Roof Inspection: The Complete Guide to What Inspectors Check, Costs & When You Need One (2026)

A roof inspection is a systematic evaluation of every component of your roofing system -- not just the shingles you can see from the ground. A thorough inspection examines the roof surface, flashing, gutters, ventilation, structural integrity, attic conditions, and all the small details that determine whether your roof is protecting your home or quietly failing.

Think of it like a physical for your roof. You might feel fine, but a doctor checks your blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart function because problems that will hurt you later are often invisible right now. Your roof works the same way. The shingles might look acceptable from your driveway, but underneath them could be deteriorating underlayment, corroded flashing, inadequate ventilation causing condensation damage, or structural issues that are one bad storm away from catastrophic failure.

Why Roof Inspections Matter More in Coastal South Carolina

Every roofing guide will tell you to get regular inspections. Here is why it matters more if you live along the Grand Strand:

• Salt air corrosion: Salt-laden air from the Atlantic accelerates corrosion on metal flashing, fasteners, pipe boots, and drip edges. A roof 5 miles inland will have different corrosion patterns than one on Ocean Boulevard, but both are affected. Inspections catch corroded metal components before they create entry points for water.
• Hurricane and tropical storm damage: Even if your roof survives a named storm with no visible damage, wind-driven rain can force moisture under shingles and into the decking. Micro-lifting of shingle tabs and loosened seal strips often are not visible from the ground but show up clearly during a hands-on inspection. See our guide on what to do first after hurricane roof damage for post-storm specifics.
• UV radiation intensity: Myrtle Beach receives significantly more annual UV exposure than cities at higher latitudes. UV breaks down the asphalt binder in shingles, causing granule loss, curling, and brittleness. Inspections track granule loss progression over time.
• Humidity and biological growth: Year-round humidity creates ideal conditions for algae (Gloeocapsa magma), moss, and lichen growth, all of which degrade shingle surfaces and retain moisture against the roof. Humidity also drives condensation issues in poorly ventilated attics.
• Thermal cycling: Coastal SC experiences significant daily temperature swings, especially in spring and fall. Repeated expansion and contraction stress roofing materials, sealant, and flashing joints. An inspection identifies where thermal cycling has opened gaps.

Because of these factors, a roof in Myrtle Beach degrades faster than the same roof in an inland, temperate climate. The manufacturer warranty might say 30 years, but coastal conditions can reduce actual lifespan by 25 to 40 percent. Regular inspections are how you track that real-world degradation and plan accordingly instead of being surprised.

The Cost of Skipping Inspections

The math is simple. A professional roof inspection costs between $150 and $400 (and we offer them free). The average roof repair caught early costs $300 to $1,000. The average roof replacement in the Myrtle Beach area costs $8,000 to $15,000 or more depending on size and materials. Small problems that go undetected for two or three years become large problems that cost 10 to 50 times more to fix.

I have seen it hundreds of times: a homeowner skips inspections for five years, then calls when they notice a water stain on the ceiling. By then, the leak has been active for months or years. The shingles failed, water penetrated the underlayment, saturated the decking, and now the decking needs replacement, the insulation in the attic is ruined, and mold is growing in the wall cavity. What would have been a $500 flashing repair is now a $14,000 project.

A professional roof inspection is not someone glancing at your roof from the driveway and saying "looks fine." A thorough inspection covers every component of the roofing system, both exterior and interior. Here is the complete breakdown of what a qualified inspector evaluates -- this is the same checklist I use on every Grand Strand roof I inspect.

Exterior Roof Surface Inspection

This is the most visible part of the inspection. The inspector physically examines the roof surface, ideally by walking on it (when safe to do so) or using a drone for steep or inaccessible roofs.

Structural Inspection

The structural inspection evaluates whether the bones of the roof are sound. This is where many inspections fall short -- a quick visual of the shingles tells you nothing about what is happening underneath.

