How Much Does a Roof Inspection Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

A roof inspection examines the roof and its components to assess their condition. The average roof inspection cost is $236, with most homeowners spending between $125 and $357. Depending on the inspection method and other factors like roof size, material, and pitch, costs can range from as low as $75 to as high as $900. Regular inspections are recommended because they help maintain your roof's integrity and prevent costly future repairs.

Hiring a roof inspection professional ensures a thorough and accurate assessment. If your roof is damaged, an inspection can help you understand the kind of work needed and how much you should budget for roof repair costs.

Roof Inspection Cost Factors

The inspection method is usually the biggest cost factor for a roof inspection. However, prices may also fluctuate based on several other factors, including:

Size

Inspectors may charge more for larger roofs, either by adding a premium or charging per square foot.

Roofing Material

Some materials require more expertise to inspect. For example, inspecting a slate roof costs more than inspecting an asphalt shingle roof.

Slope and accessibility

If your roof has a steep slope and is difficult to access, expect to pay more for a physical inspection. Alternatively, you may have to upgrade to a more expensive option, such as a drone or infrared inspection.

Roof Inspection Components

Professional roof inspectors thoroughly examine all components of your roof to ensure everything is in good condition. They'll check for weaknesses, deterioration, and potential hazards and provide you with a list of any necessary repairs. 

A roof inspection can be part of a home inspection if you're purchasing a new home. However, while it may be more cost-effective to include it in a general home inspection, it won't be as thorough as a dedicated roof inspection that covers these components.

Structural Inspection

During the structural inspection, the inspector checks your roof's overall integrity. They'll look for signs of sagging and uneven roof planes, such as:

• Cracked, splintered, or rotted trusses

• Sagging ceilings

• Tilting or leaning exterior walls

• Missing or damaged rafter and collar ties

They'll also examine your gutters to ensure proper drainage. Poor drainage can cause moisture buildup, leading to mold, leaks, and a shorter roof lifespan.

Material Inspection

This part of the inspection involves assessing the physical material of your roof. For example, the inspector will look for missing, loose, or curling shingles and signs of staining, rust, moss, and water damage. They'll also inspect the flashing for leaks, cracks, or pest infestation.

Interior Inspection

Some signs of roof damage or wear and tear may not be visible from the outside. The inspector will also examine your roof from the inside, focusing on the attic, ceilings, and interior walls. They'll check for things such as proper attic ventilation, the condition of roof vents, and signs of damage such as:

• Leaks around vents and chimneys

• Holes in the walls or ceilings

• Wood rot

• Water stains

• Mold

• Light from outside coming through

Technical Inspection

In the technical portion of the inspection, your roofing pro examines your roof for any technical problems or errors that could cause future damage. They'll check if your roof shingles and flashing around the vent pipes are correctly installed and whether the materials used are of good quality. 

Roofing Inspection Costs by Type

The average cost to inspect a roof is around $220, but prices vary based on the type of inspection. There are three main types of roof inspections, each with its own cost:

Physical

A physical roof inspection costs between $75 and $200, depending on the roof size and other factors such as the slope and accessibility. This is the simplest type of roof inspection, and it involves a certified roofing pro climbing a ladder and examining the roof materials and condition in person.

Drone 

If your roof is too steep or generally difficult to access, you can request a drone inspection. The average cost is between $150 and $400, and the drone will fly around the roof exterior and record close-up footage of all surface regions for the expert to assess.

Infrared 

An infrared roof inspection costs between $400 and $600, making it the most expensive inspection option. Infrared technology allows inspectors to identify signs of damage that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye, including small cracks and leaks. Infrared inspections involve a drone that captures thermal imagery of the surface.

Like a drone inspection, an infrared inspection works well for difficult-to-access roofs. It can also identify weaknesses or damage in specific regions of the roof by detecting spots where warmer or cooler air leaks out.

Roof Inspection vs. Certification

Some homeowners mistakenly believe that certification and inspection are synonymous. Roof inspectors can provide a roofing certification letter as part of the inspection, which is different from the inspection report. The average roof certification costs between $75 and $200 and is issued by a local roofing contractor. They certify that they've inspected the roof, that it's free of defects, and that it's guaranteed to last for a specific amount of time. Here are the main distinctions between roof inspections and roof certifications.

DIY Roof Inspection vs. Hiring a Pro

While inspecting your own roof might save money upfront, it's risky—you could miss crucial issues or risk injury. You also won’t have access to specialized equipment that roofing pros have, and you likely don’t have the experience to perform a comprehensive inspection of all your roof’s components. That's why it's best to leave roof inspections to the professionals. Hiring a roof inspection pro ensures the job is done safely and correctly, giving you peace of mind that your roof is in good condition and any issues are properly diagnosed.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.