Professional roof inspection is one of the smartest decisions you can make whether you are preparing to sell your home, dealing with a roof leak, or simply want peace of mind before the next rainy season. But many homeowners have no idea what a roof inspection really entails — or what makes a good one worth the expense.
JCIS Roofing Value Transparency & Education So You Know What To Expect From Our Process In this article, we’ll walk you through step by step what to expect during a professional roof inspection, why it’s important, and how it can protect your house and your wallet.
Why Get a Roof Inspection?
Scheduling a roof inspection can uncover minor issues before they develop into serious problems. Consider it a check-up for your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Here’s the reason inspections matter:
Preventative Maintenance: Spot minor issues — loose flashing, cracked tiles, missing shingles — before they cause leaks or structural problems.
Storm Damage Inspection: After a heavy rainfall or wind event, an inspection can determine whether or not your roofing material has sustained hidden damage.
Real Estate Transactions: Buyers and sellers depend on accurate roof assessments to inform negotiations.
Insurance Claims: Claims and inspections are frequently necessary after a storm or natural disaster.
Peace of Mind: You can be sure your roof is in good condition — or get a clear sense of what requires attention.
Step 1: Meet and Greet and Overview of Property
It all begins with a conversation. At JCIS Roofing, when you call us for an inspection, we will find a time that works for you to come to your property. Our technician will discuss the following with you before climbing up on the roof:
- Any recent problems you’ve seen (leaks, drafts, noise)
- The age and type of your roof
- This includes repairs done recently and past inspections
- Inspection for Maintenance, Storm Damage Real Estate or Insurance
We’ll also walk the property to get a sense of the layout, check for signs of wear from storms on the exterior, and prepare for access to the roof safely.
Step 2: Roof Inspection of the Outside
When it is safe to do so, we conduct a thorough inspection of the exterior roofing system. Depending upon the type of roof shingles — shingled, tiled, flat-roofed or metal — our procedure may differ a little, although typically takes the following steps:
- Surface Condition Check
- Lost or broken shingles or tiles
- Cracks, warping, blistering or curling
- Moss, mold, or algae growth
- Accumulation of debris in valleys or low spots
- Flashing and Penetrations
- Chimneys, skylights, vents and satellite mounts undergo scrutiny
- We inspect flashing (metal sealing strips) for rust, separation, or failed caulking
- Drainage Systems
- Gutters, downspouts and scuppers are checked for clogs, sagging or improper pitch
- We verify that water is running off the roof and not collecting
- Roof Edges and Fascia
- The roof’s perimeter will be inspected for damage incurred from wind or pests
- We verify underlayment and drip edge details are correct
Roof Attachments
HVAC units, solar panels and other rooftop elements are inspected for improper installations or interference with the roofing system
This measure guarantees that we can identify obvious surface issues, and any signs of wear, before they result in leaks or interior damage.
Step 3: The Inside
Signs of roof damage—or reported leaks—means our inspection may continue inside your attic or upper levels. Here’s what we’re interested in hearing about:
- Ceiling and rafter water stains or discoloration
- Mold, mildew or wet insulation
- Sagging roof decking
- Roof LightPenetration: Light coming through the roof
- Proper attic ventilation (first roof and in turn home energy efficiency)
Interior inspection allows us to ascertain whether existing issues have already seeped beyond our roof’s outer layers.
Step 4: Record Keeping and Pictures
During the inspection, we note taking detailed notes and photographing areas of concern. These images convey a straightforward, factual account for:
- Homeowners struggling to grasp the extent of damage
- Agents managing real estate and disclosures
- Insurance companies are looking at claims
- Contractors working on future projects
Here at JCIS Roofing, we are all about transparency! We’ll share all pictures and guide you through our findings so you’re aware of what’s going on with your roof.
Step 5: Analyze and make recommendations
After the inspection we provide a detailed summary of the condition of your roof. This includes:
- A survey of all encountered problems
- How long you expect your current roof to last
- Repairs or maintenance actions that are recommended
- Details of costs (if any work is required)
- Guidance on if you should replace your roof
This is the time to ask questions and consider your options. If there’s nothing wrong with your roof, we’ll let you know. If we see something (and we offer free inspections) that needs fixing, we’ll tell you exactly what’s needed—with no pressure, no hidden upsells.
How Long Does it Take to Inspect a Roof?
Most inspections range from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the size, pitch, and complexity of your roof. The wait might be longer for large homes or commercial property. You do not need to be home throughout the entire process and we encourage most homeowners to be present at the final walkthrough so we can talk them through the process in-person.
How Often Should You Get Your Roof Inspected?
We suggest roof inspections:
- Annually as preventative maintenance
- Monitor with drones and flights after major storms (wind, hail, heavy rain, etc.)
- Before you buy or sell a home
- If your roof is 10+ years old
Routine inspections save on repair costs, can even lengthen your roof’s life, and will assure you that your home is safe.
Why Trust JCIS Roofing?
For over 25 years, we’ve been helping homeowners all over San Diego County. As part of our inspection team, we are not so much looking for the issues — we’re here to educate you, protect your investment and provide roofing solutions that meet your needs and budget.
- By choosing JCIS Roofing for an inspection, you’re going to be getting:
- Trainers who are professionals with experience and licenses
- Honest, detailed assessments
- Fair pricing with no hidden extra charges
- High-quality service with fast turnaround
Schedule Your Roof Inspection Today
Whether you suspect a problem or just want to stay ahead of costly repairs, a professional roof inspection is a small step that can save you thousands. JCIS Roofing offers free estimates and affordable inspection services tailored to your needs.
Call us today at 760.481.8006 or visit jcisroofing.com to book your inspection.
Your roof protects everything beneath it—make sure it’s ready for the job.