Category: Latest Homeowner Articles

Comprehensive Roofing Inspections: A Service to Clients

Maintenance is a normal part of our daily lives, and it never seems to end. Cars need oil changes, light bulbs need to be replaced, exterior paint needs to be touched up, the lawn needs to be trimmed, the house needs to be cleaned, and the kids need to be fed. As with most other things, the roof system of a structure requires maintenance.

Owner Approaches to Roof Maintenance


There are two main approaches property owners can take when it comes to their roof systems: proactive or reactive. Most property owners would fall under the reactive category for various reasons, including time constraints and budget. These property owners ignore the roof system until minor problems that could have been detected earlier result in expensive damages — by which point it may already be too late. In certain parts of the United States, precipitation is not a year-round threat, so roof issues can be out of sight and out of mind until they later present themselves at inconvenient times. It goes without saying that there is something left to be desired by this approach. Despite many owners taking reactive approaches to roof inspections, others are finding that a proactive approach is better suited to their needs. Roof inspection requests are thus increasing nationwide, with requests coming from:

● Residential and commercial property owners in escrow
● Those establishing a cause of loss for an insurance claim
● People shopping for property insurance or attempting to secure a loan

● Owners who just want to be informed

The final category in particular indicates that some owners are becoming more proactive, trying to determine what their roofing needs may be before a minor problem becomes a disaster. However, even though they may prefer to be proactive, many owners are at a loss for what to look for when attempting to prevent and fix roofing issues. There are fewer components to a roof system than a pepperoni pizza, but owners are rarely roofing professional themselves. In completing roofing inspections, roofing professionals must “think like a raindrop,” as rain often precipitates the discovery of roofing problems. Our job is to educate owners on their roofs’ conditions to help them make informed decisions.

Roof Inspections: Benefits and Types


Roof inspections are critical in establishing a baseline for the overall care plan for a roof. It is true that roof issues may be picked up on a property/building inspection report; however, these reports usually contain limited remarks made by a generalist with a recommendation to have the roof further evaluated by a licensed roofing specialist. A proper inspection helps achieve RoofAssurance ™.

There are two main types of roof inspections currently offered on the market. The first is a free inspection. This service provides a free estimate to clients who, in many cases, are already dealing with an active roofing problem. These reactive owners are a target for higher-than- average quotes due to the immediate need for work. In addition, this “free” service is typically limited in scope — the company typically only inspects approximately 20 percent of the roof (rooftop only), and the owner will, at best, receive a simple estimate on company letterhead. Costs may therefore grow as the roofing work proceeds and more problems are found with the roofing system. A Roof inspectors goal should be to effectively and confidently determine the integrity of the roof system. This can’t be accomplished only inspecting 20% of the system excluding the interior components of the structure.

The other type of inspection is a paid service with prices ranging from $300 to a few thousand dollars depending on the property’s size and the purpose of the inspection. The national average for an average-sized roof inspection is $350 for a LeakFREE ™ Roof Inspection and $475 for a ForensicROOF ™ Inspection. Because situations vary, the amounts of effort or time spent during the inspection significantly impacts the pricing. The investigation process in these inspections is much more detailed, starting from the inside out. There are hidden components to all roof systems that can’t be observed from the rooftop, such as the waterproof underlayment, mechanical fasteners, and moisture stains. This type of paid inspection should come with a comprehensive written report and a proposal package without an additional fee. The choice of whether to apply a portion or all of the inspection fee to work later completed is up to the contractor.

You may ask: “What is the difference if a licensed roofing company completes both types of inspections?” To help explain the difference to customers, I’ll share a short personal story. I like to golf. I’m not very good at it, but I enjoy the game. Each time I golf, I usually have a few good shots, and these keep me returning for another round of frustration. I was interested in purchasing a new set of clubs a few years ago. I could either go to a golf shop or attend free demo events to try out the manufacturer’s latest and greatest products. However, these events left me feeling like I was just being sold random golf clubs without truly finding out what I needed to succeed. Instead, I chose to pay for a professional fitting so I could find out what clubs would work the best for me. In addition, a portion of the fitting cost would be applied to a set of clubs if I decided to purchase them after the fitting. Similarly, when it comes to the roofing industry, you pay for what you get. Contractors offering free services want to close deals, sell roofs, and move on to their next free appointment. However, a paid roof inspection brings much more value to the client, as the inspector is paid for his time, knowledge, expertise, and transparent documentation.


