The standard recommendation is every two to three years, and after any major storm. That is the baseline. But the right schedule depends on your specific situation.
The two-to-three year rule
For a roof that is less than 10 years old, in good condition, with no known issues, an inspection every two to three years is usually sufficient. At that age, a quality installation should be performing well, and you are mainly checking to make sure nothing has been damaged by storms or that minor wear is developing.
Annual inspections for older roofs
Once your roof passes the 15-year mark, move to annual inspections. At that age, wear is accelerating. Shingles are losing granules faster, sealant strips are weakening, and the components that were installed 15 years ago are approaching the end of their effective life. Annual checks catch problems early when they are still inexpensive to fix.
Think of it like a car with 150,000 miles. You would not skip the oil changes just because it has been running fine. The higher the mileage, the more attention it needs.
After every major storm
This one is non-negotiable regardless of your roof's age. After any significant hail, wind, or heavy snow event, get your roof inspected. Storm damage is not always visible from the ground, and the window for filing an insurance claim starts closing the day of the storm. Having documentation of the damage while it is fresh protects you.
If you just bought a home
Home inspections are not roof inspections. A general home inspector looks at a lot of things and may spend 10 minutes on the roof. A professional roofer spends an hour on a roof and knows what they are looking for at a different level.
If you recently bought a home and the roof is more than five years old, get a professional roof inspection within the first year of ownership. It gives you a baseline for the condition and helps you plan ahead for any maintenance or replacement that might be coming.
What an inspection actually costs
We offer free inspections, so there is no cost barrier. Not every company does this. But even if you are paying for one, the cost is trivial compared to the cost of catching a problem late.
A $400 leak repair caught during an inspection is a lot cheaper than the $4,000 in ceiling and insulation damage that same leak causes over the next year. The inspection practically pays for itself the first time it catches something.
Has it been a while since your roof was inspected? We do them free, no strings attached. We will tell you exactly where your roof stands and whether anything needs attention. Contact us to schedule.
"I've been a customer of Bob Harvey Roofing for nearly 20 years. It was time for a new roof this year, and I had no hesitation in calling Bob Harvey for inspection & bid for roof replacement. They are always professional & responsive."Nancy Askerlund , Google Review