Quick Answer
We provide completely FREE roof inspections in Tampa Bay with no obligation. Our comprehensive 30-45 minute inspection includes exterior and attic assessment, photo documentation, moisture detection, written report with condition rating, and detailed repair or replacement recommendations. Licensed Florida contractor with 17+ years experience. Same-day or next-day scheduling available. No pressure sales, just honest expert advice.
What’s Included in Our Free Inspection
Exterior Roof Examination (20-30 minutes)
We thoroughly inspect every component of your roofing system:
Roofing Material Assessment:
- Shingles/tiles - Check for cracks, missing pieces, curling, granule loss
- Condition rating - Evaluate remaining lifespan
- Storm damage - Identify wind uplift, hail impacts, debris damage
- Wear patterns - Note areas needing attention
- Age estimation - Determine approximate age if unknown
Flashing Inspection:
- Chimney flashing - Check step flashing, counter-flashing, and cricket
- Valley flashing - Inspect for corrosion, separation, or failure
- Vent pipe boots - Check rubber boots for cracks and deterioration
- Skylight flashing - Examine seals and metal flashing
- Wall step flashing - Inspect where roof meets walls
- Drip edge - Verify proper installation and condition
Roof Penetrations:
- Plumbing vent pipes and boots
- Exhaust fan vents
- Electrical mast penetrations
- Satellite dish mounts
- Solar panel attachments
- HVAC ductwork penetrations
Ridge, Hip, and Edge Details:
- Ridge caps - Check for missing, lifted, or damaged caps
- Hip caps - Inspect sealing and attachment
- Eave edge - Examine starter course and drip edge
- Gable edges - Check rake edge and wind seal
- Ridge vents - Inspect condition and proper installation
Gutters and Drainage:
- Gutter condition and attachment
- Proper slope and flow
- Downspout placement and extensions
- Overflow or erosion signs
- Debris accumulation
Structural Elements:
- Fascia boards - Check for rot, damage, or deterioration
- Soffit - Inspect for damage and proper ventilation
- Roof deck - Look for sagging or depression
- Chimney - Examine masonry condition
- Skylights - Check seals and condition
Interior Attic Inspection (10-15 minutes)
Critical for finding hidden problems:
Moisture and Leak Detection:
- Water stains on decking
- Active leaks or moisture
- Mold or mildew growth
- Daylight visible through roof
- Moisture meter readings
Structural Assessment:
- Decking condition - Check for rot, sagging, or damage
- Rafters and trusses - Inspect for cracks or structural issues
- Framing integrity - Verify proper construction
- Sag or depression - Identify structural problems
Ventilation Evaluation:
- Soffit vents (intake)
- Ridge vents (exhaust)
- Gable vents
- Proper airflow ratio (1:300 rule)
- Temperature and moisture levels
- Evidence of inadequate ventilation
Insulation Check:
- Insulation type and R-value
- Proper coverage and depth
- Compression or damage
- Moisture in insulation
- Recommendations for improvement
Electrical and Mechanical:
- Wiring condition and safety
- Junction boxes properly covered
- Exhaust fans venting properly
- No fire hazards
Photo Documentation
Comprehensive Visual Record:
- 20-50+ high-resolution photos
- Damage close-ups from multiple angles
- Overview shots showing context
- Attic interior conditions
- Problem areas highlighted
- Before/after for repairs (if applicable)
Why Photos Matter:
- Insurance claim documentation
- Track deterioration over time
- Share with family/decision makers
- Verify contractor recommendations
- Records for future reference
Detailed Written Report
Professional Inspection Report Includes:
Roof Condition Rating:
- Excellent (0-3 years old, like new)
- Good (4-10 years, minor wear)
- Fair (11-15 years, moderate wear)
- Poor (16-20 years, significant issues)
- Critical (20+ years or major damage)
Itemized Findings:
- List of all issues discovered
- Severity rating (minor, moderate, critical)
- Location of each problem
- Estimated age and condition
- Recommended action for each item
Repair Recommendations:
- Priority ranking (urgent, soon, monitor)
- Detailed scope of work needed
- Estimated costs for each repair
- Timeline recommendations
- Repair vs replace analysis
Replacement Recommendations (If Applicable):
- Reasons replacement recommended
- Material options and costs
- Expected lifespan of options
- Energy efficiency considerations