Following a simple process is the key to producing comprehensive, detail-oriented, and informative inspections that not only correctly educate clients but also bring in revenue. A service-first attitude and transparent process helps increase job conversion. Stepping into a new service may seem daunting, but my advice is to try not to overcomplicate things. Inspecting a roof system is not difficult as long as you “think like a raindrop.”

Inspecting Roofs the NRCIA Way


An NRCIA-Certified Roof Inspector investigates five different zones of the structure: the interior, attic, exterior, perimeter, and rooftop. In addition, they will ask themselves three main questions:

1. Is the roof currently leaking?
2. Does the roof have a likelihood of leaking?
3. Is the roof system repairable should a leak occur within two years (average certification
period)?

If you have training and roofing experience, these points should be relatively easy to identify. Of course, there are times when a further exploratory inspection is required when roof trauma is not observable at a leak location. Exploratory inspections (in which a roof may require opening to find the faulty area) are a separate service and should be billed accordingly. A roof inspector should not cause any damage while inspecting a roof system, and should instead leave no trace that they were ever present. Once you have identified key issues, you will have to document them in a way that can tell a story to the client. Photo documentation and software technology is essential to staying ahead of the competition. Taking photos of the various inspection zones is the primary building block to creating a good report for the owner. A roof should last at least two years after an inspection, along with any necessary repairs, are completed. Suppose the roof’s remaining serviceable life is less than two years — in that case, a complete roof replacement should be professionally recommended and presented in a way the owner can respect and agree with.

Comprehensive Roof Inspection Reporting

The easiest way to do this is by providing a photo-centric inspection report that indicates:
1. The roofing red flags you observed and implications if those deficiencies are not
corrected.
2. The cause of the red flag (i.e., deferred maintenance, workmanship defect, normal wear
and tear, storm-related damage, etc.).
3. How to properly repair or replace the deficiency.

Providing a well-written, photo-centric report will help clarify the need for restorative work, explain the location of the roof deficiencies, and support job conversion as the owners can see exactly how the inspector came to their determination. These reports are a great resource to review if a reinspection is requested or if you are selected to perform additional roof work later on.

Final Words of Advice


Keep in mind that we, as roofing professionals, are in the service industry. By focusing everyday on being a service to others, the client will know you are there to serve their best interests and a sale will ultimately follow. Remember to:

● Serve first.
● Follow the inspection process in five zones: interior, attic (if accessible), exterior, perimeter, and rooftop.
● Stand out from your competition and inspect 100 percent of the roof system.
● Evaluate, educate, and document.
● Take pictures that can educate the client.

Paul J. Watrous is president of the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association (NRCIA).

Get NRCIA certified today and put this badge on your shirts!

Check out other great content featured in CoatingsPro Magazine: https://ampp.mydigitalpublication.com/october-2022/page-24

What happens when a LeakFREE® Certified Roof has a leak?

LeakFREE® Roof Certifications provide property owners an assurance that their roof will remain leak-free for the duration of their certification period. But what happens if a leak does occur during that period?

We are going to follow a recent example provided by an NRCIA Inspector. Below we will break down the steps the property owner took from the start of the certification to fixing the leak.

Receive a LeakFREE® Roof Certification

Over a year ago, a property owner contacted an NRCIA inspector requesting an inspection and roof certification. An NRCIA Certified Inspector then completed a LeakFREE® Roof Inspection, during which the Inspector highlighted several repairs required before the roof could be certified.

The property owner completed the repairs, and upon re-inspection of the repairs, the Inspector issued a LeakFREE® Roof Certification. With roof assurances in place, the homeowner was ready for whatever the future may hold.

