So, you just went or are about to go through the roof replacement process. No matter where you are in the process, you probably heard your roofing contractor mention inspections in the future.
You just got a new roof that’s supposed to be installed correctly and last 20-30 years. So, you’re probably wondering or even questioning the point of inspections after a roof replacement.
Is the roofing contractor trying to squeeze you for more money? Are they expecting problems from poor work? Or does your roof really need check-ups after a roof replacement?
For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has helped bridge the information gap between homeowners and roofing contractors. That’s why I want to help you understand roof inspections after a roof replacement.
This article answers the following questions:
- Do you need a roof inspection after a roof replacement?
- Why is it important to get your roof inspected after a roof replacement?
- How much will it cost to get a roof inspection?
Do you need a roof inspection after a roof replacement?
Yes, you should get a roof inspection after a roof replacement, also called a maintenance inspection. I always recommend getting your roof inspected at least once a year until its next replacement.
You may think: “You’re a roofing contractor, so obviously, you’ll say I need a roof inspection after a roof replacement.” However, this is for your roof’s longevity and your wallet’s benefit.
You invested a lot of money in your roof, so doesn’t it make sense to maximize and maintain it? That’s why most roofing contractors offer a maintenance program to keep your roof running smoothly throughout its life.
I understand not wanting to spend money on yearly roof inspections, especially if there isn’t a current problem. However, getting regularly scheduled roof inspections is crucial to the long-term health of your roof investment.
Why is it important to get your roof inspected after a roof replacement?
You may still be skeptical about getting a yearly roof inspection. But what if I told you it could save hundreds, even thousands of dollars in preventive measures alone?
Yearly roof inspections are the perfect opportunity for your roofing contractor to spot a current (or future) problem, figure out what’s causing it, and repair the issue before it spirals out of control. Let’s say you have nails backing out of shingles (nail pops) that are causing water to drip slowly into your home.
This is a very common repair that’s a simple and inexpensive fix. But if nail pops aren’t caught because you didn’t get a yearly roof inspection, it can cause $300, $400, or even up to $500 worth of damage to your ceiling.
This leaves you paying for roof repairs and the interior damages from the leak. I know it’s hard to keep up with, but the last thing you want is a minor issue to become a major one because you didn’t have a roofer come out for a quick inspection.
How much will it cost to get a roof inspection?
Hopefully, you understand that getting a yearly roof inspection is important. But there’s still one thing left to discuss, how much it’ll cost.
Unfortunately, I can’t give you an exact price because the pricing varies from roofing company to roofing company. However, I can at least give you an idea of the cost for a general maintenance roof inspection.
A general roof inspection can cost anywhere from $120 to $400, with the cost varying based on the size, accessibility, and complexity of your roof. That looks expensive on the surface, but most roofing contractors offer a maintenance program that includes yearly roof inspections after your roof replacement.
This means the pricing ends up being cheaper per year compared to calling a roofing contractor every year for an inspection. Most maintenance programs also have other perks, like discounted repair rates, gutter cleaning, and more.
Outside of maintenance and yearly check-ups, the pricing to inspect active leaks or an inspection for a new roof may be different. For repairs, some companies charge a service fee to inspect the roof leak, and then you’ll pay what it costs to repair.
If it’s time for a roof replacement, most companies offer free inspections because there’s a potential for a sale. However, yearly roof inspections and maintenance check-ups outside of a program will most likely fit in the price range above.
How do you maximize your roof investment?
After reading this article, you now know if and why you need an inspection after a roof replacement, plus an idea of how much it costs. I know it seems redundant to get continued roof inspections after getting a new one.
You may even think this is just a way for a roofer to get more money out of you. However, getting an annual maintenance inspection is one of the best ways to maximize your roof investment.
While the importance of maintaining your roof can’t be overstated, it’s just one way to ensure a roof reaches its full potential. That’s why I wrote another article breaking down what you can do to maximize your roof’s lifespan.
Check out 6 Ways to Help Your Roof Last Longer to Maximize Your Investment to learn how to get the most out of your roof replacement.