Gutter and Drainage Inspection

Water management is part of the roofing system. If gutters fail, water backs up under shingles, pools at the foundation, or erodes landscaping. In coastal SC, this is especially important because we receive an average of 50+ inches of rain per year, and tropical storms can dump 5 to 10 inches in a single event.

• Gutter condition: Rust, holes, sagging, separation at seams
• Gutter attachment: Secure to fascia, proper slope for drainage
• Downspouts: Connected, directing water away from foundation, adequate number
• Debris accumulation: Leaves, pine needles, granule buildup
• Splash blocks or extensions: Water directed at least 4 feet from foundation

Ventilation Assessment

Ventilation is one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of roof health, and it is critical in coastal South Carolina. Poor ventilation traps heat and moisture in the attic, which accelerates shingle aging from below, promotes mold growth, and can cause condensation that rots decking and framing.

• Intake vents: Soffit vents clear and functional, not blocked by insulation or paint. See our guide on soffit damage warning signs in Myrtle Beach for more on this critical component.
• Exhaust vents: Ridge vent, box vents, or power vents present and functional
• Balanced airflow: Net Free Area (NFA) ratio of 1:150 or 1:300 depending on vapor barrier presence
• Conflicting vent types: Mixing ridge vents with box vents can create short-circuiting
• Bathroom/kitchen exhaust: Vented to exterior, not into attic space

Attic Inspection (Interior)

The attic tells the story of your roof's history. Water stains, mold, condensation, and daylight visible through the decking all reveal problems that are invisible from outside.

The cost of a roof inspection varies depending on the type of inspection, who performs it, the size and complexity of your roof, and your location. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of roof inspection cost for homeowners in the Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand area.

Factors That Affect Roof Inspection Cost

Several variables influence what you will pay:

• Roof size: A 1,200-square-foot ranch roof takes less time than a 3,500-square-foot two-story with multiple roof planes. Larger roofs cost more to inspect.
• Roof complexity: Every valley, hip, dormer, chimney, and skylight adds inspection time. A simple gable roof is faster than a complex multi-faceted roof with several penetrations.
• Roof pitch: Steep roofs (above 8/12 pitch) require additional safety equipment or drone inspection, which can increase cost.
• Accessibility: Dense landscaping, limited access points, or roofs without safe ladder placement may require specialized equipment.
• Report requirements: A verbal summary costs less than a detailed written report with photos. Insurance-quality documentation with measurements and annotated photos costs more.
• Add-on services: Infrared imaging, drone photography, moisture testing, and lab analysis of samples add to the base cost.

Is a Free Roof Inspection Worth It?

Yes -- if you choose the right contractor. A free inspection from a reputable, established roofing company is one of the best deals in home maintenance. The key word is reputable. Be cautious of storm chasers (out-of-state contractors who show up after a hurricane and disappear after collecting payment) who offer "free inspections" as a high-pressure sales tactic.

Here is how to tell the difference:

WeatherShield Roofing has been serving the Grand Strand from day one. We are a GAF Certified Master Elite contractor -- a distinction held by only the top 2% of roofing contractors in the country. Our free inspections are genuinely free: we inspect, document, report, and let you decide with zero pressure.

Knowing when to get a roof inspection is almost as important as the inspection itself. Inspect too infrequently and you miss problems. Here are all the situations that warrant a professional roof inspection, with specific guidance for coastal South Carolina homeowners.

Routine Scheduled Inspections

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends inspecting your roof at least twice per year -- in the spring and fall. For coastal SC, I recommend a more specific schedule that accounts for our weather patterns:

If you can only do one inspection per year, make it the pre-hurricane season inspection in May. This is the single most valuable inspection timing for Grand Strand homeowners because it gives you time to make repairs before the season when your roof is most likely to be tested.