Active Leak Found in a LeakFREE® Roof

Recently, the property owner found an active roof leak. The roof is still within the certification period. They contacted the NRCIA Inspector that issued the LeakFREE® Certification and requested a diagnostic inspection. Diagnostic inspections are for certificate holders, and they entail a 3-zone inspection process to determine if the damage is covered by the certification.

In this case, the damage was covered by the roof certification. Specifically, there was a leak from damaged underlayment at a valley location. The damaged underlayment could have been identified and repaired during the first initial inspection (before issuing a certificate) but was missed by the inspector.

Damage Covered by Certification

Since the damage is covered by the LeakFREE® Roof Certification, the inspection fee and repair fees were waived for the property owner. Certifications will have different monetary limits of liability depending upon the roof system and other factors. The limits-of-liability outline the maximum monetary amount of damages covered by the issuing Inspector.

The NRCIA Inspector then worked with the property owner to outline the repair plan. After the repairs were completed, the certification will continue until the end of the period. After that period, re-certification is possible after re-inspection. This cycle helps set up a great roof care plan for property owners.

Click Image to Learn More About LeakFREE® Certifications

Roof Assurance

When trouble did arise, the homeowner had no out-of-pocket expenses to repair this unforeseen issue. Trusting your roofing professionals and the organization that stands behind the inspection process is essential for every property owner.

In summary, this property owner saved money, time, and stress by originally contacting an NRCIA Inspector. NRCIA Inspectors are the only inspectors authorized to complete LeakFREE® Roof Inspections & issue LeakFREE® Roof Certifications.

Mr. RoofCheck®’s Advice For Buckling Shingles

Sarah from IL asked:

 

We just had a roof installed this past November and having problems with shingles buckling.

 

Getting the contractor to make the repairs has been very difficult and we ended up having a home inspection performed due to the company placing blame on our ventilation.  The report showed no issues with the attic.  The shingles were installed on wet underlayment due to rain.

 

The company’s solution is to now have a repairman come and cut off the excess part of the buckled shingles and nail the same shingles back down, without replacing the underlayment or replacing the shingles.  Is this an appropriate repair?  It just doesn’t sound right to me.  I have included some photos of the issue.

 

Photos from Home Inspector’s report (click “>” to view photos)

 

 

Mr. RoofCheck®’s advice:

 

After reviewing your file, I wanted to point out a couple of things and hopefully, it will give you a little more information to leverage.

 

First of all, as you indicated this is a GAF Product and although I am not sure about the exact line of shingle, I have included an installation brochure for GAF products. Pages 137-149 specifically talk about the fastening of the shingles which I believe is the deficiency causing the lifting shingles. Here is a link to a GAF video on the installation as well. This will help understand the proper way to install the roofing material.

 

The visible issue that is concerning is the lifting shingles which is why you are reaching out.

 

 

Based on the report you provided, it doesn’t appear that the fasteners that were used were long enough to penetrate through the wood substrate.

 

The reason why this is important is that if the mechanical fasteners do not penetrate through the roof sheathing, then as the building materials expand and contract due to weather fluctuations, it will draw the mechanical fasteners back up through the roofing material causing the shingles to lift.

 

I believe improper mechanical fasteners may be the cause of the roof deficiency. With that said, if the shingles were not installed per manufacturer specifications, the manufacturer warranty may be void. As far as the proposed repair methodology, if the wrong mechanical fasteners were used to install the roofing material, the shingles will continue to buckle throughout the roofing material. Unfortunately, a complete roof replacement may be the only option.

 

 

Ask Mr. RoofCheck® A Question

Why Homeowners Need Annual Roof Inspections

The NRCIA indicates that most roof problems result from deferred roof maintenance or lack thereof. The roof system is the structure’s first line of defense from the natural elements. In the last decade, weather patterns have changed, requiring more attention to maintain a LeakFREE ® roof system.



As climate change progresses, normal rains have turned to disastrous heavy downpours while the winds have become more powerful and destructive. For instance, the intense Santa Ana winds can be detrimental to roof systems and other property systems.  The sun’s scourging rays cause roof deficiencies (cracking, fading, curling, etc.) when the structure is not adequately ventilated. 