- Financing information
Thermal Imaging (Available Upon Request)
Advanced Leak Detection:
- Infrared camera detects temperature differences
- Identifies hidden moisture in decking
- Locates insulation gaps
- Finds air leaks
- Non-invasive testing
When Recommended:
- Elusive leaks that are hard to find
- Suspected hidden damage
- Pre-purchase inspections
- Storm damage assessment
- Preventive maintenance
Cost: Usually FREE with inspection, or $150-$300 standalone
When You Need a Roof Inspection
Required Situations
Home Purchase (Pre-Purchase Inspection):
- Before making offer or during due diligence
- Negotiate repairs or price reduction
- Understand future costs
- Avoid costly surprises
- Required by many lenders
Insurance Requirements:
- Annual inspection for older roofs (15+ years)
- Policy renewal documentation
- Risk assessment for coverage
- Wind mitigation credits
- Proof of maintenance
After Severe Weather:
- Hurricanes or tropical storms
- Severe thunderstorms with high winds
- Hail (rare in Tampa but possible)
- Tornado or waterspout
- Fallen tree or major debris impact
Before Selling Your Home:
- Identify issues before listing
- Make necessary repairs
- Increase home value
- Avoid deal-falling-through
- Provide report to buyers
Storm Damage Claims:
- Document damage for insurance
- Meet with adjuster
- Verify claim scope
- Supplement for hidden damage
Recommended Situations
Preventive Maintenance:
- Annual inspection (best practice)
- Before and after hurricane season
- Every 3 years minimum
- Extends roof lifespan by 30%
- Catches small issues early
Visible Signs of Problems:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Missing or damaged shingles visible from ground
- Curling or buckling shingles
- Granules in gutters
- Daylight through attic roof
- Sagging roof deck
- Mold or mildew on ceiling
Age Milestones:
- 10 years old - First comprehensive inspection
- 15 years old - Annual inspections begin
- 20 years old - Replacement planning
- After 20 years - Inspect every 6-12 months
After Roof Work:
- Verify quality of repairs
- Second opinion on recommendations
- Post-installation inspection
- Warranty compliance check
Unexplained Issues:
- Higher energy bills (ventilation issues)
- Ice dams in attic (rare in Florida but possible)
- Pest entry points
- Interior musty odors
Our Inspection Process
1. Schedule Your Free Inspection
Easy Scheduling:
- Call, text, or email us
- Online scheduling available
- Same-day or next-day appointments
- Flexible timing (weekdays or weekends)
- No obligation required
What We’ll Ask:
- Home address
- Roof type (if known)
- Specific concerns or issues
- Best contact method
- Preferred inspection time
2. Pre-Inspection Preparation (Optional)
To Get Most Value:
- Note any specific concerns or leak locations
- Gather previous roof work invoices (if available)
- Know approximate roof age
- Clear attic access if cluttered
- Have insurance info ready (if filing claim)
What You Don’t Need:
- Don’t need to be home (we can inspect exterior)
- Don’t clean gutters (we need to see actual condition)
- Don’t attempt roof access yourself
- Don’t make repairs before inspection (if insurance claim)
3. On-Site Inspection (30-45 minutes)
Our Process:
- Professional inspector arrives in marked vehicle
- Introduces himself and explains process
- Performs exterior roof examination
- Takes comprehensive photos
- Inspects attic interior
- Discusses initial findings with you
- Answers any immediate questions
Safety First:
- All inspectors are insured and trained
- Use proper safety equipment
- Never rush the inspection
- Will not walk on damaged areas
- Inform you of any immediate hazards
4. Report Preparation (Same Day or Next Day)
We Compile:
- All photos organized by area
- Written assessment of conditions
- Itemized repair recommendations
- Cost estimates for needed work
- Priority rankings
- Material specifications
Report Delivery:
- Email PDF report (same or next day)
- Printed copy if preferred
- Access to online photo gallery
- Shareable with insurance/family
5. Report Review and Recommendations (15-30 minutes)
We Explain:
- Overall roof condition and rating
- Each issue found and severity
- Recommended action plan
- Repair vs replace analysis
- Timeline and priorities
- Cost estimates and options
We Help With:
- Insurance claim filing (if storm damage)
- Prioritizing multiple issues
- Budget-friendly phasing
- Material selection
- Financing options