Event-Triggered Inspections

Beyond routine schedules, certain events should trigger an immediate inspection:

• After any named storm or hurricane: Even if you do not see visible damage, have a professional inspect within 48 to 72 hours. Wind-driven rain, flying debris, and pressure differentials cause damage that is often invisible from the ground. Document everything immediately for insurance purposes. See our hurricane damage guide for the full post-storm protocol.
• After severe hail: Hail as small as 1 inch in diameter can crack shingles and dislodge granules. You may not see the damage, but it compromises the shingle's waterproofing and UV protection.
• After high winds (60+ mph sustained or 75+ mph gusts): These wind speeds can lift shingle tabs, break seal strips, and drive rain under the shingle layer.
• After a tree falls on or near your home: Even if the tree missed your roof, branches may have scraped the surface, dislodged shingles, or impacted gutters.
• When you notice a leak inside your home: A water stain on the ceiling or wall means water is already inside your home. The source of the leak may be far from where the stain appears because water travels along rafters and decking before dripping. See our guide to temporarily fixing a leaking roof for immediate steps.
• Before and after major renovations: Adding HVAC equipment, solar panels, satellite dishes, or making any roof penetrations requires inspection before and after to ensure proper installation and flashing.
• When buying a home: Never skip the roof inspection during the home purchase process. A general home inspector checks the roof, but a specialist roof inspection is worth the additional investment, especially for homes over 10 years old.
• When selling a home: A pre-listing roof inspection (with a clean report) removes a common buyer objection and can speed up the sale.
• Before insurance renewal: Some SC insurers require a roof inspection for policy renewal on homes with roofs older than 15 to 20 years. Getting ahead of this with your own inspection gives you control over the narrative.

Age-Based Inspection Frequency

As your roof ages, inspection frequency should increase:

These are coastal SC recommendations. Roofs in inland, temperate climates can often go longer between inspections. But here on the Grand Strand, the combination of salt, UV, humidity, and storm exposure means your roof is aging faster than the manufacturer's label suggests. Regular inspections are how you stay ahead of it.

Can you inspect your own roof? You can do a basic visual assessment from the ground -- and you should, regularly. But there are critical limitations to a DIY inspection that every homeowner needs to understand. Here is an honest breakdown of what you can do yourself and when you absolutely need a professional.

What You Can Check Yourself (Ground-Level DIY Inspection)

You do not need to climb on your roof to catch some early warning signs. Here is what to look for from the ground, using binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens:

• Missing or displaced shingles: Obvious gaps in the shingle pattern visible from the ground
• Curling or buckling shingles: Edges turning up or shingles that look wavy instead of lying flat
• Dark streaks or staining: Algae growth appears as dark streaks running down the roof surface
• Moss or vegetation growth: Green growth between shingles, especially on north-facing slopes
• Sagging ridge line or roof planes: The ridge line should be straight. Any dip indicates structural issues.
• Gutter condition: Check gutters for excessive granules (looks like coarse black sand), sagging, rust, or separation
• Flashing visible damage: Rusted, bent, or missing flashing around chimneys and walls
• Interior signs: Water stains on ceilings or walls, musty smell in attic, daylight visible through roof boards, peeling paint on soffits or fascia

What You Cannot Check Yourself

Here is where the DIY approach hits a wall. These are the things that require a professional with experience, equipment, and the ability to safely walk the roof:

The Safety Factor

This is not an afterthought -- it is the most important point. Roof falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death for homeowners. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 164,000 emergency room-treated injuries per year involve ladders, and a significant percentage involve homeowners attempting to access their roof.

Professional roofers are trained in fall protection, wear proper harnesses, understand weight distribution on different roof types, and know which roofs are safe to walk and which require alternative methods. A wet coastal SC roof with algae growth is dangerously slippery. A steep pitch on a multi-story home with no safe anchor points is not a DIY job.

Our recommendation: Do your monthly ground-level visual check. Know what the warning signs look like from below. But for the actual hands-on inspection, hire a professional. The money you save doing it yourself is not worth the risk -- especially when companies like ours offer free inspections.

