Maybe there’s a replacement quote sitting on the kitchen counter. Maybe it’s the dark streaks you see every time you pull into the driveway. Either way, you’re being asked to make a big call about a roof you can’t even see the top of.
The free exterior evaluation is where every job with us starts. We look at your roof, your walls and your concrete. We take photos. Then we tell you what we’d do, and what we wouldn’t.
What we look at on your roof
The roof gets the most attention. Here’s what we check up there:
- Visible aging. Shingles that look dry, faded or stiff.
- Damage. Anything cracked, lifted, torn or missing.
- Granule loss. Bare patches, or a lot of grit washing into the gutters. Some loss is normal. InterNACHI says granule loss that’s even across the roof is usually a result of normal weathering. Loss in patches tells a different story.
- Staining. Dark streaks are usually algae, not dirt. We’ll tell you whether cleaning is the right call for your roof.
- Flashing concerns. The metal around chimneys, vents and walls.
What we look at on the walls and concrete
Then we walk the rest of the property.
- Siding and brick. Mildew, algae, dirt lines under the soffits, and staining on the gutter faces.
- Driveways and sidewalks. Flaking, pitting, oil and rust stains, and spots where water sits.
- Patios, pool decks and steps. The same checks, up close.
Flaking concrete has a name. It’s called scaling. If we see it, we’ll explain what’s likely behind it and whether concrete protection makes sense for that surface.
Before
AfterThe photos and the condition summary
You get the photos we take and a short condition summary. Most people have never seen their own roof up close. Now you can, without a ladder.
Keep them. Show them to your family, or to a roofer if you want a second opinion. They’re yours either way.
The plain answer
After we look, you get one of six answers. Sometimes two.
- Clean it. There’s algae, mildew or grime, but the surface underneath is sound.
- Protect it. The surface is clean and in good shape, and a protective treatment fits.
- Rejuvenate it. The shingles are drying out but still holding together. That’s where roof rejuvenation comes in.
- Repair it. There’s a problem spot on an otherwise good roof.
- Replace it. The roof is past saving.
- Leave it alone. Nothing needs doing yet. We’ll say that too.
We don’t do repairs or replacements. If that’s what your roof needs, we’ll tell you plainly and point you to a roofer. Wondering how the two roof treatments differ? Our page on roof rejuvenation vs roof protection lays it out side by side.
Before we recommend a roof treatment
We check your shingle maker’s guidance, and your HOA rules if you have one, before we recommend a treatment. Shingle brands don’t all say the same thing, and some neighborhoods have their own rules about roofs.
If what we find says no, our answer is no. You should hear that from us before anything goes on your roof, not after.
No pressure
The evaluation costs nothing, and there’s no hard sell at the end. If you want to think it over, think it over. If the answer is to wait, we’ll tell you to wait.
What happens next
Call or text Terrance at (812) 664-6222, or send us a note through the contact form. We’re open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm. When we book, we’ll tell you how long the visit will take for your property.
Want the step by step first? Read what happens at a free exterior evaluation.
Common questions
Does the evaluation cost anything?
No. The free exterior evaluation costs nothing, and you don’t owe us anything afterward. If we think a service makes sense, we’ll explain it and you decide. If we think you should leave it alone, or call a roofer instead, we’ll tell you that.
How long does the visit take?
It depends on the property, so we tell you when we book. A small house with one driveway is a different visit from a duplex with a long lot and a pool deck. Ask Terrance when you call or text, and he’ll give you a time that fits your place.
Do you fix roofs or put on new ones?
No. We don’t do roof repairs or replacements. If the evaluation shows your roof needs either one, we’ll say so plainly and point you to a roofer. You’ll still have our photos to show them. Our work is cleaning, protection and rejuvenation, and the evaluation is how we find out if any of that fits.
Is this the same as the inspection a buyer orders?
No. Our evaluation looks at the roof, walls and concrete with cleaning, protection and treatment in mind. It doesn’t take the place of the inspection a buyer gets before closing. If you’re getting ready to sell, though, the photos can help you see what you’re working with.