Professional Roof Inspections Always Pay Off

Repairing or replacing roofing is a major capital expense for any building owner. You want to ensure that you’re getting the best roof for your environment, budget and other specific needs. With a vast array of roofing materials, contractors and designers in the industry, the choices can be overwhelming. That’s where a professional roof inspector can really help.

Professional roof inspectors can include roof consultants, knowledgeable roofing contractors, or manufacturers’ technical representatives. They specialize in roofing so they have deep experience that can help you avoid making bad decisions or blowing your budget. Here are some ways a professional can make a difference:

• Evaluation. Consultants can give an accurate assessment of the roof condition.They use a number of tools and tactics you may not even know exist. Many of these are non-invasive or minimally invasive tests, like infrared surveys, core tests, aerial photography and other scans. They may determine you need more or less work than expected, but unlike a roofer, their motivation is finding the most appropriate solution for you rather than automatically replacing a roof. They can also do regular evaluations of multiple roofs, and prioritize the jobs required in order of need to help with your budgeting.
  
  
• Specifications. Consultants can provide a spec for the framework of what you’re getting. They will understand the whole scope of work required and can play a key role in building an effective RFP to send to roofers. Many can even provide an architectural stamp.
  
  
• Bid process. Inspectors can help with the bid process.They will know who the good roofers are, and which ones to avoid. They understand the bidding process and can serve as your advocate.
  
  
• Supervision. Inspectors can oversee the installation process to ensure that the materials promised in their specifications are the ones actually installed.This step prevents any cutting of corners or skimping by the roofing contractor.They also help keep the job on time and on budget, providing progress reports along the way.
  
  
• Materials. Good inspectors understand the pros and cons of different roofing materials, and they know what works best in your environment.They’ll walk you through your options rather than selling you on a single product.They also have a keen understanding of warranty language, which can be less than transparent for some roofing products.

Costs can vary widely for roof inspectors, depending on the roles you want them to undertake and the size and complexity of the job. As you might with any other capital expense, have two or three consultants bid on the job and choose the one most qualified. When choosing a roofing inspector, consider a number of things:

• Use someone familiar with the area who can help you pick a roof designed for your climate and building needs (materials react differently for rain, wind protection, hail, fire resistance, etc.).
  
  
• Check references and credentialing. Several reputable programs verify the capabilities of inspectors, such as Registered Roof Inspectors, or members of the Roof Consulting Institute.
  
  
• Find an inspector who has experience and a solid list of references. Choose someone who knows about a variety of roofing materials and options specific to your region.

Building owners have a lot on their plates. A roofing consultant takes the worry out of roofing decisions and ultimately saves money by ensuring the best roofing solution is delivered correctly and on-budget. That’s why we view roofing inspectors as assets to the industry—even when they don’t recommend our product. To learn more about roofing inspections, contact FiberTite.