Roof Inspection Coming Up? Here's What to Ask Your Roofer

If you're like most homeowners scheduling a roof inspection, you might feel unprepared and unsure of what to ask. You’re worried you'll miss something important. Without the right questions, it’s easy to feel powerless while someone else walks your roof, points out problems you don’t fully understand, and recommends expensive repairs you’re not sure you even need.

After working with hundreds of homeowners across Pennsylvania and Indiana, Equity Roofing has seen this exact scenario play out repeatedly. Homeowners don’t need to be roofing experts, but they do need to know what “right” looks like during an inspection.

In this article, you’ll learn how to confidently navigate your roof inspection. We’ll give you the exact questions to ask, the answers you should expect, and when you should schedule an inspection for your roof. 

Clickable Table of Contents

• Why It's So Important to Prepare for a Roof Inspection
• What to Ask Before Your Inspection 
• When Should You Schedule a Roof Inspection? 
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• Roof Repair and Replacement Costs 

Why It's So Important to Prepare for a Roof Inspection

A roofing inspection doesn’t have to leave you at the mercy of whatever your roofer reports back to you. While most homeowners aren’t able to safely get on their roofs for a look around, you can still arm yourself with research so that you know what to ask your roofer before they leave. 

Good roofers will appreciate a client’s thoughtful questions and preparation, and won’t mind providing answers. If they’re dismissive or defensive over being questioned, that should be taken as a red flag. 

This type of education is beneficial for both parties: homeowners feel confident that they aren’t getting upsold (or overcharged), and roofers are able to explain their report without the pushback that comes from a lack of understanding. 

7 Questions to Ask Before a Roof Inspection

Asking these questions will give you a clear set of expectations for how your roof inspection will play out, its cost, and what your options are should you choose to work with this company. 

Questions	Why It Matters
Do you charge for the inspection?	While a free inspection is fairly standard for potential roof repairs or replacements, it is still a good idea to confirm this with your roofer.
How long will the inspection take?	Most full inspections take about 90 minutes, including going over the report at the end.
Do I need to be there the whole time?	Ideally, you should be available, especially at the end when your roofer walks you through photos and recommendations, but every roofer is different.
Will I receive a report or photos?	Photos are non-negotiable. If your roofer can't show you what they saw, that's a red flag.
What brands or materials do you use?	Asking this in advance gives you time to do research on shingle or metal brands and roof warranties. In Central Pennsylvania, for instance, certain materials perform better against ice dams and temperature fluctuations
Do you offer financing?	New roofs range from $12,000 to $35,000 or more, and many homeowners choose roof financing to cover the cost.
When would my roof be scheduled if work is needed?	Depending on the season and material, your scheduling time can vary. Indiana winters and Pennsylvania's harsh weather conditions often create busy seasons for roofers, so timing matters.

 

What Your Roofer Should Be Doing During the Inspection (and What You Should Ask)

Roofers should walk through their inspection process with you beforehand so that you know what to expect. Best practices for a roof inspection include: 

1. Ground-Level Walkaround

They'll walk around your home taking pictures and notes. This helps prep for potential work. The photos also help them know how many tarps to bring to cover flowerbeds and how much wood to bring for patios and decks.

2. Attic Inspection 

Your roofer should always check the attic whenever possible. They’ll look for: 

• Roofing sheathing problems (rot, damage, code violations) 
• Ventilation and insulation issues (mold, separating wood, condensation) 
• Bathroom and kitchen vents (often flowing into the attic, leading to mold)  

3. Rooftop Inspection

Expect about 30 minutes for your contractor to be on the roof. They should:

• Look for granule loss and exposed fiberglass
• Check for popped nails, cracked shingles, and signs of poor ventilation
• Inspect flashing, vents, and other roof protrusions
• Grade the overall condition of the roofMeasure anything sticking up through the roof

4. Drone Flyover

A drone provides a full image of the roof layout, which is especially helpful when explaining problem areas. It allows the roofer to show you the entire roof in one photo, making it easy to explain where problems are located.

5. In-Person Review with You

You should always expect a walkthrough of findings. Your roofer should explain what issues were found, their level of concern, and what options you have (repair, rejuvenation, full replacement). 

Contractors should also be prepared to discuss cost estimates and warranty options for whichever option you choose. Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics that demand an answer right away in order to qualify for their “deal.”  

When Should You Schedule a Roof Inspection?

For shingle roofs, experts recommend getting an inspection at least every other year, even if you don't see visible damage. A roofer may be able to catch problems early, keeping repair costs low. 

You should also schedule an inspection:

• After a major storm or hail event (both common in Indiana and Central PA) 
• Before buying or selling a home (inspectors often miss roofing problems)
• If you notice energy efficiency issues, such as struggling to heat/cool your home
• If you see granule loss, black streaking, or buildup in gutters
• If your second floor is excruciatingly hot in summer (could mean inadequate roof ventilation)

Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Inspections

Be Informed and Make the Right Decision for Your Roof and Home

No homeowner wants to feel like they’re in the dark when it comes to their roof, especially when repairing or replacing it can cost thousands of dollars. Now you know what should happen during a roof inspection, and how you can get the most out of this service. 

Your next step is to learn about price ranges for repairs and roof replacements, so that when your contractor offers you a quote, you know what should be reasonable. 

At Equity Roofing, we prioritize homeowner education throughout Central Pennsylvania and Indiana. Whether it's repairs, rejuvenation, or a full replacement, we're here to help you find a solution—not just make a sale. If you’re ready to set up your free roof assessment, contact us today.