Short answer: photographs of every slope and penetration, a written condition assessment, an estimate of remaining service life, specific findings rather than generalities, and a clear repair or replace recommendation. If you did not receive a document, you did not receive an inspection.
What should be in it
- Date and property address. Sounds obvious, matters enormously if a claim follows.
- Photographs of each slope, plus close ups of anything noted.
- Every penetration photographed: pipe boots, vents, chimney, skylights, wall terminations.
- Valleys, ridges and edges.
- Gutter condition and any overflow evidence on the fascia.
- Attic findings: daylight, staining, insulation condition, ventilation intake and exhaust.
- Material identification and approximate age.
- Estimated remaining service life as a range.
- A prioritized findings list, separating urgent from monitor.
- A recommendation with reasoning you can follow.
For a storm claim, add
- The storm date and type of event
- Damage documented per slope, since carriers assess by slope
- Close ups of bruising, creasing and granule loss with something for scale
- Collateral damage: gutters, screens, AC fins, which corroborates that hail hit
- Clear enough imagery to hand directly to an adjuster
What a weak report looks like
- Three photographs and a price
- Conclusions with no supporting imagery
- Generic language that could describe any roof
- No mention of the attic
- No remaining life estimate
- A recommendation to replace with nothing shown to justify it
Why documentation has value beyond the quote
A dated inspection report establishes the condition of your roof at a point in time. That matters in three situations: a later storm claim where the carrier argues pre existing wear, a renewal where an underwriter questions roof age, and a sale where a buyer wants evidence rather than assurances.
Keep them. They are worth more two years later than they are the day you get them.
What it should cost
Nothing, in our market. We inspect, photograph and write the report free, including the reports that conclude you do not need work. A contractor charging for a basic roof inspection is unusual here.
Request a documented inspection or call (210) 245-4125.