A little preparation on your end helps the inspector do a more thorough job and ensures you get the most out of the inspection. Here is what to do before the inspector arrives.

Before the Inspector Arrives

• Clear access to the roof: Move vehicles, patio furniture, grills, or anything else near the house that could block ladder placement. The inspector needs a stable, level surface for the ladder, ideally on at least two sides of the home.
• Trim overhanging branches: If branches are touching or hanging over the roof, trim them back if you can safely reach them. This gives the inspector clear access and removes a common source of roof damage.
• Clear the attic access: If your attic access is in a closet or hallway, clear any items blocking it. The inspector needs to get into the attic to check decking, ventilation, and insulation from below.
• Secure pets: Dogs in the yard can prevent the inspector from setting up ladders or walking the perimeter. Keep pets inside or in a secured area during the inspection.
• Note any known issues: If you have noticed leaks, stains, unusual sounds during wind, or anything else concerning, make a list. Share this with the inspector so they can pay extra attention to those areas.
• Gather roof documentation: If you have it, have these ready: original roofing contract or receipt (for installation date and materials), manufacturer warranty information, any previous inspection reports, insurance claim history related to the roof.

Questions to Ask Your Inspector

A good inspector welcomes questions. Here are the ones that will give you the most useful information:

What to Expect During the Inspection

A thorough professional roof inspection typically takes 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the size and complexity of your roof. Here is the general flow:

• Initial walkthrough (5-10 min): The inspector discusses your concerns, asks about the roof's age and history, and does a ground-level visual assessment.
• Exterior roof inspection (20-45 min): The inspector climbs onto the roof (or deploys a drone) and systematically examines every component: shingles, flashing, vents, penetrations, ridges, valleys, gutters, and drainage.
• Attic inspection (10-20 min): The inspector enters the attic to check decking from below, ventilation, insulation, and signs of moisture or structural issues.
• Documentation (ongoing): Photos are taken throughout the process. A thorough inspector takes 50 to 200 photos depending on the roof's condition.
• Findings discussion (10-15 min): The inspector walks you through what they found, shows you relevant photos, and discusses recommendations.

Be home during the inspection if possible. Walking through the findings in person is far more valuable than reading a report later. You can ask questions, see the photos on the spot, and get context that does not always translate to paper.

The inspection itself is only half the value. What happens next -- how you interpret the findings and act on them -- determines whether the inspection actually protects your home or just generates a report that sits in a drawer.

Understanding Your Inspection Report

A professional inspection report should include:

• Overall condition rating: A summary assessment -- typically rated as Good, Fair, Poor, or Critical (or a numerical score). This gives you the big picture at a glance.
• Component-by-component findings: Each area of the roof (surface, flashing, ventilation, gutters, attic, structure) with specific observations and photos.
• Prioritized recommendations: What needs to be done now (critical), soon (moderate), and eventually (low priority).
• Estimated remaining life: Based on the current condition, an estimate of how many more years the roof can perform before replacement is necessary.
• Photos with annotations: Close-up photos of every issue found, with arrows or circles highlighting the specific concern and a brief explanation.

Acting on the Findings: Decision Framework

Inspection findings generally fall into four categories. Here is how to think about each one:

Insurance Considerations After an Inspection

If the inspection reveals storm damage, you may have an insurance claim. Here is how to handle it:

• Keep the inspection report and photos. This is your first line of documentation. A detailed inspection report from a licensed contractor carries significant weight with insurance adjusters.
• Understand the difference between storm damage and wear. Insurance covers sudden, accidental damage (wind, hail, fallen trees). It does not cover gradual deterioration from age, neglect, or normal wear. A professional inspector can help distinguish between the two.
• Do not file a claim for maintenance items. Filing a claim that gets denied can still appear on your CLUE report and affect future coverage or premiums.
• Get your contractor's assessment before calling your insurer. Know what you are dealing with before you start the claims process. See our comprehensive guide on how to get insurance to pay for roof replacement in SC.

