What does a roof inspection include?
A roof inspection includes a close look at the roof surface, flashing, gutters and drains, penetrations such as vents and pipes, skylights, the attic, interior ceilings and the roof structure. We look for damage, wear and spots likely to fail. The exact steps depend on the roof’s age, material and recent weather.
Here is what we check on most roofs:
- Surface: cracked or slipped tiles, lifted or missing shingles, worn foam coating, open seams
- Flashing: walls, chimneys, valleys, skylights and rooftop equipment
- Drainage: gutters, downspouts, drains, scuppers and areas where water ponds
- Penetrations: pipe vents, exhaust fans and attic vents
- Attic and interior: water stains, damp insulation, daylight, ventilation
- Structure: sagging, soft decking or signs of past poor repairs
How often should you have your roof inspected?
Have your roof inspected twice a year and after severe weather. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends checks in spring and fall. In Arizona, a spring visit prepares the roof for monsoon season, and a fall visit finds damage the storms left behind.
Some roofs need more attention. Older roofs, foam roofs nearing a recoat, roofs with lots of equipment and roofs that have leaked before all benefit from regular visits. Call right away after hail, a haboob or a strong monsoon storm, even if you see no damage from the ground. Wind and hail can crack tiles and lift flashing in ways you cannot see from the yard.
What is in an Icon Roofing inspection report?
An Icon Roofing inspection report describes the current condition of your roof, lists each problem we found with photos, and gives recommendations for repairs, maintenance or improvements. Problems are ranked so you know what needs attention now and what can wait. We also explain what caused each issue when we can tell.
The report gives you a record you can use in several ways:
- Plan repairs and set a budget
- Support an insurance claim with dated photos
- Show a buyer, seller or lender the roof’s condition
- Track changes over time on a multi-family or commercial property
How much does a roof inspection cost?
An Icon Roofing roof inspection costs $75. If you hire us to do the repair or replacement that the inspection identifies, we waive the fee, so the inspection is free. You get the same written report with photos either way, and you are free to use it however you choose.
To book an inspection, call (480) 427-7600, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm.
Which roof inspection does your property need?
Your property type decides the inspection you need. Homes need a full check of the roof, attic and interior. Multi-family communities need a building-by-building review that supports budgets and board decisions. Commercial buildings need close attention to flat roof systems, drainage and rooftop equipment, plus records for owners and insurers.
| Property | What we focus on | Report use |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family home | Tile underlayment, shingles, flashing, attic | Repairs, purchase, sale, insurance |
| Apartments, condos, HOAs | Every building, drainage, equipment curbs, mansards | Reserve studies, board planning, phased work |
| Commercial building | Foam, coatings, membranes, metal, drains, equipment | Budgets, insurance, leases, acquisitions |
Choose the page that fits: home roof inspections, inspections for apartment and condo communities, or inspections for commercial buildings.
When should you call for a roof inspection right away?
Call for a roof inspection right away if you see water stains on a ceiling, drips during rain, missing or broken tiles or shingles, debris piled on the roof after a storm, or standing water on a flat roof. Waiting lets a small leak spread into the deck, insulation and drywall, and the repair grows with it.
Leaks left alone can also lead to mold. The EPA’s guidance on mold and moisture explains why fixing water problems fast matters. If you find damage after a storm, our guide to roof damage insurance claims explains what to document.
Can you inspect your own roof?
You can do a basic check from the ground and the attic, but a full inspection needs a trained roofer on the roof. From the ground, look for broken tiles, lifted shingles, clogged gutters and debris. In the attic, look for water stains and daylight. Walking on tile or foam without training can break tiles and cause new damage.
If you plan to file an insurance claim, your insurer will likely want a report from a licensed roofing professional anyway. Our post on why roofs need regular inspections covers more warning signs to watch for. We inspect roofs across the Valley, including Mesa and the surrounding East Valley.
