What Happens During a Roof Inspection
A roof inspection is the cheapest insurance you can buy on the most expensive part of your home. In the Rio Grande Valley, where storms hit hard and heat ages roofs faster than the national average, an annual inspection catches $200 problems before they become $5,000 ones. Here's what actually happens during ours.
Time and cost
- Free if you're considering replacement or repair - 30-60 minutes on-site - Written report with photos delivered within 24 hours
The 8 checkpoints we cover
### 1. Shingles or panels (overall condition)
Walking the roof (or drone if too steep), we assess: - Granule loss (visible bald spots, granules in gutters) - Curling or cupping shingle tabs - Missing or lifted shingles - Cracked or torn shingles - For metal: panel buckling, fastener corrosion, sealant failure
### 2. Valleys
Valley flashing is the most common leak point on most roofs. We check: - W-flashing or open-valley installation method - Sealant condition - Ice & water shield underneath if visible at eaves - Debris accumulation
### 3. Penetrations
Every pipe, vent stack, skylight, and chimney is a potential leak. Inspection covers: - Pipe boot rubber condition (sun-cracks form within 8-12 years in RGV) - Vent stack flashing - Chimney flashing (step + counter) - Skylight perimeter sealant
### 4. Flashing
Step flashing at walls, kick-out flashing at wall-bottom intersections, drip edge at eaves and rakes. Failures here cause sneaky water intrusion that doesn't show up on the ceiling for months.
### 5. Ridge and hips
Ridge cap shingles, ridge vent, hip caps. Wind damage often shows up here first. Sealant strip failure is common after 10+ years.
### 6. Gutters and downspouts
Sagging, separation, debris load, downspout connection, kickouts. See [Gutter Repair: When to Fix vs Replace in the RGV](/blog/gutter-repair-when-to-fix-vs-replace).
### 7. Attic interior
A good roof inspection includes the attic. We look for: - Daylight (anywhere it shouldn't be) - Water staining on rafters or sheathing - Mold or mildew - Insulation level and condition - Ventilation pathways (intake + exhaust) - Bath fan / dryer venting (must vent outside, not into attic)
### 8. Ventilation
Often overlooked. Inadequate ventilation cooks shingles from underneath and leads to early failure. We measure intake and exhaust and check that they're balanced. See [Why Inadequate Ventilation Kills RGV Roofs](/blog/why-inadequate-ventilation-kills-rgv-roofs).
What "red flags" mean
| Finding | Severity | Action | |---------|----------|--------| | Granule loss in gutters | Watch | Plan replacement in 5-8 yr | | Curled tabs | Replace | Within 1-3 years | | Cracked pipe boot | Repair | Within 30 days | | Daylight in attic | Repair | Within 7 days | | Water staining inside | Repair | Within 30 days | | Sagging deck | Replace | Now | | Active leak | Repair | Now | | Multiple missing tabs | Replace | Within 6-12 months |
What you get afterward
Within 24 hours of inspection you receive:
- Photos of every roof slope, valley, penetration - Photos of any concerning findings - Attic photos - Written summary with ratings (good / monitor / repair / replace) - Estimated remaining life - Itemized recommendation (repair list with priorities, or replacement quote)
This is yours to keep — useful for insurance documentation, real estate transactions, or just peace of mind. Doesn't expire, doesn't obligate you to anything.
When to schedule an inspection
- After any named storm (Texas TWIA documentation) - Before listing your home for sale - Before you buy a home (alongside the home inspector) - Annually if your roof is over 12 years old - After visible damage from hail or wind - After 100+ mph winds in your area
Common questions
### Is the inspection really free?
Yes — and there's no obligation. We do this because it builds trust and most homeowners come back when it's time to repair or replace.
### Will you walk on my roof?
Yes if pitch allows. Steep roofs (12/12 and steeper) we'll use a drone instead. Either way you get full coverage.
### Can you spot insurance-claim damage?
Yes. We routinely document hail and wind damage for insurance claims. Photos and the written report are accepted by every major Texas carrier.
### What if you find nothing wrong?
Great — that's the result we hope for. You get a clean report with documented current condition.
### How often should I get an inspection?
Annually after age 10. Every 2 years before that. After any major storm regardless of age.
### Should I be home for it?
Helpful but not required. We can inspect with just exterior access if you can't be home.
Schedule your free inspection
(956) 600-0501 or [contact us online](/contact).
Related reading
- [Residential Roofing Process: Step-by-Step Guide](/blog/residential-roofing-process-step-by-step) - [Signs Your Roof Needs Replacement](/blog/signs-your-roof-needs-replacement) - [Commercial Roof Inspection in the RGV](/blog/commercial-roof-inspection-rgv) - [Roof Maintenance Schedule for the RGV](/blog/roof-maintenance-schedule-rgv)