When to get an inspection
After a hail or wind storm
Damage is often invisible from the ground. An inspection with photos helps you decide whether to file a claim. See storm damage steps.
Before hurricane season
The Atlantic season starts June 1. Spring is a good time to catch loose shingles, flashing and clogged gutters.
Buying or selling a home
A roofer's report adds detail to a general home inspection and can help with negotiations.
Older roofs and repeat leaks
If you're weighing repair against replacement, an inspection gives you the facts first.
What a useful inspection covers
- Shingle condition on every slope: granule loss, cracks, lifted or missing tabs, impact marks
- Flashing at walls, chimneys, skylights and valleys
- Pipe boots, vents and roof penetrations
- Gutters, downspouts and drip edge
- Signs of soft or damaged decking
- Attic check where accessible: stains, daylight, ventilation
What you should receive
Photos you can keep, a written summary of what was found, and a clear recommendation. If the roofer recommends replacement, ask them to show you why — and consider a second opinion for a major decision. Before hiring, run through our Texas roofer checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Is a roof inspection free?
Policies vary by company. Ask the roofer you're connected with before the visit whether there's any charge.
How long does an inspection take?
It depends on the roof's size, pitch and access. Ask the roofer for an estimate when you schedule.
Sources
Photo credits
- “Suburban housing, real estate” by via rawpixel — source, licensed CC0 1.0; cropped and resized. Illustrative only — not a photo of work arranged through this site.
Page last reviewed 2026-11-08.