Roof Inspection
An inspection tells you what condition your roof is really in, with photos to prove it. It is the starting point for every repair, replacement or insurance decision.
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When to schedule an inspection
After a hailstorm or high winds, even if nothing looks wrong from the ground.
When you see a ceiling stain, a musty attic or water around a skylight or chimney.
Before buying a home, so you know how much life the roof has left.
When the roof is around 15 years old or more and has not been checked in a while.
Before installing solar panels, so the roof under them is sound.
When you are deciding between a repair and a new roof.
What we check
Roof covering
Missing, cracked, curled or bruised shingles, granule loss, broken tile, split shakes, loose metal panels or worn membrane on flat sections.
Flashing and penetrations
Chimneys, walls, valleys, vents, pipe boots and skylights, where most leaks start.
Decking and structure
Soft spots, sagging and signs of rot that point to long-term moisture.
Attic and ventilation
Water stains, daylight through the deck, damp insulation, and whether air moves through the attic as it should. See roof ventilation.
Gutters and drainage
Clogs, sagging runs and downspouts that dump water against the foundation. Related: gutter repair.
How a GemSco inspection works
On-site inspection
We inspect the roof surface and, when there is access, the attic.
Photos
We photograph what we find, good and bad, so you can see the roof without climbing on it.
Written findings and estimate
You get our findings and, if work is needed, a written estimate that explains what we recommend and why.
Your decision
You decide what to do and when. A clean report is a valid result too.
Inspections after storms
Hail and wind damage often stays hidden for months. Bruised shingles lose granules slowly, and lifted shingles can reseal in the wrong position and fail in the next storm. An inspection soon after the event gives you a dated record with photos while the damage is fresh.
If you decide to file with your insurance company, coverage depends on your policy and on the insurer's decision. Our photos and written estimate give you a clear record to work from. Learn more on our hail damage roof repair and insurance claims pages.
Inspections before buying, selling or adding solar
Buying a home means inheriting its roof. A roofing inspection tells you how much useful life is left, whether there is storm damage nobody repaired, and what work to expect in the next few years. That information is useful when you negotiate and when you budget for the house.
Sellers benefit too. Knowing the roof's condition before listing lets you fix small issues on your terms instead of under a buyer's deadline. And if you plan to add panels, the roof should be checked first: removing and reinstalling a solar array later costs far more than fixing the roof before it goes on. See our solar panel installation page for how we approach that.
Why a careful inspection matters
A quick look from a ladder misses most of what matters. The inspection should cover every slope, every penetration and, when possible, the attic, because many problems show up from the inside first. The goal is an honest answer: repair, replace, or leave it alone for now.
GemSco is family owned, fully licensed and insured, with more than 20 years of experience and elite contractor status with Owens Corning and GAF. We inspect residential and commercial roofs in Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio and surrounding areas, including Houston and Austin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a roof be inspected?
A common recommendation is once a year and after any major storm. Older roofs and roofs in hail-prone areas benefit from more frequent checks. Regular inspections catch small issues, such as a cracked pipe boot or lifted flashing, while they are still simple repairs instead of water damage inside the house.
How long does a roof inspection take?
It depends on the size, pitch and complexity of the roof and on whether we can access the attic. A simple single-story roof takes less time than a steep roof with dormers, skylights and several valleys. We will give you an idea when you schedule.
Do I need to be home during the inspection?
Not always for the exterior, but being home helps. You can show us where you have seen stains or leaks, and we can check the attic. Seeing the damage from the inside often points us to the exact spot on the roof that needs attention.
Is a roof inspection the same as a home inspection?
No. A general home inspector looks at the whole house and may only view the roof from the ground or a ladder. A roofing inspection focuses on the roof system in detail: covering, flashing, decking, ventilation and drainage, with photos of what was found.
We’re Here to Help!
GemSco Roofing & Solar serves Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio and surrounding areas. We’re family owned and fully licensed and insured.