When to Get A Second Opinion on a Roof Inspection

When it comes to your commercial roof, it’s easy to take an “out of sight, out of mind” approach. But regular professional roof inspections can uncover minor problems before they become major headaches leading to expensive repairs.

Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements. It’s working for you through rain, shine, wind, and snow. By routinely verifying your roof’s condition, you can keep an eye on issues that could become catastrophic if left unchecked. Having inspections and keeping a record of the inspector’s findings will help maintain your roof system warranty. Depending on the location, climate, and amount of foot traffic on your roof, inspections should be conducted quarterly, biannually, or annually. 

While the importance of routine roof inspections cannot be overstated, it’s equally critical to find a trusted roofing contractor to perform those inspections. An inexperienced or low-quality contractor may be cheaper in the short term but could cost you in the long run. In this blog post, we’ll cover what to look for in a roofing contractor and when you should consider getting a second opinion.

Mid-South Pro-Tip: Keep a detailed logbook of your roof history and control access to your roof. 

Roof Inspector Red Flags 

The best, most experienced roofing contractor will communicate the information you need to get a thorough understanding of your roof’s condition. You should expect to receive an itemized list of issues, including a timeline for repairs, an explanation of what your warranty will cover, and photos that illustrate the claims.

Here are some reasons you may want to consider getting a second opinion:

• The inspection report was ambiguous, or didn’t effectively communicate your roof’s condition.
• You suspect your inspector is dishonest.
• The inspector fails to identify issues you already know about.
• You have a complex roofing issue and want to weigh all options.

A skilled inspector will deliver the most information possible and clearly communicate the story of your roof.

The Importance of Getting a Second Opinion

Getting a second opinion is a tried and tested way to establish trust with the roofing contractor you choose. Understanding your roof’s condition is comparable to understanding a medical diagnosis. A roof owner needs a roofer who is competent, thorough, and communicates well. Roofing is an industry where carefully evaluating your roofer is worth the time it takes. You can significantly reduce your risk by getting a second opinion.

Your company also may be required to get more than one quote depending on the price and scope of work. In other cases, it may just be a personal preference to hear alternative opinions to grasp your roof’s condition.

Next Steps After Getting a Second Opinion

After receiving a second (or even third) opinion, you should be armed with enough knowledge to make an informed decision by comparing all reports and identifying patterns. Take note of reported issues and the different solutions that each contractor recommends. You can also conduct general research using reputable online sources. Roofing material manufacturers will have literature that demonstrates the basics of various techniques and applications. Investing a small amount of time on your own can help you learn how to identify any red flags in a roof inspection report.

The Mid-South Difference

We’ll admit it: We like to show off when it comes to roof inspections. Our goal is to transparently communicate your options in a digestible way, with as many details and photos as possible. While we have over 30 years of experience in our field, we are also not afraid to take ownership of a mistake or misjudgment. Working with integrity is of the utmost importance to our team.

At Mid-South, our inspection reports are designed to give you enough information that you could access and survey the roof on your own with confidence. We will also meet you onsite and demonstrate our findings. We are flexible and aim to provide a variety of solutions to accommodate your budget. If your roof needs significant repair, we can identify the highest priority issues and create a repair timeline that works with your budget. Ready to schedule your roof inspection? Give us a call to request a quote.