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A roof inspection is one of the best ways to protect your home and keep your roof in tip-top shape. Whether you're in Marietta, GA, Cobb County, taking the time to schedule a roof inspection can save you a lot of headaches down the road. But how long does a roof inspection take? If you’re a homeowner, you probably have questions about what to expect from the process. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the typical timeframes to the factors that affect how long it might take.
Before we dive into how long a roof inspection takes, let's talk about why roof inspections are so important in the first place. As a roofing company serving areas like Marietta and Sandy Springs, Georgia Roof Advisors has seen first-hand how a roof inspection can prevent major issues.
A roof inspection gives you a snapshot of the current condition of your roof. During this process, a professional can identify potential issues like leaks, damaged shingles, or signs of wear that might not be visible to the untrained eye. These minor issues, if left unaddressed, can escalate into costly repairs or even replacements.
Did you know that 75% of roof replacements in the U.S. are caused by failure to inspect and maintain the roof regularly? That’s a huge number! With regular inspections, many of these issues can be caught early, saving you from major expenses.
So, you can see why it's important to get your roof inspected regularly, especially in places with fluctuating weather like Marietta, GA, where heavy rain, winds, and even occasional hailstorms can do damage. But how long does it actually take?
Roof inspections aren’t a one-size-fits-all process. There are a number of factors that influence how long your roof inspection will take. Let’s break them down:
The size of your roof plays a huge role in how long the inspection will take. A small, single-story home may only take an hour, while larger multi-story homes or commercial buildings can take several hours to inspect.
For instance, when we inspected a large property in Sandy Springs, GA last fall, the inspection took almost two hours due to the expansive size of the roof and multiple chimneys and skylights. In contrast, a smaller ranch-style home in Marietta only took about 45 minutes.
Not all roofs are created equal. The type of roof you have can affect the time it takes to complete the inspection.
For example, we recently inspected a metal roof in Kennesaw, GA that had several areas showing signs of wear. This inspection took almost 90 minutes, as we wanted to make sure every area was thoroughly checked.
Older roofs tend to need more attention. As roofs age, they accumulate wear and tear that could require a more in-depth inspection. A roof that’s been around for 20+ years might show signs of sagging, shingle granule loss, or other issues that need careful attention.
When we inspected a roof in Mableton, GA last summer, the homeowner hadn't had a roof inspection in over 10 years - which is exactly the kind of situation our residential roofing team in Mableton helps homeowners avoid. This meant we had to spend extra time checking the integrity of the shingles and flashing. The inspection took a solid two hours due to the age and condition of the roof.
As a roofing company, we always aim to schedule inspections during favorable weather conditions. Wet roofs are slippery, and high winds can create safety hazards for roofers, so we tend to postpone inspections during storms or heavy rain.
However, in the event of storm damage or following a major weather event, roof inspections can take longer. After a particularly rough storm in Acworth, GA, we had a backlog of inspections. The damaged roofs required additional time to assess the extent of the damage.
Why are you having the roof inspected? Are you scheduling a routine maintenance inspection, or are you addressing a specific issue, like damage from a storm or preparing for a home sale?
I’ve personally seen how important it is to do a thorough inspection before buying a home. A friend of mine in Roswell, GA almost bought a house that had significant roof issues. Luckily, the roof inspector took the time to spot issues that saved him from a huge repair bill down the road!
Now that we’ve discussed the factors, let’s dive into the average timeframes for different types of roof inspections.
A standard roof inspection for routine maintenance typically takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. This is for homes that are in good shape and haven’t experienced any severe weather. The inspector will check the overall condition of the roof, look for signs of wear, and document any necessary repairs.
If you're dealing with storm damage, the inspection could take 1 to 2 hours or more, depending on the extent of the damage. In areas like Sandy Springs or Acworth, GA, where storms can sometimes bring heavy rain or hail, it’s not uncommon for the inspector to spend additional time documenting storm damage.
Buying or selling a home in cities like Roswell or Alpharetta often means more detailed inspections, typically taking 1.5 to 2 hours. A thorough check ensures the roof is in good condition for the sale, preventing any surprises after closing.
If you’re selling your home, a pre-sale roof inspection is key. Learn why in our blog: Roof Inspection Before Selling a House: Why It’s a Must.
Commercial roofs are often much larger and more complex than residential roofs. For this reason, a commercial roof inspection typically takes 2+ hours. These roofs might have more extensive systems that require thorough checks. We recently did a commercial inspection in Vinings, GA, and it took a little over 3 hours to ensure everything was up to code.
While roof inspections generally don’t take long, there are a few things you can do to make the process go more smoothly:
So, how long does a roof inspection take? The answer depends on several factors, but generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours. The size of the roof, its condition, the purpose of the inspection, and the weather all play a role in determining the length of the inspection.
At Georgia Roof Advisors, we pride ourselves on providing thorough, professional roof inspections for homeowners in Marietta, Sandy Springs, and surrounding areas. If you’re ready to schedule a roof inspection, don’t hesitate to give us a call. A quick, routine inspection now can save you from costly repairs in the future. Stay proactive and keep your roof in top shape!
