Somebody knocked on your door after the last storm and told you that you need a new roof. Now you’re not sure what to believe.
That’s a frustrating spot. You can’t see your own roof, and the person telling you it’s bad is the same person who wants to sell you one. Here’s exactly what a real inspection looks like, including the part where a good roofer tells you it’s fine, if it is.
What a roof inspection actually covers
- A good inspection looks at the whole roof system, not just the shingles. Here’s what gets checked:
- Shingles: cracking, missing granules, and hail bruises you can feel but not always see from the ground.
- Flashing: the metal around chimneys, vents, and skylights, where most leaks actually start.
- Valleys and edges: where water concentrates and the drip edge does its job.
- Gutters: what’s coming off the roof and where it drains.
- Attic: daylight, moisture, and staining that reveal what’s happening under the surface.
Max beginning a roof inspection fro the ground in Richardson, TX
A thorough inspection takes time. The best ones include photos or a short video of anything flagged, so you see what the inspector saw instead of taking their word for it. One customer put it plainly:
“Corey from Riddle Brothers was great to work with. Thankfully my roof didn’t need any repairs, but I appreciated his honesty and the time he took to walk me through his inspection findings. He never made me feel pressured.”
– Rachel McKee (Google review, 5★)
How long does a roof inspection take?
Most homes take 30 to 60 minutes. Of course, a bigger or steeper roof takes longer. If the inspector is up and down in ten minutes, that’s a red flag, and we would guess they didn’t really look.
When you actually need an inspection
You don’t need one every time it rains. Call when:
- A big hail or wind storm just came through your area.
- Your A/C is working overtime to keep up with the north Texas heat.
- You’re buying or selling a home.
- You spot a ceiling stain, a drip, or shingles in the yard.
- Your roof is past ten years old and hasn’t been looked at in a while.
Outside of those, a healthy roof usually doesn’t need much. A second opinion can save you a full replacement you didn’t need:
“The home inspector said I needed a new roof, so I got a second opinion. Tony came out and said the roof was sound but that I needed a new section of ridge shingles. Easy, inexpensive repair.”
– Chris Herstrom (Google review, 5★)
Is a drone inspection the best way to see what my roof needs?
Drone inspections are becoming much more common, and while the drone offers a perspective you can’t see from the ground level, the best way to make sure everything can be seen up close is by having an actual roofing expert up on the roof. A drone isn’t able to see smaller issues that could become bigger issues later on.
What does a roof inspection cost?
Many roofers, including Riddle Brothers, inspect for free. Be careful with anyone who charges for an inspection and then pressures you to buy on the spot; a free look with no pressure is a standard you should expect.
What happens after the inspection
If the roof is fine, you get that in writing and you move on with peace of mind. If there’s real damage, a good roofer walks you through what they found, what it means, and your options, and then lets you decide. No pressure, no same-day deadline.
“Another visit from Tony to check our roof, free, while he was in the neighborhood. He was thorough, gave an honest assessment, and recorded a video of his inspection. Good news for us and gave us peace of mind.”
– Eladio Montez (Google review, 5★)
Quick answers to common North Texas roof inspection questions
How often should I have my roof inspected? Once a year is plenty for most homes, plus after any major storm. Older roofs benefit from a look every spring.
Will an inspection damage my roof? No. A careful inspector knows where and how to walk, and much of the work is done from the edges and the attic.
Do I need to be home? It helps, so the inspector can walk you through what they found in person, but it isn’t required for the exterior portion.
What if they find damage? You should receive photos or video, a clear explanation, and your options in writing. What you do next is up to you!
Serving Dallas, Rockwall, and eastern Collin County
Riddle Brothers has been on North Texas roofs since 2013, based in Rowlett. The owners are still on the jobs. Call and you get a straight answer from a neighbor, and you sleep fine knowing where your roof really stands.
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