Cost of Roof Inspection: What Can You Expect To Pay? 

Roof inspections are essential for repairs, renovations, insurance claims, appraisals, and maintenance. Some contractors offer free roof inspections, but others will likely charge a fee for more thorough inspections.

The cost of a roof inspection will depend on the type of inspection, the size of your home, and how difficult the roof is to access. According to data from Angi, the national average ranges from $125 to $363. But several factors affect the cost. To help you budget for your next roof inspection, we’ll give a breakdown of the expenses you can expect. 

What You Need Before the Roof Inspection

The more information you give, the more accurate the initial quotes are. Roofers know where to start, the equipment needed, and whether additional costs might be involved based on the scope. So, before getting an inspection, make sure to:

• Gather documentation or photos (if you can safely access your roof)

• Review your insurance coverage, especially if you’re filing a claim
• Note any issues like damp ceilings, attic mold, or cracking shingles
• Prepare a list of questions and concerns you’d like roofers to check out
• Ask about the scope of the inspection, such as flashing, gutter, and ventilation

Types of Roof Inspections and How Much They Cost

There are different types of roof inspections depending on your needs. Some require special equipment that will affect costs. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

Physical or Visual Roof Inspection

In most cases, you’d only need a simple physical and visual roof inspection. Roofers climb your roof and check for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or signs of leaks and pooling water. In Pennsylvania, these cost between $175 and $300. 

Drone Roof Inspection

If your home is too tall and complex for roofers to navigate safely, they often recommend using drones for visual inspection. The drones capture high-resolution images and videos for contractors to review later. Expect to pay between $150 and $400 for a drone inspection. 

Infrared/Thermal Roof Inspection

Sometimes, roof damage can’t be seen from the surface, even with roofers getting up close and personal. In such cases, infrared might look for deep-rooted issues like moisture intrusion or insulation problems. Because of the special equipment, the cost is $400 to $600. 

Structural Engineer or Detailed Structural Inspection

Structural integrity is one of the most crucial aspects of renovating or building a home. That’s why licensed structural engineers mainly oversee this type of inspection. They’ll assess your roof’s load-bearing capacity, stability, and potential structural risks, which costs over $500. 

Insurance Claim Inspection

Processing roof claims is always more complex than it should be. But getting a professional roof inspection helps strengthen your case. When filing a storm, hail, or wind damage claim, roofing companies offer free or discounted inspections if they handle the repair work. These inspections usually fall within the $150 to $300 range if charged separately.

Real-Estate Transaction Inspection

A roof’s condition is one of the most significant factors determining a property’s market value. Often, old, worn-down roofs with many issues may have lower appraisal value. So, if you want to be more confident with negotiations, you can get an inspection for $150 to $300. 

Factors That Contribute To Roof Inspection Costs

Roof inspection prices vary a lot, and it is not just about the type of inspection you choose. These factors often distinguish between a quick, low-cost visit and a more detailed, higher-priced service.

Roof Size and Complexity

The bigger and more complicated the roof, the more time it takes to inspect. A simple single-story ranch might be done in under an hour, but a large two- or three-story home with multiple slopes, dormers, and valleys can take twice as long. Complex designs often require extra safety setups or tools, which means more labor and a higher bill.

Pitch and Accessibility

The steeper the pitch, the more challenging it is to inspect safely. Roofers may need harnesses, special ladders, or even drones for steep or tall homes. Accessibility also matters. If dense trees surround your home, have a fenced-off section, or require navigating multiple roof levels, the extra time and equipment will increase the price.

Roof Material

Asphalt shingles are straightforward to walk on, but materials like tile, slate, or wood shake are more delicate and require careful footing. Inspectors need to know how to work with these surfaces without causing damage, which can mean paying for someone with specific expertise. Specialty materials + specialty labor = more costs. 

Location and Labor Rates

Some contractors charge an hourly rate, while others offer fixed pricing. Expect to pay around $125/hour for labor. Some even require a two-hour minimum. The state you’re in also dictates roof inspection costs. 

Areas with a high cost of living or those prone to heavy snow, ice, or storms tend to be more thorough, especially when insurance is involved. So, expect a higher price point. 

Experience and Certifications

Hiring a highly experienced inspector or one with certifications like the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association can come at a premium. The benefit is that they are more likely to catch subtle or hidden issues, potentially saving you from costly future repairs.

Emergency Roof Repairs

If a big storm just hits and you need immediate attention, emergency roof repair costs can be higher than a standard service call. Some companies add a premium for urgent work. At Trenton Roofing, our priority is helping you protect your home. So, give us a call so we can prioritize a roof inspection. 

Roof Inspection Checklist 

If you want to DIY a roof inspection, prioritize safety above all. We wrote an 8-step roof inspection checklist to ensure you’re as thorough as possible. However, it’s best to call in the professionals if you’re not in a position to do an inspection yourself, don’t have the tools, or are unsure of what to look for. 

Types of Roof Inspections

Roof inspection costs range from $150 to upwards of $600, depending on the type of inspection, what state you’re in, and the complexity of your property. To recap, here are the prices you can expect for a roof inspection:

• Physical inspection: $175 to $300
• Drone roof inspection: $150 to $400
• Infrared inspection: $400 to $600
• Structural inspection: Averages at around $500
• Insurance claim roof inspection: $150 to $300
• Real-estate transaction inspection: $150 to $300

If you need affordable and professional roof inspection, call Trenton Roofing and Siding today for free!