- Warranty information
No Pressure:
- Take time to review and consider
- Get second opinions if desired
- Ask questions anytime
- No obligation to hire us
- Honest, expert advice only
6. Follow-Up Support
We’re Here For You:
- Answer questions after review
- Revise estimates if needed
- Assist with insurance claims
- Schedule repairs when ready
- Annual reminder for re-inspection
- Available for future consultations
Types of Roof Inspections
Routine Maintenance Inspection (FREE)
Purpose:
- Preventive care
- Catch small issues early
- Extend roof lifespan
- Peace of mind
Recommended Frequency:
- Every 1-3 years
- Before and after hurricane season
- After severe weather
Included:
- Complete exterior and attic inspection
- Photo documentation
- Written report
- Repair recommendations
Cost: FREE (no obligation)
Pre-Purchase Inspection (FREE)
Purpose:
- Evaluate roof for home buyers
- Identify needed repairs
- Estimate replacement timeline
- Negotiate purchase price
Critical For:
- Understanding true home condition
- Budgeting future costs
- Avoiding costly surprises
- Leverage in negotiations
Included:
- Comprehensive inspection
- Detailed condition report
- Repair cost estimates
- Remaining lifespan estimate
- Replacement timeline
Cost: FREE (or $200-$400 if ordered separately)
Timing: During due diligence period (7-10 days after offer accepted)
Storm Damage Inspection (FREE)
Purpose:
- Document hurricane/wind damage
- Support insurance claim
- Identify all damage (visible and hidden)
- Estimate repair costs
After What Events:
- Hurricanes and tropical storms
- Severe thunderstorms (60+ mph winds)
- Hail storms
- Tornado or waterspout
- Tree impact
Included:
- Complete damage documentation
- Extensive photo evidence
- Written damage report
- Repair scope and estimates
- Insurance claim assistance
Insurance Help:
- Meet with adjuster
- Point out all damage
- File supplements
- Advocate for fair settlement
Cost: FREE (we work with your insurance)
Insurance Inspection (FREE)
Purpose:
- Meet insurance company requirements
- Maintain coverage
- Qualify for wind mitigation credits
- Document roof condition
When Required:
- Roof over 15 years old (some insurers)
- Policy renewal
- New insurance application
- Wind mitigation audit
Included:
- Age verification
- Condition assessment
- Wind mitigation features noted
- Photo documentation
- Official report for insurer
Cost: FREE for homeowners (insurance may charge)
Post-Installation Inspection ($150-$300)
Purpose:
- Verify quality of recent work
- Ensure warranty compliance
- Identify installation errors
- Peace of mind
Recommended After:
- Roof replacement by another contractor
- Major repairs
- Questioning quality of work
- Before final payment
Included:
- Installation quality assessment
- Code compliance check
- Material verification
- Workmanship evaluation
- Detailed findings report
Cost: $150-$300 (fee waived if issues found and we perform repairs)
Annual Maintenance Program
Comprehensive Care Plan:
- Annual inspection included
- Priority emergency service
- Discounted repairs
- Maintenance tracking
- Warranty compliance
Cost: $200-$400 per year
Benefits:
- Never forget to schedule
- Catch problems early
- Maintain warranty coverage
- Lower repair costs
- Extended roof lifespan
Roof Inspection Checklist
We inspect every component using this comprehensive checklist:
Roofing Material
- Shingle/tile condition and attachment
- Missing or damaged pieces
- Curling, cupping, or buckling
- Granule loss or bald spots
- Cracking or brittleness
- Staining or algae growth
- Wind damage or uplift
- Proper installation pattern
Flashing & Seals
- Chimney flashing and cricket
- Valley flashing condition
- Vent pipe boots and seals
- Skylight flashing and seals
- Wall step flashing
- Drip edge and rake edge
- Caulking and sealants
- Counter-flashing attachment
Roof Structure
- Roof deck sagging or damage
- Fascia board condition
- Soffit condition and ventilation
- Ridge line straightness
- Truss or rafter condition
- Structural movement or cracks
- Chimney condition and cracks
Roof Penetrations
- Plumbing vents and boots
- Bathroom/kitchen exhaust vents
- Electrical mast penetrations
- Satellite dish mounts
- Solar panel attachments
- HVAC ducts and equipment
- Attic access hatches
Roof Edges & Caps
- Ridge cap condition
- Hip cap attachment
- Starter course at eaves
- Rake edge details
- Gable trim condition
- Ridge vent installation