 

According to NRCIA, homeowners in Southern California spend over $10k rectifying the damages (direct and consequential) caused by a leaking roof. Out of all the roofs inspected, 77% usually require repair, and 9% need a replacement to qualify for NRCIA’s LeakFREE ® Roof Certification.



Replacing a structure’s roof system can be stressful both financially and time-consuming. The national average to replace a roof is $15,000. NRCIA reports that the average cost to replace a roof is $15,000.

 

NRCIA recommends that every property owner inspect their roofs annually by a licensed roof inspector. The following seven reasons underscore why an Annual Roof Inspection is now an essential component in a proper roof care plan. 

 

 

1. Climate Change

 

The environment has changed over the years due to various factors such as human activities and industrialization. Across the United States, these new weather patterns have become the norm. Seasonal changes from severe hot weather to significant temperature fluctuations can cause damage to roofing material based on its age, condition, and maintenance care routine.

 

Such weather conditions have affected the roof maintenance routine customarily carried out once every few years. Early, late, or extended severe weather conditions cause unexpected damage to a roof system. Only a roof expert can recognize some of these roof damages. Intense and frequent freezing may cause ice damming and moisture intrusion in susceptible areas. Prolonged moisture exposure may cause deterioration and rust damage. Any roof deficiency can create subsequent damages to the property or personal belongings. In higher elevations in snowy climates,  some roofs are not built to handle the additional weight of the snow, further suppressing and weakening the structural integrity. Damaged framing can jeopardize the integrity of the overall roof system.



On the flip side, abnormal heat waves and constant high summer temperatures will shorten the lifespan of the roofing material. Depending on the roofing materials used, the type of red flag locations will vary. The damage may include cracking, discoloration, or deteriorated roof components.

 

Having the roof inspected annually by a licensed expert would help identify the roof’s red flags to include in your roof care plan. Remember that preventative roof repairs, when caught early, are far cheaper and faster to fix versus a reactive leak repair or roof replacement.

 

 

2. Heavy Wind-Driven Rains

 

Heavy rains, high-speed winds, and hailstorms are common throughout the US, with each climate having its characteristics. Constant moisture exposure with fluctuating temperatures can cause the roofing material to expand and contract, resulting in curling or buckled shingles, especially if the roof system is antiquated.

 

Hailstorms can also cause adverse damage to roofs, depending on the hail’s size, wind direction and speed, and the roof’s material, age, size, type, and slope. Some weather systems damage or even remove parts of the roofing material, usually affecting the structure’s perimeter. Additional damage can occur, including gutters, trim boards, siding, etc.

 

Heavy winds can exacerbate granular loss and promote moisture intrusion via wind-driven rain. 

 

Having a licensed professional inspect the roof once per year will help discover potentially dangerous damage caused by heavy winds or rains and fix them before they worsen. If the roof structure has been compromised, the roofing professional will advise a roof care plan with each written report to withstand the present and incoming heavy winds and downpours.

 

 

3. Intense Santa Ana Winds

 

The intense Santa Ana winds that rip through a few times each year can be a disaster for improperly maintained roof systems. The winds will deposit debris on the roof, which will impede proper water flow. A debris build-up will cause accelerated deterioration of the roofing material and ultimately cause moisture intrusion. 

 

During the annual roof inspection, the expert will identify all weak roof points caused by these winds and provide a plan to reinforce, repair, or replace them. A correctly performed inspection followed by a well-written report will identify any storm-created openings resulting from wind damage. 

 

 

4. Extra Hot and Dry Summers

 

The ultraviolet rays deplete the oils from the roof’s waterproof underlayment and other components. As a result, the material weakens, and problematic areas arise. 

 

Correct structure ventilation is essential to prolong the life of the roof system. Improper ventilation can lead to excessive expansion and contraction,  premature deterioration, and condensation build-up resulting in unsuspected organic growth. This fluctuation may hinder the integrity of the roof system. 

 

A licensed roofing expert will determine if the structures are correctly ventilated to keep the attic and structure cooler during the hotter seasons. 

