7 Essential Steps to Prepare for a Roof Inspection Before a Home Insurance Check

1. Understand the Purpose of the Roof Inspection

A roof inspection is not just a formality—it’s a critical step for insurers to assess risk. Your roof is the first line of defense against weather damage, leaks, and mold. If inspectors find cracks, rot, or wear, it could raise your roof insurance premiums or even result in denial of coverage.

According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), proper roof maintenance is one of the top factors in long-term home preservation. That’s why insurers take it seriously.

If you want to know what inspectors are really looking for, here are 7 must-know FAQs about roof inspection for a safer home. This guide clears up the most common questions homeowners have and can help you avoid costly surprises.

2. Review Your Insurance Policy First

Before you grab a ladder or call a roofer, it’s a good idea to look over your insurance policy first. This quick step can save you from delays or confusion during your Roof Inspection.

Some insurance companies want a certified roof inspection done by a licensed roofer. Others might accept reports that were done within the past year. Make sure to check the details. Your policy might also mention if certain materials—like wood shake or metal—can affect your roof insurance coverage. Older roofs or less common materials can sometimes raise red flags, which might affect your premiums or even your eligibility.

Knowing what your insurance company needs ahead of time can help you get your home ready the right way. It also saves you from paying for an inspection that doesn’t meet their rules. Plus, you’ll feel more prepared and less stressed when the insurance inspection day comes around.

3. Do a Basic Roof Self-Check

Next, take a walk around your property and perform a visual scan of your roof. While this doesn’t replace a professional roof inspection, it can help you catch obvious issues early.

Look for:

• Missing or curling shingles
• Moss or algae growth, which can trap moisture
• Visible sagging, especially near roof valleys or ridges
• Damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights
  
  

Use binoculars for a closer look if necessary. And if climbing a ladder is risky or impossible, consider using a drone roof inspection service. Drones can capture high-resolution images of your entire roof—from all angles—without putting anyone in danger. They're increasingly popular for their accuracy, efficiency, and safety, especially in homes with steep or high-pitched roofs.

Documenting your findings during this step also gives you a helpful reference when talking to a roofer or inspector.

4. Clean Your Roof and Gutters

This might sound like it’s just about looks, but cleaning your roof is actually an important step before a Roof Inspection. Things like leaves, pine needles, and dirt can hide damage or trap moisture—both of which an inspector will notice right away.

Here’s what you can do:

• Gently sweep off debris with a soft broom or use a leaf blower (don’t use a pressure washer—it can cause damage)
  
  
• Clean out your gutters and downspouts so water can drain properly
  
  
• Trim any tree branches hanging over your roof to keep more junk from piling up and to avoid damage from falling limbs
  
  

A clean roof shows the inspector—and your insurance company—that you’re taking good care of your home. It also makes it easier for them to check things like flashing, vents, and the roof edges, which can help give you a more accurate roof insurance assessment.

5. Document the Current Condition

Before your Roof Inspection, it’s a good idea to snap a few photos or take a short video of your roof. This can help you in a few ways—it gives you your own record, shows the roof’s condition before any storms hit, and can back you up if the insurance inspection turns up anything unexpected.

Here’s what to focus on:

• Take close-up shots of things like cracked shingles or loose flashing.
• Get wide shots of the whole roof—from the front, back, and both sides.
• Don’t forget the inside. Check your attic or ceiling for signs of leaks, mold, or spots where light shines through.
  
  

A Drone Roof Inspection can be super helpful too. Drones can capture angles and details you just can’t see from the ground. They’re great for spotting early signs of wear, standing water, or other problems. Plus, it’s easy to save and share the images with your inspector or send them to your insurance company.

If you’ve recently had repairs done, these photos can be really useful. They can help you explain things during a roof insurance claim or if questions come up about your roof later.

6. Schedule the Roof Inspection with a Certified Professional

If you need an official insurance inspection, most insurance companies will ask for a certified roofer or inspector to do it. It’s best to find someone who’s recognized by trusted groups like the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia (RCABC) or the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).

Now, you might be asking—what’s the roof inspection cost? In Canada, it usually runs between $150 and $500. The final price depends on how big your roof is and if they use tools like drones or thermal cameras for the drone roof inspection. It might seem pricey at first, but skipping a roof inspection can lead to bigger problems later, like getting denied by your roof insurance or having to pay out-of-pocket for costly repairs.

7. Fix Minor Issues Before the Inspector Arrives

If you or your contractor notice minor damage, now’s the time to fix it. A missing shingle or loose flashing may seem small, but they can lead to big deductions during the roof inspection.

Repairs now may also strengthen your position when negotiating your roof insurance policy.

You might even want to do a second drone roof inspection after repairs to confirm that everything looks good from above.

Bonus Tip: Ask for a Detailed Report

Don't just take a pass or fail when the check is over. Ask for a full report that has the following:

• State of the roof
• Photos (ideally taken by drones)
• Estimated remaining life span
• Notes on what to watch out for

This report is useful for both your insurance company and your own future peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

A roof inspection may seem like a small part of your overall insurance inspection, but it carries a big impact. By following these seven essential steps, you can increase your chances of a smooth process, lower roof inspection cost, and maintain strong roof insurance coverage.

Don’t wait until problems show up—prepare now. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.