Roofs don't get a lot of attention — at least not until there's something wrong with it. Most homeowners don't think about roofs until they need a replacement, let alone book a roof inspection.
As a roofer, you may disagree, but roofs are often ignored until something goes wrong with them. But have you ever thought about using roof inspections to change this? To keep roofs top of mind for homeowners and — in turn— keep you top of mind?
Roof inspections not only benefit homeowners. As a roofer, they can help you build relationships, boost referrals, enhance reputation, and secure new jobs.
We're here to show you how.
Quick overview of what a roof inspection is
A roof inspection is when a roofer examines an existing roof for damage. Homeowners may request an inspection if they have a roof leak, find water stains in their home, or after a big storm.
A roofing contractor, professional, or inspector will examine the roof in one of two ways:
- They can climb onto the roof and physically walk it to inspect it.
- They can use a drone to take images and video of the roof.
Some inspectors may use a mix of both. How they inspect it could also depend on the type of damage a roof has experienced or the size and pitch of a roof. A roof with potential rot or with a hole it in wouldn't be safe to walk on, for example.
A great roof inspection will end with a complete report of any issues, including pictures and/or video of the roof. There should also be a recommendation for next steps. Roofers will normally recommend a roof replacement or repair job depending on the damage.
The end goal of a roof inspection is to:
- Identify any damage on a roof
- Determine the remaining life of a roof
Common things found in roof inspections
Some of the most common types of issues or damage found on roof inspections include:
- Raised nails
- Missing shingles
- Raised flashing
- Pooled water
- Damage to existing snow and ice
- Cracking or blistering of older shingles
- Clogged gutters
- Holes or punctures
- Missing chimney caps
Value for homeowners
It's important to recognize the value of roofing inspections for homeowners so you can educate the on why they should get one. Understanding the condition of your roof is helpful to homeowners for many different reasons.
A professional roof inspection can:
- Proactively identify any damage, stopping leaks or water damage in the home.
- Result in a repair job instead of a full roof repair, saving them money.
- Help homeowners learn about their homes in a way they probably hadn't before.
- Help with claims and getting discounts with some insurance companies.
Any of these can be convincing for homeowners to agree to an inspection. This holds particularly true if they haven't had one in a while, or if they are new to the home and don't know when the roof was last replaced.
Value for roofing companies
If you aren't already offering roofing inspections as part of your business, then this is for you.
There are so many ways that this service can help your business.
Comping inspections
One of the best decisions you can make as a roofing professional is to provide FREE roof inspections. We know that may seem extreme when some places charge anywhere from $75 - $700 for one. But getting that initial inspection call can be the first step to closing a job.
Think of it as an investment or a type of marketing. It's not door-knocking or a Facebook ad, but it can have the same result.
Roof inspections for landing new jobs
There's no better way to get your foot in the door for a new job than providing a free roof inspection. You're on the roof, you're establishing yourself as an expert in the field. Plus you're able to see right then and there any issues that a roof may have and plan your next steps accordingly.
The key to landing a job from an inspection comes from the follow-up. You need to have a plan in place for how you communicate with homeowners, how you share your findings with them, and how you quote them. Taking pictures, using an estimate template, and being honest about problems can help convince homeowners to accept your proposal. Plus, if you already took measurements on the roof, you ca
They keep old customers coming back
If you offer customers free roof inspections after a job is complete, you keep yourself top of mind for the next 20 years. Any time there's a storm, any type of damage they have, and for any repair job they need — you'll be the one to get that job. It's a long game, but that's how you become a family's go-to roofer.
Growing your reputation with inspections
Putting homeowner education and helpfulness first above being "salesey" will establish you as a true partner for them. These days, everyone is so weary of sales pitches, and that's probably the main reason homeowners avoid getting roof inspections.
If you do an inspection and there's nothing wrong with it, tell them that. We're confident that if they do encounter a roof issue in the future, they'll call you. Plus, they're more likely to talk about your company and refer you to friends.
"We had a roof inspection and the guy found nothing! He didn't even charge us or try to sell us! You should call him!" sounds a lot better than, "We had a roof inspection and he just kept trying to sell us the whole time. It was horrible and he was so pushy."
Inspections: A secret weapon for roofing businesses
If you do offer roof inspections now, consider how you're using them to land you new jobs. Perhaps you need to upgrade your follow-up process or change how you think about them in your overall marketing plan.
If you don't offer them, you may want to consider offering inspections as part of your business. It does take time and not be possible for all roofing companies, but it's worth keeping in mind.
And never forget: inspections don't just benefit the homeowners. They're a great tool for roofing businesses to build reputation, get referrals, and retain customers.
Roof Inspections FAQs
How long does a roof inspection take?
The length of a roof inspection depends on the size of your roof and whether or not it has experienced damage. Expect it to take at least an hour.
How much does one cost?
Costs of a roof inspection range from $75 - $700 depending on your roof, the company, and the location. Some companies do offer them for free as part of a sales tool.
How often should you inspect your roof?
Roof inspections should happen after any major storm or if you suspect that your roof has experienced some kind of damage. If not, then we recommend inspecting your roof once a year in the spring to check for winter damage.
Can homeowners do a roof inspection themselves?
Homeowners can check for major damage, but wouldn't have the experience to know what to look for. Plus, climbing on a roof if you haven't done it before can be dangerous. It's better to get a professional to inspect a roof.