How Much Does a Roof Inspection Cost?

When was the last time you thought about your roof's condition? Your roof is the only thing standing between you and the wind and rain, but forgetting to check this essential part of your home is all too common.

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A roof inspection is an affordable way to give your roof a thorough health check and uncover lurking issues.

What Is a Roof Inspection?

A roof inspection involves visually checking the condition of your roof. This enables you to address minor issues before they escalate into major leaks. During the inspection, a certified roof inspector will carefully examine your roof's materials and structure, including the chimney, soffits, fascia and gutters.

Roof inspectors typically check the tiles or shingles covering your roof for gaps, signs of deterioration and moss. They'll also look for symptoms of structural problems, such as sagging, and examine the roof for incorrectly installed elements. Shoddy installation could increase the risk of problems in the future, so it's worth identifying poor workmanship and replacing faulty parts before they compromise your roof's integrity.

Your roofing inspector will likely ask to see the inside of your house to check for evidence of leaks. Common warning signs include:

• Mold

• Rotten building materials

• Water marks on your ceilings or walls

• Poor ventilation in your attic

Many homeowners schedule regular roof inspections as part of their home maintenance routines. You may also need a roof inspection when taking out a new home insurance policy, selling your home or purchasing a new house. Water damage from a leaking roof can cause considerable structural problems and damage your belongings, so you should also book a roof inspection after extreme weather events or whenever you suspect a leak.

How Much Does a Roof Inspection Cost?

On average, HomeGuide says most roof inspectors charge between $100 and $400 (CAD 137 and CAD 547) for a roof inspection. Following a roof check, your inspector will issue a roof inspection report detailing any issues discovered and explaining how much you should expect to spend on repairs.

You may require roof certification to insure or sell your home. Roof certification verifies that your roof is watertight and has an expected lifespan of at least 2 to 5 years. Your roof inspector can't issue certification unless your roof meets these standards. Adding roof certification to your roof inspection increases the cost by around $75 to $200 (CAD 103 to CAD 273).

Which inspection method your roofing inspector uses can significantly impact the price. Most roof checks involve climbing on the roof to inspect the materials. These inspections are relatively inexpensive because they don't require pricey equipment, costing the average homeowner $75 to $200 (CAD 103 to CAD 273). However, some inspectors use drones to speed up the process and avoid the risks of physically inspecting the roof. Drone inspections start from around $100 (CAD 137) but can cost up to $450 (CAD 615) because they require specialized gear.

Infrared inspections are the most expensive type of roof check because they require drones and costly infrared cameras. Expect to pay between $400 and $600 (CAD 547 and CAD 820) for an infrared roof inspection.

The size of your roof can also affect how much a roof inspection costs. As you might expect, larger roofs cost more to inspect. You may also pay more if your roof is difficult to access or you live in an area with a high cost of living.

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Will My Insurer Cover the Cost of a Roof Inspection If the Company Requires One?

Insurers often require a roof inspection when you purchase a new home insurance policy to estimate the value of your roof. You won't usually pay for a roof inspection for insurance out of pocket if your insurer requires one. Although insurers typically cover the cost of mandatory roof inspections when you take out a policy, it's worth checking with individual companies before purchasing coverage.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.