If you’re planning to get a new roof or sell your home, a roof inspection is vital. You may also need to file a home insurance claim if there’s any damage to your roof. A professional roof inspection will help you identify trouble areas, spot damage, and get suggestions for making repairs. Not only is this great for a home inspection before you sell your home, but it’s also useful if you need to file an insurance claim.
Ensure that your home insurance policy covers damage to your roof due to storms and that it pays to replace things like damaged or missing shingles, gutters, and flashing. Roofs in good condition will likely be covered, but an improperly maintained roof might not be. If something goes wrong, an older roof might not be approved under your homeowner’s insurance policy. That’s why getting a roof inspection is such a crucial part of good home maintenance.
Types of Roofs
There are many different types of roofs available, so let’s take a closer look at some examples.
Rolled Roofing, Built-Up Roofing (BUR), Membrane Roofing, and More
Several roofing types are available depending on your budget and the kind of house you’re buying or building. Here are some examples of the different roofs used to construct homes today.
- Rolled roofing can be found at most major home improvement stores. It comes in rolls that make it easy to install. While this option is good if you’re on a budget, it’s not great for resale value. Rolled roofing should really only be used on outbuildings like sheds, workshops, or garages.
- Built-up roofing or BUR is used on low-sloping roofs. Layers of fabric and asphalt reinforce the roof, then a top layer of aggregate like stone or gravel is added. This roof type works for flat or low-slope roofs thanks to its continuously sealed design.
- Membrane roofing creates a watertight seal and is usually made of rubber or synthetic materials like plastic. You can add a layer of membrane roofing under your asphalt shingles for extra protection. You may also find membrane roofing on some homes with flat roofs.
- Asphalt shingles are the most popular roof materials. Not only are they affordable, but homeowners can choose their favorite color. An asphalt roof can last up to 30 years if you choose a quality brand and material.
Which Type of Roof to Choose Based on Location
Where you live can dictate which roof materials you should choose. For example, if you live in a warm and sunny climate like Arizona or California, then a flat roof with some solar panels can help protect your home and generate an eco-friendly energy source. Colder states like New York or Vermont require strong, water-resistant roofs that don’t collect snowpack or water. Metal roofs are often found in regions with a lot of snow since they can handle the weight better than traditional asphalt or composite shingle roofs.
Roof Maintenance
Taking good care of your roof helps with resale value and protects your home. Here are some roof maintenance tips to keep in mind.
Check Your Shingles
Roof shingles are made of a variety of materials, including asphalt, wood, clay, and metal. Inspect your shingles regularly to look for damage or any loose shingles due to rain and wind. If you’re missing shingles, it could cause your roof to leak, resulting in serious water damage. You should replace curled shingles or asphalt shingles with missing grains as soon as possible.
Look for Leaks in Your Attic & Ceilings
Keep a close eye on the ceilings in your home as well as the attic. You should have roof repair done immediately at the first sign of damage or the first drop of water. Your attic could gather mold, or the walls may start to bow and shift. Keep an eye out for visible water damage on your ceilings, including discolored marks or stains. If your attic smells damp, it could mean you have a leak. Hire a professional roof inspector to determine the source of the damage and find any other damage that might not be visible to the naked eye.
Roof Cleaning vs. Replacement
It’s essential to make sure that your roof is cleaned and maintained regularly. Gutters can become clogged after gathering leaves in the fall. Do some gutter and downspout cleaning every season to keep them clear. Some trees could be leaning dangerously close to your roof. With regular cleaning, you can prevent mold and mildew while avoiding further damage. However, if the damage is significant you may need to consider a roof replacement. A new roof will regulate your indoor temperatures and provide your home with durable protection.
Pros and Cons of Replacing Your Roof
If a roof replacement is inevitable, it’s crucial to make sure that you get several estimates from local roof installation companies to plan your budget. A brand-new roof will ensure no more leaks and give your home a fresh, new look. This is especially important if you want to improve curb appeal before selling your home. Some of the cons of replacing your roof include the high cost. It’s also a noisy and sometimes time-consuming process. A new roof is not a cheap investment, so you may not have the budget to get it replaced right away. Hopefully, your roof issues are minor, so you can repair them independently without a total replacement as long as it’s safe to leave your roof as-is until you can fix it.
Average Costs of Roof Repair
It’s important to know what you can expect to pay for a roof inspection, repair, and replacement.
The Average Cost of a Roof Inspection
The cost of a roof inspection depends on the size of your home, where you live, and what type of inspection you need. Prepare to pay between $75 and $200 for an inspector to perform a physical roof inspection. If you want a drone roof inspection, it can cost as much as $500. Infrared roof inspections come in at between $400 and $600. Location and accessibility are two of the most significant determining factors for the inspection price.
The Cost of an Average Roof Repair
If roof damage is found during your inspection, you will need repairs. Minor repairs like gutter cleaning, patching small leaks, or replacing shingles typically cost between $150 and $1,500. Major repairs like repairing extensive water damage, chimney repair, replacing flashing, or dealing with mold will cost more. Prepare to pay between $1,500 and $7,000 if your roof needs significant repair. The national average to repair a roof is approximately $950.
The Cost of an Average Roof Replacement
A complete roof replacement is more involved and will cost you more than a repair. Plan to pay between $1,500 and $3,000 for the tear-off and removal of your old roof. Some roof installation companies charge per square foot, which can range between $400 and $550 depending on the materials used and the size of your roof. The national average new roof cost is approximately $8,600, with most homeowners spending between $5,601 and $11,729.