Sometimes an inspection reveals that your roof has reached the end of its functional life. Here are the specific findings that indicate it is time to replace your roof rather than continue repairing it. For a deeper dive, see our dedicated guide on 5 signs you need a new roof in Myrtle Beach and our guide on when to replace your roof.

The Repair vs. Replace Decision

Not every inspection finding means you need a new roof. But when multiple serious findings stack up, continuing to repair becomes like putting new tires on a car with a cracked engine block. Here is the framework I use with homeowners:

The 30% Rule

Here is a practical guideline I share with homeowners: if the cost of necessary repairs exceeds 30% of the cost of a full replacement, it usually makes more financial sense to replace the entire roof. This is especially true for older roofs where you are likely to face additional repairs in the coming years even after fixing today's problems.

For example, if a full roof replacement costs $12,000 and your inspection reveals $4,000 in needed repairs on a 17-year-old roof in coastal SC, the math favors replacement. You spend $4,000 now on repairs, then likely spend another $2,000 to $3,000 over the next two to three years as other components continue to age. At that point, you have spent $6,000 to $7,000 and still have an old roof that is progressively failing.

Coastal SC Replacement Triggers

These findings during an inspection are near-automatic replacement indicators for Grand Strand homes:

• Widespread seal strip failure: When shingle tabs across most of the roof are no longer adhered, the entire roof is vulnerable to wind uplift. You cannot re-seal hundreds of individual tabs -- the adhesive has aged out across the board.
• Systematic metal corrosion: If salt air has corroded most of the flashing, fasteners, and drip edge, replacing individual components piecemeal is like plugging holes in a screen door. The entire metal component system needs to be renewed, which means removing the shingles anyway.
• Underlayment failure: If water is getting through the shingles and the underlayment beneath is no longer providing a secondary water barrier (common after 15+ years in coastal conditions), the protective system has failed at two levels.
• Multiple layers: If your roof already has two layers of shingles (the maximum allowed by most SC building codes), any significant repair or damage means a full tear-off and replacement -- you cannot add a third layer.
• Structural sagging: A visibly sagging ridge line or roof plane indicates framing or decking failure that cannot be fixed by surface repairs. This requires a full replacement with structural remediation.

For more on how long you can expect your specific roof material to last in our climate, read our roof lifespan guide for coastal climates.

I have made this point throughout the guide, but it deserves its own section: a roof inspection in Myrtle Beach and coastal South Carolina is fundamentally different from a roof inspection in Charlotte, Atlanta, or any inland city. If your inspector does not understand coastal-specific deterioration patterns, they will miss things that matter.

Salt Air Corrosion Inspection

Salt-laden air from the Atlantic Ocean creates a corrosive environment that attacks every metal component on your roof. The closer you are to the water, the more aggressive the corrosion. Properties in Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, and along Ocean Boulevard experience more severe corrosion than homes in Carolina Forest or Conway, but all Grand Strand homes are affected.

A coastal-aware inspection specifically checks:

• Galvanized steel fasteners: Standard galvanized nails and screws can show corrosion within 5 to 10 years in heavy salt exposure. We look for rust staining around nail heads, which indicates the fastener is corroding and losing holding strength.
• Aluminum flashing: While aluminum resists corrosion better than steel, it can develop pitting and white oxidation in severe salt environments. We check for integrity at all flashing joints.
• Drip edge deterioration: Standard drip edge can rust through in 10 to 15 years of coastal exposure. Once it fails, water gets behind the fascia board and starts rotting the structure.
• Pipe boot metal collars: The metal base rings on pipe boots are a common corrosion failure point. When the metal corrodes through, water enters around every plumbing vent.
• Gutter hangers and fasteners: Corroded gutter hangers cause sagging and eventual gutter detachment, especially under the weight of heavy rain during tropical storms.

