When is the best time to hire a roof inspection?
Short answer. Schedule one soon after any hail or high-wind storm, before buying or selling a house, before your insurer's own inspection, and regularly once the roof passes about 10 to 15 years old. For routine checks in Georgia, late spring after the peak of hail season and fall after the leaves drop are good times.
Times an inspection pays off most
- After a storm. Hail and wind damage is easiest to document while it is fresh, and policies set deadlines for reporting a loss. Check your policy for the time limit.
- Before you buy. A general home inspection checks the roof, but a roofer can often walk it, check flashing and look for past storm damage.
- Before you sell. Knowing the roof's condition ahead of the buyer's inspection avoids surprises during negotiation.
- When your insurer plans an inspection. Knowing what they will see helps you respond to a non-renewal or repair request.
- At key ages. Around 10 to 15 years for architectural shingles in Georgia's heat, then every year or two.
- When you notice symptoms. Ceiling stains, granules in the gutters, lifted or missing shingles, or daylight in the attic.
Seasonal timing
North Georgia's hail season peaks in spring, so a late spring check catches storm damage. Fall, after the leaves drop, is good for spotting clogged valleys, debris against chimneys and edge rot before winter rain.
When not to wait
Active leaks need attention right away, both to protect the interior and because a homeowner is expected to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Do not climb a wet or storm-damaged roof yourself.
See what to expect from a roof inspection, Georgia hail season and how long a roof lasts in Georgia.