 

 

5. The Roof is Out of Sight

 

Since most homeowners do not climb roofs to inspect, most roof problems remain out of sight. Property owners tend to pay attention to their roof systems after they become a noticeable issue from the inside. At that point, it is too late to prevent moisture intrusion, and a mitigation process ensues.  In addition, most hidden roof problems can only be diagnosed by a trained inspector who has experience in the roofing industry. For most homeowners, it’s hard to notice more minor deficiencies on a roof.



These are some reasons why an annual roof inspection by a licensed professional is essential to identify such roofing problems early before they may cause severe damage.

 

 

6. The Roof is Out of Mind

 

Homeowners usually are working towards achieving their daily and long-term goals, and the weather forecast is not something that is routinely checked. One of the last things that cross the mind of property owners might be their roof care plan. During extreme weather conditions, the weather may negatively affect the roof, and by the time they realize this, the interior components of the structure may already be compromised.

 

Third-party damage resulting from other home care professional services, toys, children, etc., will go unnoticed until it is too late. 

 

On the other hand, if the homeowners commit to having their roofs professionally inspected once per year, these problems can be identified and repaired proactively, ultimately saving their money for what it was intended. 

 

 

7. Improper Previous Roof Repairs 

 

Many homeowners settle for inexperienced individuals’ quick, cost-effective, band-aid repairs. Many homeowners don’t bother with a permanent remedy after a temporary solution. They don’t realize that sub-standard repairs are more expensive in the long run. Chasing leaks is always costly and frustrating.



Some homeowners contract the services from unlicensed or untrained laborers who do a shoddy repair job while using the wrong roofing materials.

 

A professional, licensed roof inspector will help pinpoint such mistakes and issues during the annual roof inspection. 

 

 

Conclusion

 

Though few homeowners may be able to spot some problems with their roof, others are only recognizable by an expert roof inspector. Also, most roof problems develop over time. Homeowners may not have the time or interest to check their roofs regularly throughout the year.

 

As a result, homeowners need to schedule their annual roof inspections to help uncover and rectify problems before they happen or become worse. NRCIA recommends that homeowners hire a licensed roof inspector to inspect, repair, and certify their roofs annually. An annual roof inspection can save their roof, time, and money.

 

 

 

 

Contact Cert-A-Roof, the NRCIA-Certified Roof inspector in Southern California, for an annual LeakFREE® Roof Inspection.

 

The Future is Certified Roof Inspections

The dawning of a new year puts everyone in the mindset of thinking ahead while reflecting on the past. We pause to realize how much has changed and wonder what lies before us in the year ahead. This isn’t just true when it comes to your personal life. It’s true in the roofing industry, specifically with the increased demand for quality roof inspections.

 

As your experts in roofing, we’ve seen clear trends emerging in recent years and months. Our decades in the industry give us insight into trends that will be shifting the industry in the coming year. To help you stay ahead, our specialists are sharing our top predictions for roof inspections and our tips for making 2022 a year of growth for your business.

 

 

Our Predictions for the Future of Roof Inspections

 

The techniques, trends, and professional landscape of roof inspections are always changing, and keeping up with those shifts will help you to stay competitive and deliver the highest-quality service to your clients. Here’s a peek into what we expect to see in 2022.

 

Expansion of High Consumer Expectations

 

California is a cornerstone of many industries, and it’s a uniquely important player in the nationwide roof inspection market, too. Homeowners and real estate professionals in California expect and require high quality from their roofing contractors as well as their roof inspectors, and this has made it a competitive market where only the best can win. However, we’re seeing more and more Californians leaving the state and moving elsewhere.

 

As homeowners leave California, they will take their expectations to their new locations throughout the country. As a result, inspectors and contractors across the US should use this opportunity to get accredited through the NRCIA or you will be playing catch up.

 

Spread of Regulations

 

Speaking of the Golden State, California has long been a trendsetter in legislation and regulations. Oftentimes, California will make a new policy change or institute a new regulation first. Other states will watch how it goes, learn from any growing pains that appeared, and then implement a similar change with potential tweaks.

