Most homeowners will have a roof inspection for insurance at some point. Whether you’re renewing a policy, shopping for new homeowner’s insurance, purchasing a new home, or dealing with roof damage, an insurance roof inspection is part of homeownership.
However, most homeowners don’t know much about insurance roof inspections, and many find them stressful. To help demystify the process, here’s an overview of what insurance companies look for from a roof inspection for insurance and some tips for navigating insurance roof inspections.
To schedule a free roof inspection or to get help with your insurance inspection, contact My Roof Pro or visit one of our Texas roofing offices.
What Is an Insurance Roof Inspection?
Roof repairs and replacements are a major expense for insurance companies. To help minimize the risks associated with roofs, insurers need to know the value and condition of your roof. To do this, they conduct a thorough inspection of your roofing system.
Your insurance company is likely to require an inspection:
- When you’re renewing a policy on a home with an older roof
- If your insurer has concerns that your roof isn’t being properly maintained and repaired
- When you purchase a new homeowner’s insurance policy
- If you make a claim for roof damage
- If you make a claim for a roof replacement
During the inspection, a roofing contractor or roofing professional will evaluate all parts of your roofing system. The inspector will do a structural inspection, materials inspection, and interior inspection to evaluate:
- The condition and quality of roofing materials
- Whether or not the roof was properly installed
- Whether or not there’s proper ventilation
- The condition of chimneys and skylights
- The condition of flashing, gutters, and caulking
- Weather-related damage
- Damage from age and exposure to extreme weather
The purpose of the inspection is to determine the condition of the roof, the lifespan of the roof, and the current value of the roof. To do this, your inspector will look for signs of deterioration and decay. Specifically, your inspector will look for signs of:
- Leaks
- Mold and mildew
- Corrosion and rust
- Structural damage
The Benefits of a Roof Inspection
Most homeowners are nervous about roof inspections, but the reality is that inspections offer some clear benefits for homeowners. If your roof is in good condition, regular roof inspections can help keep insurance premiums down.
In addition to ensuring you’re not overpaying for insurance, roof inspections allow homeowners to identify minor damages. By staying on top of small repairs, homeowners can avoid major and expensive repairs in the future.
Staying updated on routine maintenance also helps extend the lifespan of your roof and avoid costly damage to your roofing system.
Because of this, homeowners shouldn’t fear inspections. Instead, roof inspections should be part of your regular preventative maintenance. They’re an easy way to ensure your roof stays in good condition and lasts as long as possible.
Tips for Making Your Roof Inspection Go Smoothly
Some homeowners worry that a roof inspection will cause their insurance premiums to go up or result in their insurer dropping them. To help avoid these issues, you should:
- Keep your roof in good condition and make small repairs as soon as possible
- Stay on top of regular roof maintenance
- Replace missing or broken shingles or roofing materials
- Remove debris from your roof
- Ensure gutters are clear and in good condition
- Schedule regular inspections with a roofing contractor to identify and repair any issues
Schedule a Free Roof Inspection
If you’re concerned about a roof inspection for insurance, My Roof Pro can help. We’ll do a free inspection of your roof to evaluate any issues or signs of damage.
Our experienced team of roofing professionals can make necessary repairs and keep your roof in good condition. We’ll help you through the insurance process and ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Contact our team today to learn more or schedule a free roof inspection.