What are some examples of roof inspections, and when is each used?
Short answer. Common examples include a routine maintenance inspection, a storm damage inspection after hail or wind, the insurance adjuster's inspection for a claim, a home inspection or roof certification during a sale, and a final or warranty inspection after a new roof. Drone and infrared scans are tools used within these, not separate purposes.
Inspection types
- Routine maintenance inspection. Yearly or every other year: shingles, flashing, pipe boots, gutters, attic ventilation. Catches small problems while they are cheap.
- Storm damage inspection. After hail or high wind: looks for bruised or fractured shingles, creases from wind, damaged vents and gutters, and dents on soft metals that confirm hail size.
- Insurance adjuster inspection. The carrier's adjuster documents damage for a claim, often with test squares and photos. Having your roofer present helps.
- Real estate inspection. Part of a general home inspection, sometimes from the ground. Buyers may add a roofer's inspection.
- Roof certification. Some roofers issue a letter estimating remaining life for a sale or a lender.
- Insurer underwriting inspection. Insurers sometimes inspect, or use aerial images, to decide renewal terms.
- Permit final inspection. Where required, the building department checks the finished work.
- Warranty inspection. For an enhanced manufacturer warranty or a workmanship claim.
Tools used inside them
- Walk on inspection for touch and close up detail.
- Drone photos for steep or high roofs.
- Infrared to find wet areas in some conditions.
- Attic inspection for leaks, daylight and ventilation.
For what a thorough visit looks like, see what to expect from a roof inspection, and for timing after storms, Georgia hail season.