A roof inspection is usually completed within 45 minutes, but it may take up to one to four hours, depending on several factors. So, how long does a roof inspection take if we’re talking about your home?
At Excel Renovation, we’re here to help you determine the estimated time your roof inspection will take. Whether you own a 2,000-square-foot home or live in a cozy ranch house, we’ve got you covered.
How Long Will It Take To Inspect Your Roof?
The duration of a roof inspection will mainly depend on your roof’s specifications and the type of inspection being performed. Here’s a detailed explanation of the process:
Your Roof’s Specifications
The specifications of your roof include its size, design, and accessibility. These factors all play a significant role in determining the time it takes to inspect a roof. A simple gable roof will be easier to check than the roof of a Victorian, or multi-story, house.
- Standard American Home: Most homes in our country have a moderately sized gable or hip roof of 1,600 square feet. If your home is similar to this style, inspecting your roof can take around 45 minutes.
- Ranch House: These smaller, single-story homes have a long but simple roof design, so it is easier and quicker to inspect such roofs. If you live in a ranch-style house, the roof inspection can be completed within 30 minutes.
- Victorian-Style House: Do you have an average-sized Victorian home? Then your roof may have traditional, intricate patterns with multiple levels and angles. An inspection for an architectural roof of this type can take one to two hours, depending on its size.
- Mansion: If you have a large home with elaborate architecture, it will take longer to inspect the roof. Such estates can have various roof designs, including Victorian, Georgian, Colonial, and Mediterranean. It can take approximately four hours to inspect a mansion’s roof, depending on its size and architectural details.
- Cabins: Most cabins don’t have an attic and are smaller than average homes. They have small, simple roofs made of asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or metal panels. So, how long will a roof inspection take for your cabin? Usually, it can take as little as 20 to 30 minutes for cabin roofs to be inspected.
Along with a roof’s specifications, the inspection time depends on the contractor’s tools, inspection technique, and the area that needs to be inspected. Let’s learn about it in detail:
Type Of Roof Inspection
There are different ways to inspect a roof, based on what the inspector will look for, how old the roof is, and whether the roof is damaged or new.
Drone Inspection
In this type of roof inspection, the inspector uses a drone to inspect the roof from above, using infrared cameras. These tools take pictures and videos of the entire roofing system from above, and this quick and efficient roof inspection takes only about 10 to 15 minutes. However, this type of inspection does not include the inner layers of the roof and the attic.
Storm Damage Inspection
If your town is hit by hail, snow, or extreme storms of any type, your roof can take a beating. That’s when you need a storm damage roof inspection. These detailed examinations focus on identifying tiny to significant roof damage using a drone, manually, or both if necessary. The inspection technique and duration will depend on the storm’s severity. Sometimes, the inspectors can quickly tell where damage has occurred by looking at the broken roofing components.
New Roof Inspection
If you’ve just had a brand-new roof installed, congratulations! As the final step in the installation process, you’ll want to get it inspected. A new roof inspection is quick and easy and does not include lifting shingles or other types of work. Examining a new roof can take 10 to 30 minutes, depending on whether they use a drone, or do it manually.
Full Roof Inspection
Think of this type of inspection as a check-up for your roof. Just like people go to the doctor for a physical, a roof also needs regular check-ups. If your home or roof is older than 10 years, you need more frequent roof inspections. An expert will thoroughly examine all parts of your roof, including the gutters, attic, and inner layers (underlayment, roof deck, and rafters). A full roof inspection can take a few hours, but it’s worthwhile for homeowners who need a safe and secure home for their family or want to sell their house in the future.
Our previous blog, “Roof Inspection Checklist,” is a helpful guide for homeowners who want to understand what the inspector may look for during a roof inspection.
That was all about the estimated duration of roof inspections. We hope you can now figure out how long it will take to inspect your roof. If you’re taking the first step, choose the right roofing contractor or inspector for the job. Otherwise, a shoddy job may lead to an incomplete or faulty assessment. To help you out, here are some guidelines for choosing the right roof inspector for your home:
Choosing The Right Roof Inspector
One of the best ways to find a reliable roof inspector is to ask for recommendations from friends, family members, and neighbors who have had positive experiences with a particular inspector. After that, look for online reviews from previous customers to get an idea of the inspector’s level of expertise and customer service.
After shortlisting two to three contractors, review their licenses, insurance, and certifications required for a roof inspection. This can include certifications from the recognized authorities and organizations of the state and roofing industry.
Finally, it’s best to put your trust in a reputable, local roofing company, as they are familiar with the area’s building codes and are a part of your community.
If you live in Plymouth, MN, and need a roof inspection for your home, we can help you.
Free Roof Inspection & Consultation For Plymouth Homeowners
At Excel Renovation, we understand how important it is to have a safe and durable roof. It is a significant investment and the primary form of protection for your family and belongings. As part of the Minnesota community, we care about our clients and offer free roof inspections to all homeowners in the state. We can give you a reliable estimate on how long it will take to inspect your roof.
Our skilled and experienced roof inspectors are known to provide honest and detailed assessments with complete transparency. We also provide a roof condition report with clear recommendations for any repairs or replacements that may be necessary. Call us at (612) 439-5005 to discuss your needs with our experts and schedule your free roof inspection.
