Deciding Between Asking for an Estimate or an Inspection

After finding a leak, you need to call a residential roofing contractor immediately. Depending on the extent of the damage, you can either ask for an estimate or an inspection. Fortenberry Roofing explains more below.

Roofing Estimate 

You usually ask for a roofing estimate if there was minimal to moderate damage to your roof or if you already know the extent of the damage. An estimate will lay out the costs of and projected timeline for replacing missing shingles or plugging leaks. Contractors usually offer estimates for free.

Fortenberry Roofing, a top residential roofing company in the state, recommends making sure the contractor outlines the following in their estimate.

• The measurement of the damaged area

• The quantity and kind of materials that will be used to repair the roof

• Labor costs, which can be broken down into expenses for the roof’s removal, its installation, and the clean-up

• Permit costs and other costs such as the use of the equipment

These costs must be documented so that you can keep track of the expenses during the roof repair.

Roofing Inspection

If your roof suffered considerable damage or you don’t know the extent of the damage, ask for an inspection. Unlike an estimate, contractors usually charge you for inspections, which are also more comprehensive. The inspection is done in three phases:

• Interior Inspection - The contractor will check your home’s interior for any signs of leaks and water damage.

• Exterior Inspection - The contractor will inspect the perimeter of your property, taking note of the condition of your gutters, vents, chimneys, flashing points, as well as your siding. They’ll then take a closer look at your roof and check for any missing or cracked shingles.

• Gutter Inspection - They will check if your gutters are still intact and if there’s accumulated debris in them.

After the inspection, the report will tell you the roof’s age, estimated life span, and whether or not you’d need a roof replacement.

While some roof damage signs are visible even from afar, many more are subtle and easy to miss. That’s why it’s always better to have a professional conduct the inspection. If you’re looking for a contractor, why not choose one with multiple certifications? Fortenberry Roofing has a GAF Weather Stopper® certification and an A-plus rating with the Better Business Bureau. To get a free quote, you can call 1-806-385-6761 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Littlefield and Hereford, TX.