 

We expect this to continue to happen throughout 2022 and beyond. Roof inspectors nationwide should keep an eye on California’s regulations and start planning ways to adjust to those same regulations if and when their own states follow suit. If you do this, you’re less likely to find yourself scrambling to implement the changes when the law does take effect in your state.

 

Demand for Certification

 

When it comes to inspections, some markets are more informal than others. In a small rural town, it might be perfectly normal to have the local handyman inspect roofs because he happens to know a lot about construction.

 

This is likely to change, though. California homeowners, real estate professionals, and insurance professionals demand professional roof inspectors who are certified by the NRCIA. As current and former Californians continue to move throughout the country, the demand for official, specialized, certified roof inspectors will grow nationwide, so certification will become even more vital for your business. Due to the growing demand, certain municipalities are now requiring a roof to be certified during the real estate transaction

 

 

How to Keep Up with Rising Consumer Expectations as a Roof Inspector

 

Our predictions for the years ahead in roof inspections generally carry one theme: increased expectations and demands for higher-quality roof inspectors. To make sure that this works for you instead of against you, follow these top tips.

 

Continuously Update Your Knowledge

 

No one is all-knowing in the roof inspections industry. There are always new techniques and improvements that arise, tricks and tools that appear on the scene, and so on. To provide your clients with the best information about their roofs, you need to continually update your knowledge.

 

There are plenty of ways to do this. NRCIA alone offers online training courses, ride-along opportunities, and more. There are also other online courses, blogs, and seminars you can participate in to hear new ideas and refine your strategies.

 

Consider Expanding Your Specialization

 

If you want to grow your business in a competitive market, one option is to expand your expertise and become certified in forensic roof inspection. Not only will the certification open the door for many new opportunities but while you study for your certification, you’re likely to learn more about roof systems. This can make you a better choice even for clients who only need a standard roof inspection.

 

Get Involved in the Industry Community

 

No matter how long you’ve been in the business, you have plenty to learn from your fellow roof inspectors. That’s why it is so important to get involved in the roof inspection community and maintain connections with colleagues.

 

You can network with other inspectors online, attend industry events, interact in online discussion groups, and more. This will help you predict the trends and shifts in the industry much as we’ve done in this article. It’s also a strong business practice because your connections with other professionals often lead to new opportunities and referrals.

 

 

Making 2022 Your Best Year in Roof Inspections

 

The constant changes in our world can make everything feel like moving targets, but there are positives to this state of constant change. We are constantly finding new ways to help clients and deliver more information and higher-quality details in roof inspections, and if you’re keeping up, you can stay at the top of your game and your local market.

 

To learn more, check out our guide to becoming an NRCIA.

 

 

Why is Roof Maintenance Important?

A roof is one of the most important parts of the home. It is the first line of defense against the elements. Roof systems need to be properly maintained to remain fully functional over their lifespan. There are a lot of things that go into managing a roof properly and it all depends on what stage the roof is in. 

 

Some homeowners choose to save money by skipping roof maintenance, but homeowners should not forget the level of stress and anxiety that comes from having a roof in disarray. The damage that a leaking roof can cause to the structure and safety of a home is immense. Moisture damage is one of the biggest fears of any homeowner as it weakens the home and can spur the growth of dangerous mold and bacteria.

 

There has also been an increase in roof repairs due to poor craftsmanship and roofing scams, which has led to an increased demand for roof warranties and certifications. That’s why it is important now more than ever for roof contractors and inspectors to be properly trained and certified. A certification backed by the NRCIA brings confidence to homeowners who request the services of these certified contractors. 

 

The integrity and credibility of the roofing industry are at the heart of the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association’s mission. Roofing services can be complex enough, even when done properly and the NRCIA is there to ensure that there’s a high level of professionalism and standardization within the roofing industry.

 

 

What Homeowners Need to Know

 

A homeowner needs to understand all components of their home. Homeowners need to understand the age of their roof and the maintenance schedule it follows. This is the best measure they can take to keep a roof system healthy and functional. Preventative maintenance is always cheaper than reactive repairs.

