How often should a roof be inspected?
By Best Roofing Answers · Published May 2026 · Updated July 2026
A residential roof should be inspected at least once every 12 months and after any major storm event with hail 1 inch or larger or wind exceeding 60 mph; roofs older than 15 years benefit from a semi-annual (spring and fall) inspection, and any tree contact or interior stain is an immediate trigger regardless of the calendar.
What a proper inspection covers
Per NRCA field guidance, a complete inspection covers (1) exterior surface — granule loss, lifted or creased shingles, exposed nails, damaged flashing at every penetration — (2) attic side — daylight visible through decking, water staining on rafters, wet insulation, and (3) drainage — gutters, downspouts, and valleys clear of debris.
IBHS FORTIFIED program recommends the same cadence plus a post-storm inspection any time hail 1" or larger falls or sustained winds top 60 mph, using NOAA SPC storm data to confirm.
Sources
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