You’ve done your homework on different roofing contractors, combing through ads, reviews, and endless websites, and you’ve finally scheduled your roof inspection. Now you just need to go grab yourself a coffee, wait for that total number, pick the lowest bid, and be done, right?
It would be nice if that were the case—but unfortunately, your work isn’t quite done yet.
Hi, we’re Equity Roofing, a Platinum Preferred Contractor with Owens Corning. We’ve performed thousands of roof inspections for homeowners in Central PA, Northern Indiana, and Southern Michigan—speaking from experience, we can’t stress enough the importance of staying home for your inspection.
This article explains how thorough inspections play a major role in the accuracy of your estimate, expectations, and the overall smoothness of your home project. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of what to expect from your inspection, and why it’s worth setting aside time for it.
What Happens During a Roof Inspection?
A proper roof inspection is a step-by-step evaluation of your home, including checking the attic (if accessible), walking around the exterior, inspecting the roof surface, and reviewing the documented findings with you.
Each step builds on the previous one. Missing any part of a thorough roof inspection can lead to inaccurate pricing or missed problems.
Do Roofers Really Need to Inspect the Attic?
If your home has an attic, inspecting it is critical to providing an accurate roof estimate. Many serious roofing problems are first visible inside the attic and cannot be seen from the outside.
The attic reveals issues that directly affect roof lifespan and cost.
- Signs of leaks or water staining
- Mold or moisture problems
- Poor or missing ventilation
- Improperly vented bathrooms or fans
Proper ventilation is one of the biggest factors in how long a shingle roof lasts. Without it, you risk mold, water staining, and ceiling damage.
If attic access is refused, contractors may include full sheeting replacement in the estimate to account for unknown risks.
What Is the Walk-Around Part of a Roof Inspection?
The walk-around is a ground-level inspection of your home to document anything that could be damaged during installation. This step helps crews plan how to protect your property before work begins.
They’ll document things such as:
- Air conditioning units
- Propane tanks
- Decks, patios, and walkways
- Gardens and flowerbeds
- Drainage systems or septic areas
Photos are taken so the crew knows where extra protection is needed. Air conditioners are especially important, since crews do not typically carry large covers for them.
Do Roofers Actually Get on the Roof During an Inspection?
Yes, in most cases, a legitimate roofer will get on your roof or use an approved method to inspect it closely. Looking only from the ground is not enough to assess decking condition, flashing, or problem areas.
If a roof is safe to access, you should expect a hands-on inspection.
- Checking shingles or metal panels for damage
- Identifying soft decking or structural concerns
- Inspecting flashings, chimneys, and roof penetrations
- Measuring vents, pipes, and other components
- Capturing overview photos
Conditions that can make a roof unsafe to walk on include snow, rain, or generally wet conditions.
If a contractor avoids the roof entirely on a standard, walkable home, that is often a red flag. You would not expect a plumber to quote work without looking at your pipe—don’t settle for less for your roof.
When Do Roofers Use Drones for Inspections?
Roofers use drones when a roof is unsafe to walk on, provided local regulations permit it. Drones provide detailed overhead photos without risking safety.
In Central Pennsylvania, most inspections can include drone footage, but some boroughs restrict drone use, such as Mountoursville and Harrisburg. When drones are not allowed, inspectors rely on other safe inspection methods.
Why Do Roofers Want to Review the Estimate With You in Person?
Roofers review estimates in person to make sure you understand exactly what is included and why. This conversation helps prevent assumptions and miscommunication before any work begins.
Roofing details can be misunderstood without real-time clarification. Even detailed videos can be misinterpreted without back-and-forth discussion. Meeting with your roofer allows them to explain why certain items are included and what is and is not possible for your roof, and it ensures your expectations are fully understood.
A Real Example of Miscommunication
One homeowner was present when the inspector arrived, but left during the outside inspection. Instead of a conversation, the inspector sent a video estimate explaining their findings.
The homeowner’s log home had an old metal roof with a slight dip in the ridge. The inspector explained that 2x4s were needed instead of 1x4s since it was being installed directly over the rafters, instead of over the roof sheathing. . The homeowner interpreted this to mean the dip would disappear—but that dip was a framing issue, not a roofing issue.
The job also included replacing damaged fascia and soffit. The inspector documented specific damaged areas that would be replaced, while the homeowner assumed all fascia and soffit would be replaced.
Because no face-to-face conversation took place, these misunderstandings were not caught. This resulted in additional work for the project that could have been avoided with a 30-minute conversation.
How Long Does a Roof Inspection Take?
Most roof inspections take between one and two hours. The exact time depends on roof size, complexity, and whether attic access is available.
You only need to be involved at the beginning for attic access and at the end for the findings review. During the exterior inspection, you are free to go about your day.
What Questions Should I Ask During a Roof Inspection?
The right questions help you understand your roof, your options, and your total cost before you commit to anything. A good roofer should welcome these questions and answer them clearly.
Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask During a Roof Inspection
| Question to Ask | Why It Matters | What a Clear, Honest Answer Sounds Like |
| Is my roof properly ventilated? | Poor ventilation shortens roof life and can cause mold | “Your intake and exhaust are balanced, but adding ridge vent would improve airflow.” |
| Did you find any damage inside or outside? | Some damage is not visible from the ground | “We found soft decking near the chimney and staining in the attic.” |
| Is decking or sheathing included in this estimate? | Prevents surprise charges during installation | “We include five sheets. If more are needed, we’ll stop and review it first.” |
| How much life does my roof realistically have left? | Helps you plan and budget | “Based on age and wear, you likely have three to five years left.” |
| Are these issues cosmetic, or do they need repair? | Not everything that looks bad is urgent | “This flashing needs to be replaced; the discoloration is cosmetic.” |
| What warranties do I qualify for? | Coverage varies by materials and installation | “This system qualifies for manufacturer coverage plus our workmanship warranty.” |
| How could the price change if more decking is needed? | Decking can’t be fully confirmed until the tear-off | “Additional decking is priced per sheet and reviewed with you first.” |
Asking these questions—and hearing the answers in person—helps ensure the estimate reflects your actual needs.
Can Staying for My Roof Inspection Affect the Price That I’m Quoted?
Yes, staying for the inspection often leads to a more accurate price. When inspectors can confirm details in real time, they do not need to include extra cost buffers.
Being present helps ensure:
- You are not overpaying for unnecessary allowances
- You are not underquoted and surprised later
- The scope of work matches your expectations
What Should I Expect With a Roof Replacement?
Now that you understand what a roof inspection should involve, you’re better equipped to have review discussions with your roofer—and know how important it is to do so.
Which leads to your next question: once the inspection is over, what happens during the actual roof replacement? We recommend reviewing our roof replacement guide for Central PA and Indiana, complete with a companion video, so you know exactly what to expect.
Here at Equity Roofing, we believe that educating homeowners is the most important step to a successful roofing project. We can’t speak on behalf of all contractors, but for us, that means a quality roof and a happy homeowner.
Still have questions? Give us a call, we’re happy to help.
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