A roof inspection answers four questions: how old is this roof, what's failing now, what's about to fail, and how long do I have before I need to replace it. We answer all four in writing, with photos, free of charge.
When to Get One
You're buying a home
General home inspectors look at roofs from the ground or briefly from a ladder. They're rarely roofing professionals and they miss things — particularly flashing condition, granule loss patterns, and remaining service life. A separate roofing inspection before close is one of the highest-ROI inspections you can buy.
After a major storm or wind event
60+ mph gusts, fallen branches, hail (rare here but it happens), or any visible damage. Document fast — most insurance carriers expect claims to be filed within days of the event, and adjusters give more weight to damage documented immediately.
Every 2–3 years on any roof over 10 years old
Routine maintenance inspections catch problems before they become leaks. They also create a paper trail for insurance — most carriers now want documented inspections every 3–5 years to maintain coverage at competitive rates.
Insurance non-renewal or new policy
California's wildfire insurance market is brutal. Carriers and the FAIR Plan increasingly require recent roof inspections with documented condition before issuing or renewing. We produce reports in the format most carriers accept.
Selling your home
A clean inspection report given to buyers up front shortens negotiation, keeps the deal from falling apart over surprise findings during their inspection, and often pays for itself in transaction speed alone.
What's Included
Every inspection covers:
- Field of the roof — shingle/panel condition by slope, granule retention, blistering, lifting, nail pops
- All flashings — pipe boots, chimney counter-flashing, step flashing, valley metal, skylight curbs
- Drainage — gutters, downspouts, splash blocks, valley function
- Penetrations — vents, satellite dishes, solar standoffs
- Attic inspection where accessible — moisture, daylight, insulation, ventilation balance
- Ventilation calculation against current code
- Estimated remaining service life with A/B/C/D condition grade
- Photo documentation of every finding
- Prioritized recommendations (immediate, 1-year, 3-year, replacement budget)
Free vs. Paid
Routine condition inspections — for re-roof estimates, homeowner peace of mind, or pre-purchase basics — are always free, with no obligation and no high-pressure follow-up.
Detailed insurance documentation reports (engineering-level findings, adjuster-format documentation, real estate disclosure–quality reports) carry a small fee. That fee is fully refundable if you proceed with any repair or replacement work with us.
Our Process
- Phone or online scheduling — typically within 2–5 business days.
- 30–60 minutes on-site — exterior walk, attic check where accessible.
- Written report with photos delivered by email within 24–48 hours.
- Free follow-up call to walk through findings and answer questions.
Pricing
Standard condition inspection: free. Detailed insurance/real estate documentation report: typically $200–$400 depending on roof complexity, fully refundable on repair or replacement work.
Why North Coast Roofing
We climb roofs every day. We're not selling you anything during the inspection — if your roof has years left, the report says that. License #1101394, fully insured. Eddy personally reviews every inspection report before it's sent.
Project Gallery
Recent roof inspection work across Sonoma County.
Why North Coast Roofing
Customer Story
"Real customer testimonial pending — we'll feature a verified review here once collected from a recent inspection client."
Note: Placeholder pending real customer testimonial.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the inspection take?
30–45 minutes on a single-story home, up to 60+ on multi-story or complex roofs. The written report is in your inbox within 24–48 hours.
Do I have to be home?
No. We just need access to the property and ideally to the attic. Many homeowners schedule inspections while at work and review the written report afterward.
Will the inspection void my warranty?
No. Walking a roof for inspection purposes is a standard maintenance activity and doesn't affect any manufacturer warranty.
Can you certify my roof for an insurance carrier?
We don't issue 'roof certifications' (no contractor can — that's a carrier-specific document). What we do issue is a detailed written condition report with photos that most carriers accept as documentation of compliance.
What if you find problems?
We document them in the report with priority and budget. You're under no obligation to use us for the work — we're happy to provide an estimate, and equally happy if you want to shop the repair to other contractors.
How often should I have a professional inspection?
Every 2–3 years on any roof over 10 years old. Annually on roofs over 20. After every major storm or wind event regardless of age.
Roof Inspection — Areas We Serve
We provide roof inspection across all of Sonoma County:
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Get a Free Roof Inspection Estimate
Talk directly to Eddy. Call (707) 232-8622 or request a written estimate online.
