International Compliance Association (ICA) Home Inspector Practice Exam

How long is it advisable to wait before inspecting a newly repaired roof?

1. One month

2. Six months

3. One year

4. It can be inspected immediately

The correct answer is: Six months

Waiting six months before inspecting a newly repaired roof is advisable largely due to the time required for various factors to stabilize and for potential issues to become apparent. New roof repairs need time to settle, allowing for any natural settling or expansion related to environmental changes to occur. Additionally, factors such as weather conditions, material curing times, and potential leaks often need a few months to manifest. This waiting period helps ensure that you’re able to thoroughly evaluate the repair work's integrity under more realistic conditions rather than immediately after repairs, when some issues might not be visible. It allows for a complete assessment of the roof’s performance post-repair, ensuring that all components are functioning correctly and there are no hidden problems. Thus, a six-month waiting period helps inspectors provide a more accurate and reliable assessment of the roof's condition.