Roof inspection is critical to maintaining a healthy roofing system. More than brute physical impact, time and the elements can cause flashings to loosen, gaps to form, and insulating materials to deteriorate. Identifying problems with your roof in a timely fashion can turn a repair that would cost $1,000 or more into a simple $100 fix. It can also troubleshoot problems that can lead to extremely costly water damage or prevent the need to replace your roof insulation.
Detroit Roof Inspections
The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends you get your roof inspected twice a year. Much like a recommendation from the dentist or doctor, few homeowners actually heed this advice. Some homeowners inspect their own roof. This isn't a bad idea, but you should hire a professional at least once a year. Professional roof inspectors will exhaustively investigate your roof for signs of distress. Plus, they'll be able to pick up on subtle visual clues that escape homeowners. Depending on your roof, an inspector will actually get on your roof and inspect it from there. For roofs that can't be safely walked on, they'll use binoculars that can also effectively reveal any problems your roof may be experiencing.
Independent Roofing Inspections and Consultants in Detroit
Though you may be able to find a Detroit roofing contractor who will inspect your roof for free, there are actually benefits and reasons to consider hiring a professional roof inspector. Roofing companies commonly offer roof inspection promotions to drum up business. Many of these promos are on the up-and-up, but only by hiring an independent roof inspector can you be assured of an honest and independent assessment of your roof.
In fact, more than just an inspection, many of these companies also offer consultation services that can increase the quality of your roofing design, bid, and construction. Hiring a roofing consultant is, in general, one of the best forms of insurance you can have for all your roofing projects. Quality Detroit roofers will probably welcome these independent consultants, as they know their work will hold up to the high standards that many roofing contractors fail to meet.
Detroit Roof and Home Inspections
Another common need for roof inspection in Detroit is part of a general home inspection associated with selling or buying a home. These inspections are generally required to finalize a home sale, if not already completed when the house is put on the market. You should never buy a home without a certified home inspection. If you're trying to sell your home, a certified home inspection can help you reach your asking price. Either way, many Detroit homeowners benefit from this process as a great tool to determine and troubleshoot potential problems with a property.
Cost of a Detroit Roof Inspection
The cost of a roof inspection (or a general home inspection for that matter) can run anywhere from $100 to $500 with the expected average cost of $300. The cost of your inspection can be influenced by the size and type of your roofing system, although the experience and knowledge of the inspector will probably be a bigger determining factor, along with the seasonal demand for these professionals. Don't feel like you need to overpay for your inspection, but there are definitely advantages of seeking out someone who "has seen it all."

Marcus Pickett is a professional freelance writer for the home remodeling industry. He has published more than 600 articles on both regional and national topics within the home improvement industry.