Is it time for a new roof? Are you wondering if the roofing contractor will actually get on your roof for the estimate?
The estimate sets the foundation of everything about your roof replacement, from pricing to what work actually gets done. Because of this, it’s crucial for a roofing contractor to get all the details they need to create one.
However, the roofing industry has changed a lot over the years with new technology and ways to estimate roof replacements. So, this leaves some homeowners questioning if the roofing contractor will actually get on their roof to make one.
Some homeowners even ask this after getting an estimate from a roofer who didn’t get on their roof. No matter which one fits your situation, let’s break it down.
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in helping homeowners understand what goes into estimating a roof. So, let’s look at whether a roofing contractor should get on your roof when creating an estimate.
By the end of this article, you’ll learn:
- Should a roofing contractor get on your roof for an estimate? Why?
- Why wouldn’t a roofing contractor get on your roof for an estimate?
Should a roofing contractor get on your roof for an estimate?
There’s a lot a roofing contractor has to consider when estimating a new roof. So, in my opinion, a roofing contractor should get on your roof for an estimate.
You simply can’t beat getting on the roof, doing a thorough inspection, and taking plenty of pictures. This not only lets the roofer understand the project better, but it also ensures you get an estimate that’s 100% accurate from the beginning.
Let’s look at the main reasons a roofing contractor should get on your roof for an estimate.
Determine if you need a new roof
Performing a thorough roof inspection is a crucial part of the estimating process. By getting on your roof for an estimate, a roofing contractor can closely inspect your roof’s current condition.
This gives them an idea of how much life is left to determine if you actually need a new roof. If a roofer doesn’t get up there, you risk being sold a roof you don’t need.
Keep in mind that roofing contractors have to consider their safety, so some roofs are too complicated, steep, or high off the ground to perform a full inspection. In cases like this, a drone can be used to check a roof’s condition if the photos are clear and close enough.
However, reputable roofers usually still get on the roof or a facet just to do their due diligence.
Test the decking
Roof decking is the wooden foundation of your entire roof system. Any compromised roof decking must be replaced before installing your new roof.
(Areas of rotten decking after tearing off old roof)
While it's impossible to check the exact condition until the tear-off process is complete, a roofing contractor still has to plan for it when providing an estimate. They’ll get an idea in the attic (if there’s access), but the only other way is to test if it’s solid underneath when walking on the roof.
If the decking is spongy or has give in places, the roofing contractor can account for replacement decking on the front end. This helps avoid any surprise fees or added costs because the roofer has already accounted for some.
Look at the finer details to provide an accurate estimate
As I said at the beginning, getting on a roof for an estimate ensures you an accurate price from the beginning. This allows the roofing contractor to look at finer details and things specific to your roof that must be accounted for when creating the estimate.
This is especially important for architectural details, penetrations, valleys, walls, and other areas that need certain materials to prevent leaks. If attention to detail isn’t paid on the front end, you’ll have added costs during the job.
In the worst-case scenario, you’ll have serious leaks after your roof replacement if problem areas are unaccounted for or just ignored completely.
Code upgrades
Speaking of finer details, roofing is subject to building codes just like the rest of your home. Many of them have to do with ensuring materials are in specific places, but there are a few that a roofer must actually check on the roof.
For example: According to code R903.2.2:
“A cricket or saddle must be installed on the ridge side of any chimney or roof penetration more than 30 inches wide as measured perpendicular to the slope. The cricket or saddle coverings also shall be sheet metal or of the same roofing material as the roofing covering.”
Well, the only way to know if your chimney needs a cricket is if the roofer measures it. There are others, like checking the roof’s pitch to determine if it’s steep enough for asphalt shingles.
But as long as you hire a reputable roofing contractor, they’ll get on your roof if there’s anything they need to review related to codes.
Why wouldn’t a roofing contractor get on your roof for an estimate?
Getting on the roof and doing a thorough inspection is the best way to ensure an estimate is 100% accurate from the beginning. But as I said, some roofs are too complicated, steep, or high off the ground to perform a full inspection.
In my opinion, this is the only reason a roofing contractor wouldn’t get on your roof for a full inspection when providing an estimate. Using a drone to check hard-to-reach or unsafe areas is becoming normal in the roofing industry.
There are also plenty of 3rd party estimating tools that provide accurate measurements. If the roof is complicated, it could even be a combination of all three.
So, getting on your roof for an estimate truly depends on the complexity and comfort level of the person doing the inspection. However, I still believe a roofing contractor should get on your roof in some capacity when creating an estimate.
How long does a roof estimate take?
After reading this article, you know if a roofing contractor should get on your roof for an estimate and why. You also learned why they wouldn’t get up there.
At the end of the day, the important thing is that you get an accurate estimate. So, as long as you hire a reputable roofer, everything will be accounted for.
However, getting on your roof is just one part of the process. Because of this, a big question homeowners ask when scheduling an estimate is, “How long will it take?”
That’s why I wrote another article breaking down how long you can expect it to take when a roofing contractor comes out to your home for an inspection.
Check out How Long Does a Roof Estimate Take to learn how long it takes, how long it’ll take to get from the roofer, and if it’s a good idea to get multiple estimates.