 

 

Homeowners need to ensure that they partner up with the right roofing contractor. Preferably, a contractor that follows a standardized procedure to help clients maximize their roof system’s lifespan.

 

Maximizing a Roof’s Lifespan

 

A roof’s lifespan depends on the roofing material used. Composite, asphalt or wood shingles/shake can last between 12 to 25 years with the proper maintenance, with asphalt shingles able to last up to 30 years. Copper or Slate roofs can last upwards of 50 years if properly maintained, meaning all the homeowner should be concerned about is keeping it waterproof and free of leaks. There are additional factors that determine a roof’s lifespan: the product used, the quality of the installation, and maintaining a proper maintenance schedule. That’s why it’s critical to work with a roofing contractor certified by NRCIA who can provide the LeakFREE® guarantee. 

 

Additionally, more insurance companies are requesting these types of certifications and warranties before offering policies. Some insurance companies will even give homeowners a discount on their insurance premium if the homeowner’s roof has a LeakFREE® Roof Certification. Without certifications or warranties, loans and policies can be considered riskier which translates to higher premiums or higher mortgage rates.  

 

The NRCIA Guarantee

 

NRCIA wants to help take out the guesswork of choosing a good roofing inspector and/or contractor. Instead of going with a recommendation from a  friend or neighbor, trust a recommendation from the NRCIA whose sole purpose is to bring exceptional confidence and credibility to the roofing industry.

 

Homeowners can rest assured when they see the NRCIA Certified badge on their inspector’s shirt or business card. They will be working with roofing inspectors who know exactly what to look for when assessing the structure’s roof system.

 

 

Are you interested in becoming an NRCIA Inspector?

Do you need to find an NRCIA Inspector?

 

 

 

Becoming an NRCIA Authorized Company

 

 

A roofing company that wants to expand its business, or even potentially add a new revenue stream can earn accreditation with the NRCIA. Whether the roofing company is considering one inspector or a full team, we can accommodate any type of company.

 

NRCIA Membership

 

There are several membership levels open, each with more ways to gain new business. Members beyond the affiliate level will receive our LeakFREE training to understand the NRCIA’s process and procedures. 

 

Inspectors receive training on NRCIA’s 5-zone inspection process and how to provide their clients with a photo-centric inspection report using proprietary inspection software. NRCIA’s reporting process refines the consultation process enabling roofers to review and offer guaranteed and warrantied services for their customers. 

 

Any roofing contractor that selects to join NRCIA also joins our growing network of roofing contractors and receives unqualified leads when property owners contact the NRCIA. Learn more about the benefits and ROI of being an NRCIA member by reviewing our success guides.

 

NRCIA Authorized Company

 

Becoming an NRCIA’s Authorized Contractor allows the contractor to sign up their entire roofing team. This is a great opportunity for continuing education in the contractor’s field and industry, so the contractor can work to expand on offering services to grow their revenue streams. 

 

This team-based membership allows company administrators to manage multiple inspectors. Small and medium-sized companies can multiply their income, especially in highly-dense residential areas with this membership.

Case Study

 

Paid inspection appointments create qualified leads. By producing thorough NRCIA inspection reports, their conversions from appointments into jobs and certifications increased.

Additionally, the sale of NRCIA’s LeakFREE® roof certifications turned into a source of recurring revenue, as annual maintenance inspections are required as a condition of certification.

 

Interested in joining, but want to talk with someone first? Schedule a demo today!

 

 

 

What is a LeakFREE® Guarantee?

NRCIA Certified Inspectors specialize in providing high-quality roof inspections and certifications for residential and commercial properties. NRCIA’s LeakFREE® roof inspections provide actionable insight into a roof system and the LeakFREE® roof certification guarantees the integrity of the roof system. 

 

LeakFREE® roof inspections

 

The NRCIA maximizes roof life by using its proprietary inspection process to inspect the roof. Following the NRCIA roof inspection protocols, a trained NRCIA Certified® roof inspector begins the five-zone LeakFREE® roof inspection by examining the interior, accessible attic, and attached garage to examine any visual evidence of a roof leak.

