Should You Have A Roof Inspection After Installation?

The roof is one of the most important aspects of a home. Smart homeowners are aware of this fact and as such, take great care and necessary precautions to ensure it always stays in great condition. 

However, even if your roof is brand new, it doesn’t mean you can let maintenance fall by the wayside. In fact, scheduling a roof inspection after installation is equally important as checking the condition of an old roof since it can help confirm whether the roof has been properly installed and if any issues need to be addressed right away.

Let’s explore exactly why you should schedule a roof inspection after installation. 

Why Is An Inspection Of A New Roof Important?

As soon as your new roof is completed, the best course of action is to hire a professional inspector. Your roofing contractor may offer this service, but this is rarely the case or may come at an excessive cost.

Now, we have a pretty good idea what you’re thinking right now: 

“My roof was just installed, why do I need to inspect it?” 

In short, it’s a precaution to make certain that the roof was properly installed, sturdy, secure, and that it won’t develop any leaks in the near future. To put it bluntly, roofing contractors are only human and even with years of experience under their belt, they may still get things wrong during the construction process. 

For example, if the flashing was poorly installed, your pristine roof may leak as soon as the first rainy season in Florida hits. The same applies to shingles that haven’t been correctly aligned - the water will have an easier time penetrating and the ensuing damage may also cause dangerous mold growth. 

This is precisely why a certified roof inspector is worth it - they can save you a lot of stress and money. Think of it this way:

Would you rather spend a few hundred on an inspection now than thousands of dollars in a few months on a water damage repair of a spanking new roof?

What Does A Roof Inspection Cover?

A roof inspection after installation gives you the confidence that your roof is installed and was built to code. As such, the inspection will cover all aspects and structural features of the roof, and will be conducted on the roof’s interior and exterior.

For the interior part of the inspection, the inspector will check your attic for signs of potential leaks and make sure that the ventilation and insulation are adequate. Afterward, they will climb onto the roof surface to determine the quality of the installation, as well as examine if any shingles are missing and their alignment. They will also look at the length and placement of the nails, along with the quality of the drip edge, among other things

What Is The Best Time To Schedule An Inspection?

When scheduling a roof inspection after installation, your choices are limited as you should conduct it as soon as the new roof is installed. Still, inspections should be performed annually to verify if your roofing system is in the best shape possible and can withstand the weather without a hitch.

You should conduct these in the fall before winter kicks in. 

To confirm that the roof is in perfect order, it’s recommended you schedule another inspection following a storm. That way, you can discover signs of potentially hidden damage before it turns into a major problem.

Can You Conduct A Roof Inspection Yourself?

There’s a great deal of information online so theoretically, you may be able to discover things like rot or water damage on your own. Nonetheless, when it comes to a roof inspection after installation, you should leave it to the professionals.

After all, the roof is brand new and may seem fine on the surface. Unless you have years of training and experience, you simply won’t be able to confirm if there are small defects present caused by shoddy workmanship.

How Much Does A Roof Inspection Cost?

Many homeowners skimp on a roof inspection after installation because they’re concerned about the price. This is understandable, as installing a new roof is an expensive project that will make most people quite conscious of how they spend their earnings. 

Here’s some good news: inspections aren’t that expensive, particularly considering how much money you can save.

So what’s the typical price?

It all depends on what kind of inspection you book. 

A basic physical inspection is straightforward, where the inspector will visually and physically inspect the condition of the roof. Since the report will be rather concise focusing on the fundamentals, this type of inspection is the cheapest and will cost you somewhere in the range of $75 to $200.

Some roof inspectors offer a drone survey which helps the inspector conduct the assessment more efficiently while also being able to get the full picture of your new roof. The only drawback is the fact the inspector may be limited in terms of what they see and won’t be able to feel the surface of the roof. 

This service may cost close to $400.

Lastly, the most thorough and priciest option is an infrared inspection. It too includes a drone to check the condition of the roof from above, as well as using thermal imaging technology to find areas where insulation is insufficient and moisture may be able to infiltrate the home.

It can cost between $400 and $600.

How Long Do Inspections Take On Average?

The duration of an inspection after installation depends on a variety of factors, like the slope and size of the roof, and the ease of access. A large roof with a heavy slope may take a few hours while a smaller one with a low angled slope can be completed in 45 minutes or so.

Additionally, the type of inspection also plays a role here as a comprehensive infrared inspection may take longer than a drone inspection. 

Future-proof Your Investment With Certified Inspectors

In the best-case scenario, the roof contractors you hired did a fine job and your new roof will last you for decades to come. Yet, this isn’t always the case because mistakes often happen and you should find out if there are any defects as soon as possible.

To learn if your new roof checks out, feel free to reach out to Certified Inspectors. With more than 25 years in real estate planning and construction, we can help you uncover the true condition of your new roof by using state-of-the-art thermal imaging equipment. 

Schedule an inspection with the best residential and commercial roof inspector now and plan for the future.