After a hail storm, your roof may have severe damage that can leave you and your family vulnerable to the elements if you don’t do something quickly.
When you are considering a new roof, you want to see things through the eyes of a roof inspector so that you can accurately anticipate what to expect from your insurance company.
We answer some of the biggest questions about how to inspect a roof like a pro.
How do you perform a roof inspection?
To perform a roof inspection, you need to climb on top of the roof to get an up-close look at the condition of the shingles. Search for cracks, bruising, missing chunks, and organic growth.
You also need to enter your attic to examine the roof from the inside, where you will look for mold, leaks, and other forms of water damage.
Related Link: Why You Should Work With a HAAG Certified Contractor
What should I expect from a roof inspection?
For a roof inspection, you should expect an insurance adjuster to come to your home to perform an inspection.
The adjuster will climb on top of the roof themselves or use a drone to take pictures. They will then use the information to provide an assessment of the condition of the roof to your insurance company.
Keep in mind that the adjuster works for the insurance company and is only tasked with identifying what has been damaged, not with what it will take to replace the damaged item. They may not always look for reasons to have the roof covered.
How do you calculate roof life?
If you don’t know the exact age of your roof, you want to find the answer.
The best way to do this is to look through the paperwork from the roofing contractor or the house’s previous owner. You may even be able to find the information online through a public database based on when the permit was filed.
Does insurance cover the old roof?
Insurance policies vary greatly, so you need to read your policy carefully to learn what it will and will not cover regarding your roof.
If your roof is covered by your insurance policy, you need to know what things they cover, such as hail damage, and how long they cover the roof.
In some cases, your insurance policy will not cover a roof over 10 years old in the state of Colorado20 years old at all. Sometimes they cover the depreciated value of the roof. In some situations, they will cover the total replacement cost value cash value of the roof, and you only pay for the deductible.
Related Link: What To Do If Your Roof Insurance Denies Your Claim
What is the average age of a roof?
The average age of a roof depends on the roofing material.
Here are the average age of common roofing materials:
- Asphalt – 20 years
- Upgraded asphalt – 30 years
- Metal – 50 years
- Slate – 100 years
How do I know if my roof needs to be replaced?
Minor damage may only require a repair. However, more extensive deterioration may need a complete replacement.
Signs that you need a new roof include:
- Water stains on the attic ceiling
- Broken/missing shingles
- Shingles with curled edges
- Leaks
Related Link: Roof Storm Damage? 7 Signs You Need Repairs or Replacement
Do you want a professional opinion about the condition of your roof? Get residential roofing services in Denver, CO through Advanced Consulting.
What color roof lasts the longest?
Some people think that light-colored shingles last longer since they naturally reflect more of the sun’s rays, but that’s not necessarily the case.
Instead of thinking about the color, it’s the quality of the shingle that will play a larger role in how long your shingles will last. You also need to perform regular maintenance before winter and summer each year.
How long does a 30-year roof really last?
The biggest determination on whether a 30-year roof will last 30 years is whether or not you keep up on maintenance.
Maintenance varies based on the material, but some typical roof maintenance tips include:
- Complete a visual inspection.
- Clean the gutters.
- Trim nearby branches.
- Fix minor damage.
- Apply waterproof coating
Climate can impact how long a roof lasts, too. Roofs in hot, humid climates may not last as long as those in more moderate climates.
Is a 50-year roof worth it?
Before making a commitment to a 50-year roof, you need to think about how much longer you plan to live in the house.
Roofs with longer life expectancies tend to provide higher efficiency ratings, too, meaning you will save money on your utility bills. However, this takes time. To get the most out of your investment, you will need to accumulate savings every month over the years.
If you leave right after you get the roof, you may not live there long enough to make it worth it to you.
On the other hand, if you think you will live in this house for a couple of decades, you will enjoy a larger return, making the upgrade worth it.
How often should I check my roof?
Check your roof every fall before winter and every spring when the last snow melts, and take even more care during your inspection as the roof gets older.
You should also check your roof anytime you suspect damage after a particularly bad storm or natural event.
What do insurance adjusters look for on roofs?
Insurance adjusters look for physical damage as a result of hail, high winds, or other trauma the roof may have experienced.
They also look for serious water damage that may ruin the structural integrity of the roofing material and make it too weak to withstand the elements.
Should the seller pay for a new roof?
The seller only needs to pay for a new roof if the current one has serious problems that make the house uninhabitable.
A new roof may increase the value of the house thanks to more curb appeal and higher efficiency.
If selling the house “as is,” sellers must make this clear to the buyers and clarify that in the paperwork. However, homes that people sell “as is” tend to get less since buyers know they will need to make some repairs.
Consider Hiring a Professional to Inspect Your Roof
While you can technically inspect your roof on your own, it’s also a good idea to hire a professional.
Not only will a professional roof inspector have more knowledge when it comes to spotting damage, but they’ll also be able to conduct the inspection in a safe manner. This will eliminate your risk of injury.
Ready for a new roof? Contact Advanced Consulting to get a consultation today!