 

 

Evidence found in the first three zones informs the roof inspector of what to inspect when they reach the rooftop. At the fourth zone, the inspector examines the building’s perimeter to look for further evidence of leaks or damage, such as water stains and dry rot. After these observations are complete, the inspector moves to the roof and performs a visual, non-destructive examination. Each roof type and material has different critical areas, and the specialist is trained to pay special attention to these potential trouble spots.

 

 

LeakFREE® roof certification

 

NRCIA’s LeakFREE® Roof Certification is more than a workmanship warranty. With the LeakFREE® Roof Certification, you can have total assurance that your entire roof — not just the repair site — will remain leak-free for the duration of your certification period. If a LeakFREE® roof experiences problems during a certification period, your NRCIA inspector will fix the problem. 

 

The inspectors or contractors need to be certified through the NRCIA to file this type of service. If issues arise or claims need to be filed; there is a simple process for the homeowner to follow to get their roof system in peak condition again.

 

The LeakFREE® Roof Certification guarantee is never prorated and will last up to ten years before another inspection and recertification need to be done on the roof in question. Some warranties and inspections will pro-rate the timeline. The LeakFREE® roof certification and warranty are valid up to ten years from the date the repairs and maintenance were completed. 

 

 

The Guarantee

 

Residential and commercial owners are guaranteed quality, detailed work from NRCIA professionals that will leave owners assured of the health and safety of their roof system. LeakFREE services can only be offered by active & credentialed NRCIA members. 

 

 

Are you interested in becoming an NRCIA Inspector?

Do you need to find an NRCIA Inspector?

 

 

5 Zone Roof Inspection with Paul

Paul and our members at Cert-A-Roof have teamed up to provide another deep dive into the inspection process. NRCIA’s inspection standards and procedures are the most thorough and transparent in the roofing industry. Our members aim to provide you with accurate and actionable insight into your roof’s health.

Follow along as Paul (NRCIA Member #001011) takes you through an NRCIA LeakFREE® Roof Inspection. He will guide you through the 5-zone roof inspection and provide in-depth commentary on what NRCIA inspectors will be looking for during their inspection.

Learn how the NRCIA and our Certified Roof Inspectors provide a world-class inspection on every roof!

 

Interested in becoming an inspector? 

Interested in having your roof inspected by an NRCIA member?

 

 

 

Why Are NRCIA Inspectors & Inspections Different?

The NRCIA provides confidence for homeowners and property managers through our standards. NRCIA builds the integrity of the inspection industry by standardizing a roof inspection process that is both thorough and transparent.

Our name stands for excellence in property care by improving and standardizing roof inspections, maintenance, and certifications so that there is no unexpected loss of property due to normal wear and tear. 

NRCIA Inspectors

Our Inspectors provide world-class inspections and certifications on every roof. Each NRCIA Certified® Roof Inspector completes our thorough training regime to acquire the necessary knowledge and understanding of our inspection process.

Additionally, Certified® Roof Inspectors are held to NRCIA’s standards and values. They must serve their clients with honesty, transparency, and reliability. 

All of this is evident in each inspection and certification report you receive from an NRCIA Inspector. These reports are thorough, photo-centric, and transparent. Our Roof Inspectors aim to be educational consultants who help you find the best solution for your roofing needs.

NRCIA Inspections 

The NRCIA maximizes a roof’s serviceable life by using its proprietary five-zone inspection process to examine roof systems. Following the NRCIA roof inspection protocols, a trained NRCIA Certified® Roof Inspector begins the five-zone LeakFREE® roof inspection by examining the interior, accessible attic, and attached garage to find any visual evidence of a roof leak. Any evidence found in the first three zones informs the roof inspector of where to look more closely when they inspect the perimeter and rooftop.

In the fourth zone, the inspector examines the building’s perimeter to look for further evidence of leaks or damage, such as water stains and dry rot. After these observations are complete, the inspector moves to the roof and performs a visual, non-destructive examination. Each roof type and material has its common critical areas, and NRCIA roof specialists train to pay special attention to these potential trouble spots.

Interested in becoming an inspector? 
Interested in NRCIA roof inspection?