Hurricane and Wind Damage Assessment

Living in a hurricane zone means your roof faces wind loading that most inland roofs never experience. An experienced coastal inspector looks for:

• Cumulative wind micro-damage: Repeated exposure to tropical storms and hurricanes causes progressive damage that may not be obvious from any single event. Seal strips weaken, shingle edges lift incrementally, and fastener hold decreases over time.
• Wind-driven rain entry: Wind-driven rain can force water horizontally under shingles and into the building envelope through gaps that would never leak in normal rainfall. We check for staining patterns that indicate wind-driven rain entry versus gravity leaks.
• Uplift vulnerability: We assess how well the shingle system would perform in Category 1, 2, or 3 winds based on the current condition of seal strips, fastener patterns, and edge details. This is not theoretical -- it is practical storm preparedness.
• Hurricane strap condition: In the attic, we check whether hurricane straps/clips connecting the roof framing to the walls are present, properly installed, and in good condition. Missing or corroded straps are a critical vulnerability.

UV and Thermal Exposure Assessment

Myrtle Beach receives approximately 2,800+ hours of sunshine per year. That UV exposure -- combined with roof surface temperatures that can exceed 160 degrees Fahrenheit in summer -- accelerates asphalt degradation faster than cooler, cloudier climates. Our inspections specifically assess:

• South-facing slope degradation: South and southwest-facing roof planes receive the most UV and heat exposure. We compare south-facing slopes to north-facing slopes on the same roof to gauge the rate of UV-driven aging.
• Granule loss rate: We quantify granule loss by examining gutter accumulation and bare spots on the shingle surface. In coastal SC, accelerated granule loss can reduce shingle life by 5 to 10 years.
• Thermal cycling damage: We check sealants, flashing joints, and material interfaces for gaps caused by repeated thermal expansion and contraction. Spring and fall are particularly aggressive for thermal cycling in our climate.

Humidity and Biological Growth Assessment

Year-round humidity averaging 70 to 80% creates conditions for biological growth that you simply do not see in drier climates:

• Algae (Gloeocapsa magma): Those dark streaks running down your roof are not dirt -- they are algae colonies that feed on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. They are cosmetic initially but accelerate granule loss over time.
• Moss and lichen: More aggressive than algae, moss roots can lift shingle edges and retain moisture against the roof surface. Lichen produces acids that chemically degrade shingle materials.
• Attic mold: High ambient humidity combined with inadequate ventilation creates condensation in the attic. Over time, this leads to mold growth on decking and framing -- a health hazard and structural concern.
• Fascia and soffit rot: Persistent humidity promotes wood rot in fascia boards and wood soffits, which are part of the roof drainage and ventilation system. See our guide on soffit damage warning signs for detailed information.

Not all roof inspections are the same. The type you need depends on your situation -- whether you are doing routine maintenance, buying a home, filing an insurance claim, or investigating a specific problem. Here is a breakdown of each type.

1. Routine Maintenance Inspection

Purpose: Preventive health check to catch problems early and maintain the roof's performance.

When: Twice per year (spring and fall) plus after major storms.

What it covers: Full exterior and interior assessment of all roof components. Written report with photos and prioritized recommendations.

Who performs it: Licensed roofing contractor or certified roof inspector.

Cost: $150-$300, or free from reputable contractors like WeatherShield Roofing.

2. Pre-Purchase (Buyer's) Inspection

Purpose: Evaluate the roof's condition before buying a home. Identify remaining life, needed repairs, and potential deal-breakers.

When: During the home buying due diligence period, in addition to the general home inspection.

What it covers: Comprehensive condition assessment with estimated remaining life, estimated repair and replacement costs, and building code compliance review.

Who performs it: Independent roofing contractor who has no relationship with the seller or the seller's agent. This ensures an unbiased assessment.

