As a homeowner, your to-do list is probably never-ending. Mow the grass, touch up flaking paint, clean the air filters, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. After all that hard work, your roof is likely the last thing on your mind, but it shouldn’t be. If you’ve been wondering ‘What is a roof inspection?’ and why it’s important, we’re here to help you.
As you know, your roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your property. It protects your home from harsh weather and ensures your family is safe and warm. But despite what it might seem like, you can’t just install a roof and forget about it.
For your roof to live a long and happy life, regular maintenance is critical, and that includes regular roof inspections. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about checking the health of your roof.
So, what is a roof inspection exactly?
If you’ve never done a roof inspection, you might be confused about what the process looks like. Typically, it involves a thorough assessment of your roof’s condition to identify any vulnerabilities, damage, and wear and tear that could hurt your roof’s longevity and cause problems later on.
Some homeowners do regular roof inspections for their own peace of mind. However, in some cases, you might be required to do it as part of your home insurance policy (usually within the first 30 to 60 days of getting one).
During the process, a professional inspector checks your roof to determine how much it would cost to repair or replace it. Likewise, your insurer will assess how many years of life your roof still has left. If they conclude that your roof is in a bad condition, you’ll likely have to pay more for your insurance.
Why roof inspections are necessary
Detect potential issues
Even if you don’t have home insurance, it’s critical to perform regular roof inspections. Why? It’s no secret that roof repairs and replacements can be costly. Unfortunately, many issues, such as damaged shingles or leaks, aren’t often visible from the ground. Although they may seem like minor problems, over time, they can cause severe damage.
When you do regular roof inspections, you can get ahead of the game without worrying about what might happen in the future. Remember that timely inspections are also crucial for protecting your home’s interior. If there’s mould growth in your roof due to water damage, it can quickly ruin the inside of your house as well.
Extend your roof’s lifespan
In an ideal world, roofs would last forever, but, unfortunately, they don’t (well, unless you choose slate roofing, which could serve you 100+ years…). Thankfully, with yearly roof inspections, you can ensure you maximize your roof’s lifespan.
By nipping minor problems in the bud before they get bigger and more expensive, you can extend the life of your roof by several years.
Reduce stress when making insurance claims
Filing insurance claims for your roof can be quite a hassle. As you know, most insurers are hesitant to cover any damage resulting from wear and tear. However, when you have proof of performing annual inspections and regular maintenance, your insurer is more likely to give you the money you need for your repairs.
Just make sure to keep and document all the reports from your roofer over the years – this will help them determine what damage is covered.
Prep for harsh weather
If you’re based in an area with frequent storms, such as Florida or Texas, you already know how important it is to prep for severe weather. According to studies1, around 38% of U.S. homes have roofs in moderate to poor condition. Regular inspections will ensure that your roof is in tip-top shape and can handle the harsh conditions. Plus, you’ll feel better knowing you’ve done everything possible to preserve it!
Live in a storm-prone area? Find a roofer here to inspect your roof before the next big weather event hits.
How often should you do roof inspections?
Generally, it should be enough to inspect your roof once every year. However, if your home has recently been hit by a major storm or you’ve noticed water stains, missing shingles, or other red flags, it doesn’t hurt to double-check.
Final thoughts: What is a roof inspection?
Do you know what the secret to maintaining a healthy roof is? It’s not fixing leaks when they appear. It’s all about being proactive and ensuring proper maintenance, which includes regular roof inspections!
Moreover, if your roof is in good condition, your insurer might offer you a discount or a lower rate. So, not only can you have peace of mind, but you can also save some dough!
Use Instant Roofer’s free roof quote tool to assess your roof’s status and plan ahead.
Fact Checked by Lita Legzdina on 05/12/2025
Sources
- TGS Insurance Agency. (n.d.). Roof claims surge as severe weather sweeps across the U.S. Retrieved from https://tgsinsurance.com/roof-claims-surge/ ↩︎