How Long Does a Roof Inspection Take? 5 Must-Know Factors That Affect the Time

What Is a Roof Inspection and Why Does It Matter?

A roof inspection is basically a full check-up for your roof. A professional takes a close look at everything—shingles, flashing, gutters, seals, and sometimes even your attic—to see if there’s any damage or signs of wear. The goal is to make sure your roof is still doing its job and to catch any issues before they get worse.

You might need a roof inspection:

• When you're buying or selling a home
• After a big storm or extreme weather
• As part of your yearly home maintenance routine
• If you're making a warranty claim
• Or right after your roof is installed—to confirm the work was done right (that’s called a roof inspection after installation)

Getting your roof checked regularly can help you avoid major repairs down the road. In fact, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) says regular maintenance—including inspections—can help your roof last longer.

Some companies now offer drone roof inspections, which are a safe and efficient way to check for damage without having to climb up there.

Wondering about the cost? Roof inspection cost can change depending on how big your home is and what kind of roof you have. But the good news? A lot of local roofing companies offer a free roof inspection, so it’s definitely worth asking around.

How Long Does a Typical Roof Inspection Take?

For most homes, a roof inspection usually takes anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours. But that’s just a rough estimate. Some inspections are faster, and others can take a bit longer—it really depends.

Here’s what can affect how long it takes:

• Roof size plays a big role. It just takes longer to examine a bigger roof.
  
  
• If your roof has lots of slopes, angles, or different levels, the inspector’s going to have a bit more work to do.

• Steep or hard-to-reach areas can slow things down too. They just take more time and extra caution to check properly.
  
  
• Weather matters too. Rain, strong winds, or ice can delay—or even reschedule—the whole thing.
  
  
• Lastly, the tools being used can make a difference. If the inspector uses a drone or special cameras, things might go quicker—or take a bit longer—depending on the equipment and setup needed.

Fast and Accurate: The Rise of Drone Roof Inspections

Roof inspections have come a long way. These days, many roofing companies are using drone roof inspection services to get the job done faster and more safely—especially on steep or hard-to-reach areas.

Drones can snap high-quality photos, spot hidden problems, and cut the inspection time in half. What used to take over an hour can now be done in less than 30 minutes. And since no one needs to climb up, it’s a much safer option.

The Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia (RCABC) points out that tools like drones are becoming more common during professional roof inspections, especially for larger or more complex buildings.

Whether it’s a routine roof inspection after installation or just time for a checkup, drones make the process quicker and more detailed. Plus, many companies now offer a free roof inspection—just ask about the roof inspection cost and what's included so you know exactly what to expect.

Roof Inspection After Installation: Is It Faster?

A roof inspection after installation usually doesn’t take as long as a full routine check. That’s because it’s mostly about making sure the recent work was done right. On average, it takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much needs to be looked at.

During the inspection, the person will check things like:

• Whether the shingles are lined up properly
  
  
• If the flashing and sealant were applied correctly
  
  
• How the vents are set up
  
  
• And if there’s any sign the job was rushed or left unfinished
  
  

It might not seem like a big deal, but spending that short amount of time now can help you spot small problems early—and it could protect your roof’s warranty down the line.

Understanding Roof Inspection Cost

The roof inspection cost varies based on the type of inspection and your location. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $400 for a professional inspection in Canada.

However, drone roof inspection may cost more due to the advanced equipment involved.

Some companies offer a free roof inspection as part of their services, especially after storms or when quoting for repairs. Be cautious—while free inspections can be helpful, make sure you’re working with a trusted and certified roofer.

For reliable guidance on roofing maintenance, you can refer to Environment Canada's climate impact data, which can help homeowners assess when weather-related inspections might be necessary.

How to Speed Up Your Roof Inspection Without Cutting Corners

Want your roof inspection to go faster and still cover everything? Planning ahead can really help. You can help by doing these simple things:

First, clean up the area around your house. Relocate any cars, outdoor chairs, or other things that are in the way. This gives the inspector room to set up ladders or gear safely.

Next, see if you can find any papers you have about your roof, such as repair receipts, guarantees, or previous notes about upkeep. This stuff can give the inspector a clearer picture of how your roof has held up over time and what shape it’s in now.

It also helps to hire professionals who have been trained and qualified. Some of them even use equipment like drone roof inspection to speed up and make the whole procedure safer.

Oh—and don’t forget to ask if they offer a free roof inspection. Some companies do, so it’s worth a quick check before you book.

When you’re ready, everything runs more smoothly. It saves time, gives better results, and helps keep your roof inspection cost reasonable. This is especially helpful if you’re getting a roof inspection after installation or just trying to stay ahead of problems.

Final Thoughts: What to Expect from Your Roof Inspection

If you want to keep your home in good form and prevent having to pay a lot of money for repairs later, you should get a roof inspection. Most of the time, it’s pretty quick—usually done in about two hours or so. With newer options like drone roof inspection and faster checks done right after a project, like a roof inspection after installation, it’s even easier and more convenient now.

Whether you’re paying for it or booking a free roof inspection, it’s good to know what’s actually included. Regular inspections—especially after you’ve had a new roof put on or after a heavy storm—can catch small issues before they turn into something serious.

Not sure what they actually check during a roof inspection? Don’t worry. We’ve pulled together 7 common questions homeowners ask. It’ll help you understand what to expect before, during, and after the process—plus what might impact your roof inspection cost.