Cost: $200-$400 standalone; may be included in a comprehensive home inspection ($300-$500).

Coastal SC note: This inspection is especially important for homes along the Grand Strand. I routinely inspect homes being sold where the listing says "roof replaced 10 years ago" but the actual condition suggests the roof is performing like a 15- to 18-year-old roof due to coastal degradation. Knowing the real condition prevents buyers from inheriting a surprise replacement expense.

3. Pre-Listing (Seller's) Inspection

Purpose: Proactively identify and address roof issues before listing a home for sale, preventing buyer objections and negotiation delays.

When: Before listing the home, ideally 1-2 months before going on market to allow time for any repairs.

What it covers: Same scope as a buyer's inspection. The seller can use the report to make repairs proactively or to provide documentation showing the roof's current condition.

Why it matters: A clean roof inspection report from a respected local contractor can smooth negotiations and prevent deals from falling apart over roof concerns. In the Grand Strand real estate market, roof condition is consistently one of the top buyer concerns.

4. Insurance Claim Inspection

Purpose: Document storm damage for an insurance claim, distinguishing between covered perils (wind, hail, fallen trees) and pre-existing wear.

When: After a named storm, hail event, or any weather event that may have caused damage.

What it covers: Detailed documentation of all storm-related damage with date-stamped photos, measurements, and a scope of loss that aligns with insurance adjuster standards. Should clearly separate storm damage from pre-existing conditions.

Who performs it: A licensed roofing contractor experienced in insurance claims. The contractor's documentation supports your claim and provides a counterpoint to the insurance adjuster's assessment if they undervalue the damage.

Cost: Typically free from contractors who may perform the subsequent repair or replacement work.

For the full claims process, see our guide on how to get insurance to pay for roof replacement in SC.

5. Post-Storm Emergency Inspection

Purpose: Rapid assessment after a major storm to determine whether the roof is safe and whether emergency tarping or repairs are needed to prevent further damage.

When: Within 24-48 hours of a hurricane, severe thunderstorm, tornado, or major hail event.

What it covers: Focused assessment of immediate threats -- active leaks, structural damage, exposed decking, displaced shingles, tree impacts. Less detailed than a full inspection but focused on preventing further damage.

Coastal SC note: After a hurricane, demand for inspections surges and wait times can extend to weeks. Having an established relationship with a local roofing contractor means you are already in their client list and can be prioritized. See our hurricane roof damage guide for the complete post-storm protocol.

6. Warranty Compliance Inspection

Purpose: Some manufacturer warranties (including GAF's enhanced warranties) require periodic inspections to maintain warranty validity. If you have a GAF Golden Pledge or Silver Pledge warranty, periodic inspections by a GAF certified contractor may be required.

When: Per the warranty terms -- typically every 5 years or as specified.

Who performs it: Must be a contractor certified by the warranty issuer. As a GAF Certified Master Elite contractor, WeatherShield Roofing can perform warranty inspections for GAF-warranted roofs.

Not all roof inspectors are created equal. The quality of your inspection depends entirely on who performs it. Here is what to look for when choosing a roof inspector in the Grand Strand area.

Essential Qualifications

Red Flags to Avoid

• Door-to-door solicitation after storms: Reputable contractors do not canvass neighborhoods after hurricanes. Storm chasers do.
• "We'll handle your insurance claim for you": Be cautious of contractors who want to take over the claims process. You should maintain control of your own claim.
• No written report: If they inspect and give only a verbal assessment with no documentation, you have no evidence of the inspection for insurance, warranty, or future reference.
• Pressure to sign immediately: A legitimate contractor gives you findings and lets you decide on your timeline. Pressure tactics indicate they are selling, not advising.
• Offering to waive your deductible: This is insurance fraud in South Carolina. Any contractor who offers this is willing to commit fraud, which tells you everything about their ethics.
• No photos in the report: Claims without photographic evidence are claims you cannot verify. A proper inspection includes dozens of annotated photos.
• Cash-only operations: Legitimate contractors accept multiple payment methods and provide receipts. Cash-only suggests they may not be properly licensed or insured.

