Good times to inspect
- During the inspection period when buying a home
- Before listing your home for sale
- In late spring, ahead of monsoon season
- After strong spring or fall winds
- When an insurer asks about roof condition
What a roofer looks at
- Tile: cracks, slips, missing pieces, ridge and hip caps
- Underlayment condition, by lifting tiles in representative spots
- Flashing at walls, chimneys, skylights, valleys and penetrations
- Foam and coating condition on low-slope areas
- Attic: stains, daylight, ventilation
- Solar mounts and how they were flashed
Related: tile underlayment · leak repair
Inspection FAQ
My home inspector already looked at the roof. Why get another inspection?
General home inspectors cover the whole house. A roofing contractor focuses on the roof, can lift tiles to check underlayment, and can price repairs, which helps in negotiation.
When is the best time for a routine check?
Before the summer monsoon (the NWS says storms typically come in July and August) and after any major wind event.
What should the report include?
Photos, a list of issues sorted by urgency, an opinion on remaining life, and repair pricing if you ask for it.