If you’re like most people, you know when there’s something wrong with your house – and whether you’ve seen the signs of roof damage or your roof is just getting older, you’ll eventually need a free roof inspection.
When you call out a team of experts to diagnose what’s wrong, you need to know what questions to ask. These seven will get you started.
7 Questions to Ask the Inspector After a Roof Inspection
Once you’ve done your due diligence and found the best roofing company in Dallas, you’ll schedule a time and date for the actual roof inspection. Your inspector will ask you questions about signs of roof damage that you’ve seen, and he or she will climb up on the roof to evaluate its condition. When your inspector finishes the roof inspection, he or she will give you a written report that details what’s wrong and explain how they can fix it.
Here are the questions you should ask to ensure you’re making the right decisions:
- How old is my roof?
- What materials did the builders use on my roof?
- Is the ventilation okay?
- Do you need to remove the gutters?
- How long will the project take, and what will you do if bad weather rolls in?
- How will you protect my driveway and yard?
- What other issues should I address?
1. How old is my roof?
If you bought your home from someone else, you may not know exactly how old your roof is – but that can be a helpful number to keep in your back pocket. Because the average roof is built to last between 20 and 30 years, you’ll be able to gauge when you’re likely to need a full roof replacement.
2. What materials did the builders use on my roof? 
When you know what materials the original roofers used, you can make more informed choices for repairs or replacement. You may even decide to upgrade your roofing materials to those that’ll last longer and stand up better against hail and storm damage.
3. Is the ventilation okay?
The ventilation on your roof is incredibly important. It lets out moisture and helps keep the air in your attic at the right temperatures – but if the ventilation has gone bad, you could need a full roof replacement sooner than you think. It’s important to ask your inspector how the ventilation is holding up and whether it’s doing its job.
4. Do you need to remove the gutters?
Not all roof repair jobs require gutter removal, but if yours will, you’ll also want to know how the roofers will protect them when they’re off.
5. How long will the project take, and what will you do if bad weather rolls in?
Your inspector should be able to tell you how long a repair or replacement project will take as soon as the inspection’s finished. However, you do need to ask what will happen if a storm pops up while the roofers are working – will they cover the roof with tarps the day before bad weather is supposed to hit, or will they take a wait-and-see approach?
6. How will you protect my driveway and yard?
If you go forward with a roof repair or replacement, you’ll need to know how the roofing crew will protect your driveway and landscaping. Usually, they’ll ask you to park in the street to keep your car safe – and they’ll have instructions on how to protect your flower beds and other landscaping features, too.
7. What other issues should I address?
Your inspector will provide you with a detailed report of his or her findings, but it doesn’t hurt to ask if there are other issues up there that you need to address.
What Else Should You Ask After a Roof Inspection?
A good roof inspector won’t hesitate to answer all your questions, so if you have them, fire away. Your inspector will be happy to explain how the repair or replacement process will work, what types of materials are best for your situation, and anything else you need to know.
