Ensuring that your roof is in good condition is essential for home maintenance. By taking the proactive step of inspecting your roof, you can avoid expensive repair work in the future. But what exactly is involved, and how much should you expect to pay for a roof inspection?
Here's a look at the type of work typically included in a roof inspection and the average associated costs.
What is a roof inspection?
A roof inspection checks for signs of wear and tear to identify potential problems. It is carried out by trained professionals who know what to look for and can tell if there are problem areas or defects that require repairs or replacement. For more information, read our guide on spotting the signs your roof needs to be repaired or replaced .
Roof inspections are crucial for a few key reasons, according to ShakeGuys , a roofing contractor with locations in Illinois and Wisconsin. They can help identify minor issues that could escalate if left untreated, saving you money on costly repairs. Regular roof inspections can also be a requirement of certain roofing warranties. Plus, a well-maintained roof can help improve the resale value of your home.
A roof inspection includes a professional roofer examining your roof to look for damage, such as missing, cracked or loose shingles. The inspector will also check flashing, chimneys, vents, and skylights, which are common areas for roof leaks.
It's not uncommon for inspectors to examine gutters, downspouts and interior ceilings for water stains or sagging. Depending on the size and complexity of your roof, most inspections take 45 to 90 minutes.
Common types of roof inspection
Three main types of roof inspections exist: physical inspections, drone inspections and infrared inspections. Physical inspections are the most common and often the most affordable way to assess your roof’s general condition.
Drones capture high-resolution images and can easily inspect steep roofs, tall buildings or areas with structural concerns that are hard to access. This type of roof inspection uses thermal imaging to detect possible problem spots under the surface of your roof. Check out our guide to the best drone cameras for DIY roof inspections .
Lastly, infrared inspections are the most extensive type of roof inspection, and they provide insights into problems that are invisible to the naked eye. This type of inspection uses thermal imaging to detect potential areas of concern under the surface of your roof, such as water intrusion or insulation damage. Due to the sophistication of the technology involved, infrared inspections are the most expensive option, but they also provide the most comprehensive information.
How much does a roof inspection cost?
According to Forbes , standard physical inspections cost an average of $75 to $200, drone inspections cost between $150 and $400 and infrared roof inspections cost about $400 to $600. These costs typically include a written report, photos and repair recommendations.
Note that these are ballpark figures, and you should consider other contributing factors when budgeting for your roof inspection. For example, in addition to the type of inspection you need, the size of the roof will impact inspection costs. In general, the more square footage, the higher the cost.
The material your roof is made of can also impact its price because different materials require different degrees of maintenance. For example, a metal roof will require inspections specific to rust and corrosion.
The pitch of your roof can affect the pricing, as steep-pitched roofs involve more risk for inspectors and can present accessibility issues, which could translate into more time spent on inspections.
Roof certifications are related but optional services intended to assess the expected lifespan of your roof for insurance or real estate purposes. They will increase costs, but such certifications can also mean fewer inspections will be necessary in the future.
Geographical location will also affect the cost of your roof inspection. For instance, living in an area prone to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, can affect the price (and suggested frequency) of roof inspections.
In California, for example, the average cost of a roof inspection is between $150 and $300 for a basic visual inspection, according to Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing , which services Southern California. The company's roof inspections in urban areas such as Los Angeles are generally more expensive than in the suburbs or rural areas.
On the U.S. East Coast, a standard roof inspection in Florida costs between $150 and $350, according to Williams Roofing Inc. , a roofer based in Palm Bay, Fla. However, due to Florida’s unique climate, demand for roof inspections can soar during hurricane season (from June to November), pushing prices up as people rush to get their homes "storm ready," the company says. (Make sure to prep your roof ahead of hurricane season to avoid costly repairs.)
In Houston, Texas, the average cost of a roof inspection is between $120 and $320, according to home services aggregator HomeYou.com . However, prices can fluctuate between Houston’s wet and dry seasons, due to seasonal demand, and the differing impacts that hot weather can have, versus rainy weather.
How to choose the right roof inspection company
With a huge number of roofing inspection companies to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down your search and find the right one for you. A good rule of thumb is to do your research and pay attention to customer reviews. This can be an effective way to gauge people’s overall experiences with a company, and let you know what to expect for service levels, reliability, timescales and pricing.
Make sure each potential roof inspector has the required licenses to carry out the work legally and professionally. You should check the company's listing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and online platforms like Yelp, Google and Angi for red flags like a common theme to complaints and repeat issues. If price is a concern (even if it's not), obtain quotes from several companies before settling on one.
Additionally, check with friends and neighbors for recommendations and read our guide to questions to ask a roofer before hiring .
