Most homeowners only get their roof inspected when there’s an active leak, or it’s time for a roof replacement. This is understandable because we usually don’t think about a roof until there’s a problem.
It’s pretty common for most homeowners to avoid routine roof inspections altogether. However, your roof needs an occasional check-up, just like your car (we’ll get to why in a little bit).
The problem is knowing how often your roof needs an inspection. Is it every year? Every other year? Every five years?
For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has educated homeowners on how to maximize their roof investment. Because of this, I’ll break down how often you should get routine roof inspections and more.
This article answers the following questions:
- How often should you get your roof inspected?
- Why is getting routine roof inspections important?
- How much does a roof inspection cost?
How often should you get your roof inspected?
I always recommend getting your roof inspected at least once a year. It’s even a good idea to get it done twice a year to keep up with the changing seasons.
Now, you may think: “You’re a roofing contractor, so of course, you recommend yearly inspections.” But the truth is, this is for you and your wallet’s benefit.
You invested a lot of money in your roof, so it makes sense to take care of it. That’s why most roofing contractors offer a maintenance program that helps keep your roof running smoothly.
I understand it’s hard to spend more money on your roof for maintenance, especially if there isn’t a current problem. But it’s well worth the benefits that come with a yearly inspection.
Why is getting an annual roof inspection important?
You may think getting an annual roof inspection isn’t that important. But as I said, a yearly roof inspection keeps your roof running smoothly.
It’s 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. Without a yearly roof inspection, a minor issue can become a major one before you know it.
For example, let’s say you have a cracked pipe boot. This is a very common repair that’s a simple and inexpensive fix.
But if it isn’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 is on top of paying to repair or replace the damaged pipe boot.
Yearly roof inspections are worth saving hundreds, even thousands of dollars in preventive measures alone. While saving money is important, it also ensures you get the most life out of your roof.
This means you won’t have to invest in a new roof until it’s absolutely time for one.
How much does a roof inspection cost?
Hopefully, you understand why getting an annual roof inspection is important. But there’s still probably one more thing that’s making you hesitate, how much it’ll cost.
Unfortunately, I can’t give you an exact price because every roofing contractor is different, and the pricing varies from company to company. But I can at least give you an idea of the cost for a general roof inspection.
Depending on the roofing contractor, a general roof inspection can cost anywhere from $120 to $400. This cost varies based on the size, accessibility, and complexity of your roof.
But remember, most roofing contractors offer a maintenance program that includes yearly roof inspections. This means the pricing can end up being cheaper per year compared to calling a roofing contractor every year for an inspection.
Maintenance programs also come with other perks, like discounted repair rates, gutter cleaning, and more. Just know that the pricing for active leaks and getting a full roof replacement could be different.
For repairs, some companies charge a service fee to inspect and track the roof leak. Then you’ll pay what it costs to repair the problem on top of it.
If you’re looking for a roof replacement, most companies offer free inspections because there’s a potential for a sale. But if you’re calling for a yearly roof check-up, you’ll most likely fit in the price range above.
The tips you need to hire a great roofing contractor for your roof inspection
Now you know how often you should get your roof inspected, why it’s important, and how much it’ll cost. As I said, I always recommend at least a yearly roof inspection.
But at the end of the day, it’s up to you how often you get your roof inspected. No matter how often you get it done, the important thing is that you hire a reputable roofing contractor for an inspection.
The last thing you want is to call a roofer for a general inspection and have them try to sell you a new roof when yours is only 5-10 years old. Unfortunately, this happens way too often in the roofing industry.
I don’t want this to happen to you. That’s why I wrote another article with key tips that will help you hire a trustworthy, reputable roofing contractor in your area.
Since 1990, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality roofing services to thousands of homeowners in Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee areas. We believe in offering honest assessments, so you get exactly what your roof needs.
If you’re local to Nashville or another Middle Tennessee area, don’t hesitate to Contact Us for a roof inspection.
Here are 7 Tips to Find a Great Roofing Contractor to ensure you hire a reputable one in your area.
