Often, homeowners get confused between roof inspection and roof certification.
Even though these two sound the same, they’re different.
A roof inspection is only a process where the inspector evaluates the roof’s condition. On the other hand, a roof certification actually “certifies” the roof’s condition.
If it still sound a bit confusing, don’t worry…you’ll get a complete idea of roof certification by the end of this blog.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what a roof certification is and its importance. To also give you an idea about whether it’s economical, we’ll highlight the roof certification cost.
What is a Roof Certification?
A roof certification is an official document issued by a roof inspector. It verifies that the roof on your house has undergone inspection (and, if necessary, repairs). It also ensures that the roof is devoid of defects and is anticipated to stay intact for the duration specified in the certificate.
Again, it is important to note that roof certifications differ from home inspections, as the latter often do not include a comprehensive roof assessment.
Roof inspectors will identify specific roofing issues such as missing, damaged, or loosened roofing materials. They will also identify problems with flashing, drip edges, ventilation ridges, or caps.
They’ll also evaluate the overall condition of the roof.
In cases where no repairs or upgrades are required, the roof inspector will estimate the remaining lifespan of the roof. Typically, a roof certification remains valid for two to five years.
Why Is a Roof Certification Important?
A roof certification holds significant value for various reasons, providing assurance and protection in different scenarios.
Safeguarding the Buyer’s Interest
A general inspection may not thoroughly assess the roof’s condition when selling a home.
However, a roof certification offers a more comprehensive, professional inspection to evaluate the roofing system’s integrity.
This in-depth examination identifies potential issues that need addressing before finalizing the property purchase, ensuring the buyer’s protection.
Post-Hurricane Assistance
After a hurricane, contacting the insurance provider enables an adjuster to check and evaluate roof damage.
Pre-existing conditions are a crucial consideration during this evaluation. A roof certification serves as proof that there were no pre-existing problems. Or, if identified, confirms that necessary repairs were undertaken before the storm. This acts as a plus in your insurance claim process.
Maintaining Roof Warranty
Roof warranties offer protection against issues that arise from manufacturer defects or errors by roofing contractors.
You should schedule a certification every three to five years and routine annual inspections to maintain your roof warranty.
Certification serves as evidence, ensuring that your roof remains under warranty for the specified contract duration.
In any case, a roof certification communicates to homeowners, agencies, or buyers. It assures them that the roof is safe, structurally sound, and in optimal working condition.
Additionally, it discloses any existing problems, enabling prompt resolution by the homeowner.
How Much Does a Roof Certification Cost?
The roof certification cost varies depending on the roofing company you’ll be engaging.
While several roofing contractors provide complimentary estimates for roof projects, extra charges may apply for the extent of thoroughness needed for certification.
So, to give you an estimate, the typical cost of a roof certification can range between $75 and $200. This is influenced by location and other considerations like home size, season, etc.
What Happens During A Roof Certification?
A roof certification includes a comprehensive examination to evaluate the roof’s condition. The experts identify potential defects and determine the necessary repairs during the process.
The inspection involves a thorough assessment of both the interior and exterior, with photographs taken from different points.
When repairs are necessary, the professional will provide a detailed outline of the required actions for the roof to get certification.
Meanwhile, the official certification document can typically be issued within a day if no repairs are required.
What Do Roof Inspectors Look For?
It’s important to conduct a roof inspection to get a roof certification.
A thorough roof inspection involves a comprehensive evaluation of the entire roofing system and its supporting structure, encompassing various key aspects:
Quality of Workmanship
The inspector evaluates the workmanship involved in the roof’s installation or construction. They aim to identify potential contractor errors that might lead to future leaks or damage.
They look for issues with components like chimneys, skylights, vent pipes, or flashing.
If the inspector identifies any workmanship problems, the roofing contractor typically addresses them, as outlined in the warranty.
Leaks in the Roof Interior
The inspector will also access the attic to detect damage resulting from leaks. This includes assessing potential water damage in insulation, ceilings, or between walls. They also examine the indicators such as cracks, water spots, or mold to identify any signs of water infiltration throughout the house, even if unnoticed by the homeowner.
Condition of All Roofing Materials
The roof comprises various components that collectively form the roofing system.
The inspector will check the condition of essential roofing materials, including shingles, decking, flashing, fasteners, gutters, and seals around roof protrusions.
Moreover, they also identify damaged or worn-out components for replacement before the property is sold.
Structural Integrity of the Roof
The inspector particularly emphasizes the overall structural stability of the roof. They check it for uneven decking, signs of sagging, and the condition of the soffit, fascia, and gutters.
The inspector critically evaluates venting to identify any issues related to improper venting that may have led to heat or moisture buildup.
In summary, a comprehensive roof inspection ensures a detailed examination of workmanship quality, interior leaks, roofing materials, and the roof’s overall structural integrity, providing valuable insights for homeowners and potential buyers alike.
How Often Should You Get Your Roof Inspected?
If you live in a moderate climate, arranging a professional roof inspection every one to two years is recommended.
However, the challenging elements present in the climate, including high winds, hurricanes, sea spray, hail, high humidity, and hot temperatures, can take a toll on your house’s roof.
Therefore, roofing systems in such areas typically require more frequent attention to withstand these conditions effectively.
As a result, most roofing contractors suggest scheduling professional home inspections two times a year.
Planning inspections before the hurricane season or in the aftermath of a hurricane ensures that your roof remains structurally sound. It also offers optimal protection against the diverse weather challenges in the region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, acknowledge that roof certifications are generally dependable as licensed roof inspectors with expertise in roofing conduct them.
However, it’s important to note that there is no assurance the roof will remain free of leaks and issues throughout the certified period.
In the event of a leak within the certification period, the contractor will address and repair the roof.
At Elite Inspections, we take pride in providing reliable Roof Inspections. If you’re searching for a trustworthy roofing contractor in California, feel free to contact us today for our services.
