroughly examine all areas to ensure it is in optimal condition.
- We carefully scrutinize each shingle for any signs of storm damage, including wind uplift.
Rest assured, our thorough inspection covers all aspects of your home’s exterior to identify any areas of concern.
Roof Inspection From Inside
When it comes to your roof, the exterior of your home only reveals part of the story. To gain a comprehensive understanding of your roof’s condition, we conduct a thorough inspection that includes assessing the attic. Here’s what we look for:
- Signs of light that may indicate a hole or roof damage.
- Evidence of mold or water damage on the insulation and structural components of the roof.
- Indications of a pest infestation.
- Assessment of proper attic ventilation.
- Evaluation of adequate insulation levels.
By examining both the exterior and interior aspects of your roof, we ensure a comprehensive assessment to address any potential issues effectively.
How much does a roof inspection cost?
The cost of a standard roof inspection can range from $120 to $400. This varies based on factors such as the roof’s size, ease of access, and complexity. However, the exact cost is typically dictated by the specific circumstances.
For instance, in the case of a roof replacement, many roofing companies provide free inspections, seeing the potential for a sale. On the other hand, for roof repairs, some firms may levy a service fee to inspect and locate the roof leak, in addition to the repair cost.
Outside these specific services, you’ll find that most routine maintenance and general roof inspections align with the aforementioned pricing. While it might seem expensive at first glance, many roofing companies offer maintenance programs encompassing regular roof inspections.
These maintenance programs often come bundled with additional benefits like reduced rates for repairs, gutter cleaning, and more. While these perks are attractive, the main advantage of regular maintenance is that it monitors your roof’s condition, helps prevent expensive repairs, and extends your roof’s longevity.
How often should you get your roof inspected?
You now have an understanding of the duration, aspects examined, and the cost associated with a roof inspection. As emphasized earlier, the type of service you avail typically dictates both the timeline and expense.
Be assured that it’s perfectly fine to request a roof inspection even if there’s no immediate need for a service. It’s actually advisable to have your roof routinely and regularly inspected.
But what constitutes routine? And what is the importance of regular roof inspections?”
The Importance of a Professional Roof Inspection
When homeowners notice significant and evident damage to their roofs, they promptly call professional roofers for assistance. However, detecting subtle issues can be more challenging. For instance, a slow roof leak may go unnoticed for months or even years, resulting in severe water damage within the house. Even seemingly minor problems like improper attic ventilation can lead to significant headaches such as mold growth, mildew, and exorbitant cooling costs.
While it is advisable to conduct ground-level inspections twice a year as part of regular roof maintenance, seeking professional inspection can help identify minor issues before they escalate into major problems. Certified by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), professional roof inspectors possess the necessary training to spot signs of damage that homeowners may overlook. Their expertise enables them to identify even the slightest concerns.
In addition to their keen eye for damage, professional roofers prioritize safety while working on roofs. While some homeowners may feel comfortable climbing onto their roofs, they often lack the training and equipment used by roofing companies to ensure safety.
Should You Be Home for a Roof Inspection?
While it may not bother some homeowners to have contractors on their properties in their absence, we strongly recommend being present for your roof inspection. Your inspector will likely need access to the home’s interior, including the attic, which requires your permission. Additionally, the roof inspector may want to point out signs of damage inside your house, such as water stains or flaking paint where walls and ceilings meet. By being present, you can ensure a thorough inspection and have a better understanding of any potential issues.
What if the Inspection Reveals Damage?
After completing the inspection, your roofer will provide you with a detailed report on the condition of your roof, highlighting any issues they have discovered. These problems will be categorized to indicate whether they require future attention or immediate repair. Of course, if urgent matters are identified, it is crucial to address them promptly.
If your roof inspector is a roofer themselves or represents a roofing firm, they may offer an estimate for the recommended work. However, feel free to obtain quotes from other roofers before making a decision.