The Ultimate Guide to Roof Inspection Reports

Getting a roof inspection report from your contractor is the best way to protect your roof and home before future complications arise. It directs your focus toward any areas that need immediate attention or improvement, saving you the hassle of spending money on unnecessary repairs.

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the content of these reports and how they help before you hire a local Minnesota contractor to draft one for you.

 

What Is a Roof Inspection Report?

A roof inspection report is a document produced by your roofing contractor that describes the current condition of your roof, including all of its features and structures, after they complete their roof inspection.

During roof inspections, your contractor will:

• Assess your attic space to discover any flaws that are difficult to spot from outside or from above, including insulation and ventilation.
• Perform a structural inspection to evaluate the roof surface and features it has, including gutters, downspouts, fascia, soffit, and eaves. Your inspector will also check your roof decking for insidious damage, such as water infiltration and trapped moisture.
• Perform a material inspection to evaluate the state of your roofing material and check for signs of damage, wear, or deterioration.

The key findings are recorded in the report. It’s a summary that goes over everything you need to know about the current state of your roof so that you can make informed decisions regarding repair work and replacements.

You can find many roof inspection report examples online. Here’s one.

 

What Do Roof Inspection Reports Include?

The contents of a roof report will vary slightly depending on the building and roof construction since some different standards and codes apply to different types of buildings.

For example, commercial roofs tend to be flat or low-sloped, while residential roofs usually have a higher slope or pitch.

That’s why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all roof inspection report. Still, they all cover some common elements, including:

• Basic Information: That’s basic client information, such as their name, location, report number, date of the report, and the inspector’s name.
• Roof Notes: These describe the current state of the roof, including its estimated age and life expectancy. They also report on the findings of the inspection process—issues, concerns, and potential repairs or replacements—and include photos of the roof.
• Roof Diagram: The roof diagram shows your roof type, slopes, and other important features, such as vents, gutters, and so forth.
• Signatures: The final common element is the client and inspector’s sign-off on the report to make it official.

To streamline the reporting process, many roofing companies resort to roof inspection report templates. These templates are widely available online and are highly customizable.

GoCanvas also offers applications where industry experts can manage and share documents on a centralized platform and access many digital roofing report templates.

 

What Do Roof Inspection Reports Cover?

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) instruct the roofing industry professionals to assess and report on the condition of the following elements:

• Roof-covering materials, including their description and type
• Easily accessible roof areas: those reachable through doors, panels, and stairs
• Downspouts
• Chimney
• Gutters
• Flashing
• Skylights
• Vents
• Penetrations

They must also take pictures of visible defects and include them in the report. However, home inspectors aren’t required to go out of their way to confirm proper installation, inspect roof attachments, walk on any roof surface, and such.

 

Why Should I Get a Roof Inspection Report?

You might want to get a roofing inspector to check your roof bi-annually for a few reasons.

• Timely Awareness: Their report will highlight any issues or potential repairs early so you can deal with them before they become serious and costly.
• Proper Maintenance: After a roof inspection, your contractor will give you a general overview of your roof’s condition and advise you on how to best maintain it, thereby increasing its lifespan. 
• Energy Efficiency: Their report will also include other details, such as the state of your ventilation and insulation. It’ll help ensure you’re not spending more money than you should.
• Informed Decisions: A roofing inspection report will also help you make informed decisions about repairing or replacing your roof. It’s helpful when you want to buy or sell a house or are on a tight budget.
• Warranty Protection: The report will help you ensure your warranty by complying with its terms and conditions. One of the reasons is that it provides proof of the roof’s condition in case of claims or disputes.

You needn’t take action immediately after an inspection, but most contractors will recommend doing so if they discover a concerning issue and will happily provide you with roofing estimates.

 

When Should I Get a Roof Inspection Report?

It’s best to get a roof inspection report from your contractor when you’re anticipating repairs and need to assess the condition of your roof.

But it’s also advisable to call a professional in the following situations:

• Before or After Severe Weather: Heavy rain, snow, wind, and hail can compromise your roof’s integrity. A report will let you know if your roof has succumbed to damage and will serve as proof when you file insurance claims.
• Before Buying or Selling a House: Getting an inspection report will help you determine the quality and lifespan of the roof, which is a blessing before buying or selling a house. It can help you negotiate the price and avoid any costly surprises or disputes later.
• Every Few Years: Depending on your roof type and location, you might not need to inspect your roof so often. For example, asphalt shingles may need some attention every three years, but experts still recommend bi-annual roof inspections to ensure your roof is in optimal condition.

 

Wrapping Up

Getting a roof inspection report is the best way to prevent further damage and costly repairs. Besides highlighting minor issues that may worsen over time, it also offers your contractor the information they need to best advise you on how to extend your roof’s lifespan and performance and improve its curb appeal.

At Viking Contractors, we value your satisfaction and the optimal functioning of your roof. Let our team of certified home inspectors ensure that by scheduling a free inspection today!