The short answer
A roof inspection is a close, systematic look at your shingles, flashing, vents, gutters and attic to find wear and damage before it becomes a leak. In Rochester it makes sense after a hard winter or a hail storm, before you buy or sell a home, and any time you spot a stain on a ceiling.
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When is a roof inspection worth it?
An inspection is a practical way to learn what shape your roof is really in. Good moments to schedule one include the spring thaw, after hail or a windstorm, when the roof is getting older, and before listing or buying a home.
It also helps when something is off but you are not sure what: a stain on a ceiling, granules in the gutters, a shingle in the yard.
What does an inspection cover?
- Shingles: cracks, curling, missing pieces, bruising and loss of granules.
- Flashing and penetrations: chimneys, skylights, plumbing vents and the valleys where roof planes meet.
- Gutters and eaves: sagging, clogging and signs of ice damming.
- The attic: stains on the decking, damp insulation, daylight where there should be none, and how the space is ventilated.
Afterward, the partner roofer can explain what they found, with photos, so you can decide what to do and when.
How should I get ready for an inspection?
Write down what you have noticed and when. Take a few photos from the ground. Make sure the roofer can reach the attic hatch if there is one, and mention any past repairs or leaks.
Please do not climb on the roof yourself. Ladders and cold or wet shingles are a dangerous mix.
What does a Minnesota winter add to the picture?
Freeze and thaw cycles loosen sealant and lift shingle edges, and ice dams can push water under the roofing. An inspection after winter is a good way to catch the small problems that those cycles leave behind.
Want a local pro to take a look? Request a quote and add a photo. Quotes provided by our network of licensed, insured local contractors to get you top quality at a fair price.
We serve Rochester · Byron · Kasson · Stewartville · Pine Island, and the surrounding Southeast Minnesota area.