Why Manufacturer Certification Matters

Manufacturer certifications like GAF Master Elite are not participation trophies. GAF Master Elite status requires:

• Licensing, insurance, and a proven reputation
• Commitment to ongoing professional training
• Financial stability verification
• Only 2% of roofing contractors in the country qualify

When a GAF Master Elite contractor inspects your roof, they are evaluating it against the manufacturer's installation standards. They can identify whether previous work was installed correctly, whether a warranty claim is valid, and whether the roofing system is performing as designed. This level of expertise is particularly valuable for insurance claim documentation, where the quality of your contractor's assessment can directly affect the outcome of your claim.

After inspecting thousands of roofs across the Grand Strand, I have heard every misconception in the book. Here are the most common myths about roof inspections -- and the truth that homeowners need to know.

Myth 1: "If There Are No Leaks, the Roof Is Fine"

Truth: By the time you see a leak inside your home, the damage has been progressing for months or years. Water has to penetrate the shingles, the underlayment, and the decking before it reaches your ceiling. By the time it stains your drywall, the decking may be rotting, insulation may be saturated, and mold may be growing. An inspection catches problems long before they become visible leaks.

Myth 2: "A New Roof Does Not Need Inspection"

Truth: Installation defects are one of the most common reasons new roofs fail prematurely. Improper nailing patterns, missing starter strips, inadequate flashing, and incorrect ventilation can all be present on a brand-new roof if the installer cut corners. A post-installation inspection by a different contractor (not the one who installed it) catches these issues while the original installer can still be held accountable.

Myth 3: "I Can Tell if My Roof Is Bad by Looking From the Ground"

Truth: You can catch some issues from the ground (missing shingles, obvious sagging, visible algae), but most critical problems are invisible from below. Seal strip failure, pipe boot cracking, flashing deterioration, early-stage granule loss, and nail pops require close-up inspection on the roof surface. Attic issues like condensation, mold, and decking delamination are completely invisible from outside.

Myth 4: "Roof Inspections Are Just a Sales Tactic to Sell Repairs"

Truth: Unethical contractors exist in every industry, but a reputable roofing company's inspection is a genuine service. We routinely inspect roofs and tell homeowners their roof is in good shape -- no repairs needed, see you next year. An honest inspection builds trust, generates referrals, and creates a long-term client relationship. That is far more valuable than pressuring one repair sale and losing the customer forever.

Myth 5: "My Roof Warranty Covers Everything, So I Do Not Need Inspections"

Truth: Most roof warranties have maintenance requirements. If your roof fails and the manufacturer determines that the failure was caused by lack of maintenance (clogged gutters, debris accumulation, algae growth that was never treated), they may deny the warranty claim. Regular inspections create a documented maintenance record that supports warranty claims if they are ever needed. Additionally, many enhanced warranties specifically require periodic professional inspections to remain valid.

Myth 6: "All Roof Inspectors Find the Same Things"

Truth: Inspector quality varies enormously. A general home inspector checking a roof as part of a home purchase spends 15 to 30 minutes and focuses on obvious defects. A certified roofing specialist spends 45 minutes to 2 hours and evaluates components the generalist never examines. In coastal SC specifically, an inspector without coastal experience will miss salt corrosion patterns, underestimate UV degradation, and not check for hurricane readiness. The quality of your inspection is only as good as the inspector performing it.

Myth 7: "Once the Inspection Is Done, I Am Good Until the Next One"

Truth: An inspection is a snapshot of a specific moment. A storm the next week can change everything. Your scheduled inspections should be supplemented with post-storm assessments and your own monthly ground-level visual checks. The inspection establishes a baseline and identifies issues, but weather does not wait for your next scheduled appointment.