Types of Roof Inspections
Different situations call for different levels of inspection. Here's what each type covers and when you'd need it.
Pre-Purchase Inspection
Buying a home in Charlotte? Don't skip the roof inspection. A standard home inspection gives the roof a surface-level look, but a dedicated roof inspection digs deeper — checking the decking from the attic, looking at flashing details, measuring shingle wear, and estimating remaining lifespan. This is especially important for homes in established neighborhoods like Myers Park, Cotswold, or Matthews where roofs may be 15-25 years old. A $200-$400 inspection can save you from a $15,000 surprise six months after closing.
Insurance Claim Inspection
After a storm, your insurance company sends an adjuster. But you should also have your own roofer inspect the damage independently. A contractor inspection documents every area of storm damage with photos and measurements — giving you a record to compare against the adjuster's findings. Many Charlotte roofers do these inspections free of charge because they're hoping to earn the repair or replacement job. Either way, you get a second opinion on what your claim should cover.
Annual Maintenance Inspection
If your roof is 10+ years old, an annual inspection catches small problems before they turn into big ones. An inspector looks for cracked caulk, worn-out boot covers around pipes, lifted shingles, gutter issues, and early signs of granule loss. This kind of preventive check runs $150 to $250 and can extend your roof's life by years. Lake Norman and Mooresville homeowners with older roofs should schedule one every fall before winter weather sets in. Our article on roof maintenance tips covers what you can check yourself between professional visits.
Storm Damage Inspection
Charlotte gets hit with hail, high winds, and heavy rain regularly from April through September. After a major storm, a targeted storm damage inspection focuses specifically on hail dents in shingles, wind-lifted edges, debris damage, and water intrusion points. This type of inspection feeds directly into your insurance claim. Good roofers use drones to get aerial views of the whole roof and document damage you can't see from the ground. If there's storm damage, the inspection usually leads to a repair or replacement quote on the same visit.