- End cap sealing
Drainage System
- Gutter attachment and slope
- Downspout placement
- Valley drainage
- Overflow or ponding areas
- Erosion around downspouts
- Debris in gutters
- Splash blocks or extensions
Attic Interior
- Decking moisture or stains
- Active leaks or drips
- Mold or mildew growth
- Daylight through roof
- Proper ventilation
- Insulation condition
- Rafter/truss condition
- Electrical safety
Overall Assessment
- Roof age and expected lifespan
- General condition rating
- Immediate repair needs
- Recommended maintenance
- Replacement timeline
- Energy efficiency notes
- Code compliance issues
Common Issues We Find in Tampa
Heat and UV Damage
Symptoms:
- Curled or cupped shingles
- Cracked and brittle shingles
- Severe granule loss
- Faded colors
- Thermal cracking
Causes:
- Florida’s intense sun (246 sunny days/year)
- High UV exposure
- Attic heat buildup (150°F+)
- Poor ventilation
- Dark shingle colors
Solutions:
- Improve attic ventilation
- Consider reflective roofing
- Replace deteriorated sections
- Plan for replacement
Wind and Storm Damage
Symptoms:
- Missing shingles or tiles
- Lifted or creased shingles
- Damaged flashing
- Debris impact damage
- Ridge cap loss
Causes:
- Hurricane and tropical storm winds
- Thunderstorm straight-line winds
- Tornados and waterspouts
- Poor installation
- Age-related attachment failure
Solutions:
- Emergency repairs
- Insurance claim
- Proper re-installation
- Upgrade attachment (6-nail pattern)
Water Intrusion and Leaks
Symptoms:
- Water stains in attic or ceiling
- Mold growth
- Rotted decking
- Saturated insulation
- Drips during rain
Causes:
- Failed flashing
- Cracked or missing shingles
- Valley failures
- Deteriorated vent boots
- Poor installation
Solutions:
- Leak detection and repair
- Flashing replacement
- Decking repairs
- Proper underlayment
Inadequate Ventilation
Symptoms:
- Excessive attic heat (over 150°F)
- Mold in attic
- Shortened shingle life
- High energy bills
- Ice dams (rare in FL)
Causes:
- Insufficient intake vents (soffits)
- Blocked soffit vents
- Missing ridge vents
- Improper vent ratio
- Sealed attic
Solutions:
- Add soffit venting
- Install ridge vents
- Clear blocked vents
- Improve airflow
Tree Damage and Debris
Symptoms:
- Algae and moss growth
- Debris accumulation
- Branch abrasion
- Impact damage
- Clogged gutters
Causes:
- Overhanging tree branches
- Falling limbs
- Oak leaves and acorns
- Pine needles
- Spanish moss
Solutions:
- Trim overhanging branches
- Clean gutters regularly
- Install gutter guards
- Repair damage
- Prevent future issues
Why Choose Rain Right for Inspections
Experience and Expertise
17+ Years in Tampa Bay:
- Thousands of inspections completed
- Know local weather challenges
- Understand Florida building codes
- Recognize Tampa-specific issues
- Licensed Florida contractor (CCC1234567)
Certified Inspectors:
- Professional training and certification
- Ongoing education
- Insurance claim expertise
- All roofing material types
- Commercial and residential
Truly Free - No Catches
No Obligation Means No Obligation:
- Completely free inspection
- No pressure to hire us
- Honest, unbiased assessment
- Take time to decide
- Get other quotes if desired
Why We Offer Free Inspections:
- Build trust with homeowners
- Educate about roof condition
- Establish long-term relationships
- Earn your business through honesty
- Industry standard for quality contractors
Comprehensive and Thorough
We Don’t Rush:
- 30-45 minute minimum inspection time
- Every component examined
- Both exterior and attic
- Photo documentation
- Written detailed report
Advanced Tools:
- Thermal imaging camera
- Moisture meters
- Drone inspection (available)
- Professional photography
- Digital reporting
Insurance Expertise
We Help Maximize Claims:
- 500+ insurance claims handled
- Know what insurance covers
- Meet with adjusters
- Document all damage
- File supplements
- Advocate for fair settlement
Work With All Insurers:
- Citizens
- Universal
- State Farm
- Allstate
- USAA
- All major carriers
Honest Recommendations
We Tell You the Truth:
- Repair if repair is appropriate
- Don’t upsell replacements unnecessarily
- Explain all options
- Show you the issues
- Let you make informed decision
Our Philosophy:
- Do what’s right for homeowner
- Build reputation on honesty
- Long-term relationships over quick sales
- Expert advice you can trust
FAQ
How much does a roof inspection cost in Tampa?
