{"id":99436,"date":"2025-03-26T14:44:54","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T21:44:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=99436"},"modified":"2025-04-08T15:00:46","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T22:00:46","slug":"roof-inspections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/roof-inspections\/","title":{"rendered":"Roof Inspections: Should You Get One Before Buying a House?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before you buy a house, schedule a major home repair, or even list your home for sale, a roof inspection can help you avoid expensive surprises. These inspections are designed to assess the condition of your roof and catch small issues before they become big ones\u2014like water damage, mold, or costly repairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re <\/span>buying a home in Portland<\/span><\/a> or looking to purchase a <\/span>rental property in Boston<\/span><\/a>, getting a roof inspection can give you peace of mind that one of your home\u2019s most important systems is in good shape. So before you put that new roof over your head, why not get it checked out first? In this Redfin article, we\u2019ll cover what roof inspections are, why they\u2019re so important, and what inspectors look for.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"House<\/p>\n

What is a roof inspection?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A roof inspection is like a doctor\u2019s appointment for your roof. During the inspection, the roof\u2019s condition is evaluated by a professional to make sure it\u2019s structurally sound and the materials aren\u2019t damaged. While it\u2019s often said that homebuyers should get an inspection before closing on a house, routine inspections can be valuable for any homeowner, especially after major storms or as the roof ages.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why are roof inspections important?<\/span><\/h2>\n

In some situations, the need for a roof inspection can be obvious. If your home\u2019s roof is leaking, an inspection can help you pinpoint the exact source and cause of the leak. If you\u2019ve been impacted by a severe weather event such as a windstorm or hurricane, roof inspections can help identify any <\/span>issues the storm may have caused<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roof inspections can be valuable to homebuyers because any issue that isn\u2019t caught before you close the deal will become your responsibility if it isn\u2019t promptly addressed. Whether you\u2019re in the process of buying a house or have owned your home for years, a home inspection can detect issues that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs down the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

Expert insights on the importance of roof inspections:<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cRegular roof inspections are essential for maintaining the integrity and longevity of your home, as they identify potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs,\u201d says Josh Greenwald, owner of <\/span>Between The Cracks Roofing<\/span><\/a>. A well-maintained roof enhances heating and cooling efficiency, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment while reducing energy costs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Derrick Hemmelgarn from <\/span>Storm Guard Roofing and Construction<\/span><\/a> adds, \u201cChecking your roof regularly is like having a superhero vision for your house. It helps find and fix minor problems before they become big ones. This means stopping leaks, preventing water damage, and keeping mold and mildew away. Your roof does much for you, so why not give it a little TLC? Regular check-ups help your roof stay strong for a longer time. Checking your roof regularly is a smart move. You\u2019re saving money in the long run by catching problems early and taking good care of your roof. It\u2019s a cost-effective way to keep your home safe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Should you get a roof inspection if you\u2019ve already had a home inspection?<\/span><\/h2>\n

While a home inspector will check out your home\u2019s roof, they tend to do a general overview of the roof without going too in-depth. A certified roof inspector is specifically trained to check every aspect of your home\u2019s roof and will do a much more detailed job since they don\u2019t have to worry about inspecting other areas of the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHome inspectors are great and I have several we highly recommend,\u201d says Ward Metcalfe from <\/span>Roofing Done Wright<\/span><\/a>. \u201cHowever, home inspectors are generalists. I would recommend getting an expert to inspect one of the most expensive systems on your home, the roof.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Are there times when a roof inspection might not be necessary?<\/span><\/h2>\n

While roof inspections are a smart choice in most situations, there are a few cases where you might not need one:<\/span><\/p>\n