Blog
Is a Roof Estimate Same As Roof Inspection?
June 5, 2022Getting a roof estimate and getting a roof inspection — are those two things similar to one another?
Roofs play an important role in our lives, metaphorically and literally as well. So, when there seems to be an issue with your roof, what is the solution?
Roof estimate and roof inspection seem to be two terms that are quite interchangeable and versatile. However, it is essential to understand that both the terms serve their own purpose and consist of steps to complete a process smoothly.
While a roofing estimate is more cost-effective, it doesn’t dive deeper into any invisible damage to your roof. On the other hand, for a roof inspection, you need to be prepared to shell out a larger chunk of money, and hence it should be planned. So, what’s the difference between the two terms, and when should you implement it?
Moreover, can a roof inspection take place of a roof estimate? Or vice versa? Let’s find out everything about roof inspection and roof estimate.
What is a Roof Inspection?
A roof inspection takes place when you don’t exactly know the issue that your roof and other connected parts of your building might be facing. A roofing inspection allows you to get more insights and knowledge about your roof’s current condition and what it requires. Moreover, the degree of damage might help you ascertain if you require roof repairs or a roof replacement.
During a roof inspection, the roofing inspector checks each and every element, including the shingles, to the ceilings.
A roofing inspection is usually carried out by paid contractors or home insurance companies. The primary goal of a roofing inspection is to identify issues with an existing roof, such as mold and mildew, water damage, and structural damage. The roofing inspections also involve checking your attic for ventilation, moisture damage, and insulation.
The roofing inspection ends with a final report consisting of probable solutions for the identified damages.
What’s Involved in a Roof Inspection
The roofing inspector that you get onboard is going to look for some tell-tale signs on your roof, these include organic growth of algae and accidental damage caused by leaks or debris. Here are a few things involved in the roof inspection process.
- Structural Check: The roofing inspector will ensure that your roof and chimney are intact structurally. They look for spots where there might be sagging, crumbling or cracks.
- Material Check: Moving from the structure, the material that’s used to build your shingles, deck, gutters, and other roofing material is inspected for its health and safety.
- Work Check: The quality of work that’s conducted on your roof is inspected. This is to ensure that the previous team that built the roof did a good job in preparing the final roof.
- Interior Check: Includes checking the walls and ceilings
What is a Roof Estimate?
A roofing estimate on the other hand is a free service offered by a contractor. A free roofing estimate can help you figure out the cost that you might have to incur during the repairs.
Roof estimate is a process that many people tend to choose when they know of the damage that their roof has sustained and what exactly needs to be done. The process involves calling a contractor home and taking an estimated price of the repairs required on the roof.
You can take the estimated price into consideration, and even ask extra questions such as what if a 50 square feet part of the room requires additional work due to mold infestation. However, their job ends when they give you the final price on the basis of what they observe.
Any other issue that comes up while they get working on your roof, would be something that’s different from the initially quoted price and will increase eventually.
What’s Involved in a Roofing Estimate
Once you’ve figured out the issue with your roof, bring a roof estimating contractor to your place, to ascertain the price of the work that’s to be conducted.
- Total Costs: The roofer conveys the final price for the entire project.
- Timeline: The roofing estimate should consist of the final timeline of the entire project.
- Payment information: Information revolving around payment terms, and the payment methods given by the contractor.
- Materials: A rundown of the raw materials that will be used in the project
- Work Breakdown: A roofing estimate should include what a roofer will do to the roof in a written format
- Insurance & Licenses: The credentials and certifications of the roofing team should be included in the estimate to know you are in good hands
Takeaway: Roof Inspection & Roof Estimate
Now that we have gone through both the processes in detail, the utility of both terminologies can help you make a rational decision.
If you are certain of the damage that’s there on your roof, start reaching out to roofing experts for estimates. It’s best to skip the inspection part, if the damage is obvious, and get to the execution part faster, keeping in mind the safety of everyone at your place.
However, if you aren’t sure about the problem that your room might have, then getting an inspection conducted is the best route.
It will help you determine what’s wrong with your roof, and the estimates process will get much more streamlined and financially viable since you can determine what’s to be looked into, and what’s not to be touched.
Hence, whenever it comes to choosing either of the two processes, it all comes down to the damage, if any, the intensity of damage, and/or just a brief round to keep everything in check.
