A roof inspection checks the shingles or membrane, flashing, vents, gutters, decking and attic for damage and remaining life, and ends with a written report and photos. A paid inspection typically costs $100–$400 nationally, according to HomeGuide. Roofers in our network offer free inspections when you’re getting a repair or replacement quote.
Get a free roof inspection and quote
Your request goes to a local roofer in our network who will contact you about a free inspection and quote. Tell us about the roof once; a licensed and insured, local roofer will contact you within 24 hours.
Roofers Greenville is a free referral service. Roofing work is performed by independent contractors in our network. Submitting the form is free and doesn’t commit you to anything.
What does a thorough roof inspection cover?
Hold the inspector to this list; a quick look from the ladder isn’t an inspection.
- Roof surface: missing, cracked, curling or creased shingles; granule loss; hail marks; for metal, loose fasteners and rust; for flat roofs, open seams and ponding.
- Flashing: at chimneys, walls, skylights and valleys.
- Penetrations: pipe boots, vents and exhaust fans.
- Edges: drip edge, fascia, soffit and gutters.
- Ventilation: ridge, soffit and other vents, and whether they’re blocked.
- Attic: daylight through the boards, water stains, damp insulation, mold and condensation.
- Decking: soft or sagging areas when walked (where safe).
- Age and remaining life, with the reasoning behind the estimate.
Do you need a roof inspection to buy or sell a home?
It’s worth getting one either way. A general home inspector looks at the roof, but a roofer can walk it, check the attic closely and price any repairs, which gives you a number to negotiate with.
- Buying: ask for the roof’s age, remaining life and repair costs in writing before your inspection period ends.
- Selling: an inspection before listing shows buyers what you’ve fixed and avoids surprises late in the sale.
After a storm? Storm inspections document hail and wind damage for an insurance claim; see storm damage roof repair.
Drone or walk-on inspection?
Drones photograph the whole roof quickly and safely, including steep or fragile roofs like slate and tile. A walk-on inspection lets the roofer feel for soft decking, lift shingle edges and check flashing up close. The best inspections use both: drone photos for the overview, and hands-on checks where it’s safe.
What should the inspection report include?
- Photos of every slope and every problem found, labelled.
- A list of issues ranked by urgency, with repair costs.
- Estimated remaining life, and why.
- The attic findings.
- The inspector’s name, company and SC LLR registration.
What does yearly roof maintenance include?
A yearly tune-up catches the small failures that cause most leaks. On a home it usually includes:
- Clearing debris from valleys, behind chimneys and in gutters.
- Checking sealant and pipe boots, and replacing cracked boots.
- Checking and re-securing flashing.
- Re-seating or sealing exposed and backed-out nails.
- Checking attic ventilation and looking for signs of moisture.
Pine needles and oak leaves build up fast under Upstate trees and hold moisture in valleys, so heavily shaded roofs need it most. Commercial maintenance plans are covered on commercial roofing.
How often should a roof be inspected?
At least twice a year, ideally in spring and fall, and after hail, high winds or other severe weather, according to NRCA’s Professional Roofing magazine (Oct 2013). Homeowners can do the twice-yearly check from the ground and the attic; a roofer’s inspection matters most after storms and as the roof ages.
In Greenville County, hail days are most frequent in May and June and thunderstorm-wind days in June and July (NOAA Storm Events, 2016–2026), so a spring check before that season is well timed. How long each material lasts is in how long does a roof last in South Carolina.
How it works with us
- Tell us about the roof. Fill in the short form once: the job, your ZIP code and how to reach you.
- A local roofer contacts you. Your request goes to a licensed and insured, local roofer in our network, who contacts you within 24 hours to set up a free inspection.
- You get a quote and decide. The inspection and quote are free, with no obligation. Check any roofer against our 5 checks before you sign.
Roofers Greenville is a free referral service. Roofing work is performed by independent contractors in our network. How our referral service works.
Areas we serve
- Greenville County core (within about 20 miles of Greenville): Greenville, Greer, Taylors, Mauldin, Simpsonville, Five Forks, Fountain Inn, Travelers Rest, Easley and Piedmont.
- Rest of the Upstate (about 25–40 miles): Anderson, Belton, Clemson, Seneca, Pickens, Spartanburg, Boiling Springs, Lyman, Moore, Campobello and Woodruff.
Every town, ZIP code and county we cover is on the service areas page.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a roof inspection cost?
HomeGuide puts a paid roof inspection at $100–$400 nationally. Roofers in our network offer free inspections when you’re getting a quote for a repair or replacement.
How long does a roof inspection take?
It depends on the roof’s size, steepness and complexity, and on whether the attic is easy to reach. Ask the roofer how long to allow when you book.
Can I inspect my own roof?
From the ground and the attic, yes: look for missing shingles, granules in gutters, sagging lines, and stains or daylight in the attic. Leave walking the roof to a roofer.
Does an inspection come with a certificate for a home sale?
Some roofers issue a written roof certification stating the roof’s condition and expected remaining life. Ask before booking if your buyer, lender or insurer wants one.
Want your roof checked? Request a free roof inspection.
Sources
- HomeGuide: Roof repair cost (Feb 2026; inspection cost)
- NRCA Professional Roofing: Tech Today (Oct 2013)
- NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database
Last reviewed: October 2026. Roofers Greenville is a free referral service; roofing work is performed by independent contractors in our network.