We provide completely FREE roof inspections with no obligation in Tampa Bay. Our comprehensive inspection includes exterior and attic examination, photo documentation, moisture detection, written report, and repair recommendations. Post-installation quality inspections (second opinion on another contractor’s work) cost $150-$300, but this fee is waived if we perform any needed repairs.
How long does a roof inspection take?
A thorough roof inspection takes 30-45 minutes for the on-site examination plus 15-30 minutes to review findings with you. We inspect both exterior roofing components and interior attic space. Large or complex roofs may take 60+ minutes. We never rush inspections - thoroughness is more important than speed.
Do I need to be home for the roof inspection?
You don’t need to be home for the exterior roof inspection, but we recommend being present for the complete service. We need attic access for interior inspection, and it’s valuable for you to ask questions and understand findings. If you can’t be present, we can perform exterior inspection and schedule attic access separately.
How often should I have my roof inspected in Tampa?
Inspect your roof annually if it’s over 15 years old, every 2-3 years if under 15 years old, before and after hurricane season (May and November), after any severe weather, before selling your home, and when purchasing a home. Annual inspections catch problems early and can extend roof lifespan by 30-50%.
What should I look for in a roof inspection report?
A quality roof inspection report includes: overall condition rating, comprehensive photo documentation, itemized list of issues with severity ratings, location details for each problem, repair vs replace recommendations, estimated costs, priority rankings (urgent/soon/monitor), remaining lifespan estimate, and material specifications for repairs. Beware of vague reports without photos or specific details.
Can a roof inspection find leaks?
Yes, roof inspections identify both active leaks and conditions likely to cause future leaks. We find leaks through water stains in attic, moisture meter readings, visible damage to roofing materials, failed flashing, deteriorated seals, and thermal imaging (shows hidden moisture). We locate the source and provide repair recommendations.
Will roof inspection damage my roof?
No, professional roof inspections do not damage your roof. Our trained inspectors know how to safely walk on different roofing materials, use proper safety equipment, avoid stepping on damaged areas, and follow manufacturer walking guidelines. We never remove materials or invasively test unless specifically agreed upon (rare). Your roof is in expert hands.
Do I need a roof inspection for insurance?
Many Florida insurance companies require roof inspections for roofs over 15 years old, during policy renewal, when applying for new coverage, or for wind mitigation certification. Some insurers send their own inspectors. We provide official inspection reports accepted by all major insurance companies and can identify wind mitigation credits that reduce premiums.
What’s the difference between a roof inspection and roof certification?
A roof inspection assesses condition and identifies issues. A roof certification (or wind mitigation inspection) is a formal document stating the roof meets specific standards, required by insurance companies, certifies age and condition, documents wind-resistant features, and may qualify for insurance discounts. We provide both types. Certification typically costs $75-$150 (often reimbursed by insurance savings).
How soon after a storm should I get a roof inspection?
Schedule a storm damage inspection within 24-48 hours after severe weather if safe to do so. Early inspection documents fresh damage, prevents further water intrusion, starts insurance claim process quickly, and reserves your spot before contractor backlog. However, wait for unsafe conditions (downed power lines, active rain, high winds) to clear. We offer 24/7 emergency inspection scheduling.