When to get one
- Before the rainy season, especially with NOAA's El Niño Advisory in effect for winter 2026–27.
- After a major windstorm or a limb strike, even if nothing leaks yet.
- Before buying a home. General home inspectors often look from the ground or a ladder; a roofer can go deeper.
- On rebuilt homes from the 2017 and 2020 fires, as roofs and their warranties age. See our fire-rebuild roof check guide.
What's on the checklist
- Roof covering condition, slope by slope
- Flashing at chimneys, skylights, walls and vents
- Pipe boots and roof penetrations
- Valleys and ridge caps
- Gutters, downspouts and where they drain
- Attic ventilation, signs of past leaks and condensation
- Ember-related details: vents, gutter guards and debris buildup, important in fire hazard zones
What you should get
Photos, a written summary of problems ranked by urgency, and a clear estimate for anything recommended. You're never obligated to have the inspecting roofer do the work.
Want a local pro to take a look?It's free for homeowners and there's no obligation.
Do your own ground-level check
From the ground with binoculars, look for missing or misaligned shingles, debris in valleys, sagging gutters and stains on fascia boards. Inside, check ceilings and the attic after the first big rain. Don't climb on the roof yourself.
Where we connect homeowners
- Roof repair in Santa Rosa
- Roof repair in Petaluma
- Roof repair in Rohnert Park & Cotati
- Roof repair in Windsor
- Roof repair in Healdsburg
- Roof repair in Sebastopol
- Roof repair in Sonoma
- Roof repair in Glen Ellen & Kenwood
- Roof repair in Cloverdale
- Roof repair in Guerneville & the lower Russian River
- Roof repair in Forestville
Other services
Dealing with this right now?Tell us what's happening and we'll connect you with an independent local provider.
Sources
Sources checked October 18, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an inspection take?
Often an hour or two for a typical house, longer for large, steep or complex roofs.
Is a roof inspection the same as a roof certification?
No. A certification is a written statement, often for a home sale, that a roofer expects the roof to perform for a stated period. Ask what the document covers.