The short version
- Many homeowners choose once a year
- Roofs under trees or past mid-life benefit from twice a year
- Commercial roofs are often inspected once or twice a year
- Storms and repairs trigger extra inspections
A simple rule for homes
Once a year is a sensible baseline for most homes, ideally in spring or fall. That is often enough to catch small problems before they become leaks. If your roof is new, you may stretch to every two years, but check after major storms.
Older roofs, roofs under heavy tree cover and roofs with a history of leaks deserve more frequent checks.
For commercial roofs
Many commercial owners inspect once or twice a year and after significant weather. Roof type, age, drainage and equipment traffic all influence frequency. Roofs with warranties may require periodic inspection to remain valid.
A roof asset plan sets the schedule.
Extra inspections
Add an inspection after hail, strong winds, a limb strike, a leak, any repair or any rooftop work such as HVAC service or solar installation. Also inspect when buying or selling a property.
A quick look after a big storm can save a lot of trouble.
Keeping a record
Photographs from each visit build a history. When you can compare this spring’s photos with last spring’s, changes become obvious.
That record also helps with warranty claims, insurance conversations and sales.
General information, not engineering, legal, insurance or safety advice. Roofs, policies and local requirements vary, and every roof should be judged on its own condition.
