When you think about your home, you probably don’t picture the roof much—until water starts dripping through the ceiling. A roof inspection, a visual and functional assessment of a roof’s condition to identify damage, wear, or hidden risks. Also known as roof assessment, it’s not just a formality—it’s your first line of defense against costly repairs. Most homeowners wait until there’s a leak, but by then, the damage is often already done. A quick inspection can catch loose shingles, cracked flashing, or rotting decking before they turn into mold, structural decay, or a full roof replacement.
Roof inspections aren’t just about looking for missing tiles. They check the roof flashing, metal strips around chimneys, vents, and valleys that seal joints and prevent water intrusion, which is where 70% of leaks start. They also examine roof ventilation, the system of intake and exhaust vents that regulate temperature and moisture under the roof. Poor ventilation traps heat and humidity, which softens wood, shortens shingle life, and invites ice dams in winter. And let’s not forget the roof decking, the wooden base layer under shingles that supports the entire structure. If it’s soft or sagging, you’re not just dealing with a roof problem—you’re facing a structural one.
Homeowners in the UK should get an inspection every two years, or after any major storm. If your roof is over 15 years old, or you’ve noticed peeling paint inside, damp spots on ceilings, or granules in the gutters, don’t wait. A professional inspection takes less than an hour but can save you thousands. These checks are especially critical after winter—ice, snow, and wind don’t just melt away; they leave behind hidden damage.
The posts below cover real cases—from homeowners who ignored a small leak and ended up with mold in their walls, to those who caught a failing valley flashing early and fixed it for under £300. You’ll find guides on what inspectors actually look for, how to spot trouble yourself, and why skipping an inspection is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make.
