Not all roof inspections are created equal. Many homeowners assume that an inspection is simply a quick look at shingles and flashing, but the reality is that the depth of an inspection can vary dramatically from one roofing company to another. Some contractors perform limited visual checks, while others take a far more comprehensive approach. Understanding the difference between a basic roof inspection and a detailed multi-point inspection can help you make a smarter decision when choosing a roofing contractor. More importantly, it can determine whether hidden issues are discovered early—or missed entirely. Let’s break down what different types of roof inspections typically include, what they often overlook, and why a comprehensive 37-point inspection from Rhino Roofers provides superior protection for Austin homeowners.
What Is a Basic Roof Inspection?
Many roofers advertise “free inspections,” but the scope of those inspections can vary widely. A basic roof inspection usually involves a visual check of shingles, a quick look at flashing around chimneys and vents, checking for obvious missing or damaged shingles, and a general assessment of roof age and appearance. These inspections are often conducted from the ground or with a brief walk on the roof. While they can identify major visible problems, they frequently do not evaluate the entire roofing system. Basic inspections are helpful for spotting obvious damage, but they may miss early-stage deterioration, ventilation problems, moisture intrusion, or structural concerns beneath the surface.
What Is a Mid-Level or “Standard” Multi-Point Inspection?
Some roofing companies go a step further and offer inspections with 10–15 checkpoints. These may include shingle condition, flashing condition, valleys and ridgelines, gutter condition, and a limited attic or interior check. This level of inspection is more thorough than a basic visual check, but it still tends to focus heavily on exterior surfaces. While helpful, mid-level inspections may not fully evaluate how all roofing components work together as a system.
What Makes a 37-Point Roof Inspection Different?
A 37-point inspection takes a system-wide approach to evaluating your roof. Instead of only focusing on surface-level materials, this type of inspection examines every critical component that contributes to roof performance and longevity. A comprehensive inspection typically evaluates shingles and roofing materials, flashing and sealant at all penetrations, valleys, ridges, and transitions, underlayment when visible, roof decking condition, ventilation systems, intake and exhaust airflow, attic insulation condition, signs of moisture intrusion, structural integrity, fascia and soffit condition, gutters and drainage performance, signs of storm impact or hail bruising, nail placement and fastening integrity, and previous repair workmanship. Rather than checking only what’s easy to see, a 37-point inspection looks at how your entire roofing system functions together.
Why Roofing Is More Than Just Shingles
Many homeowners think of roofing as simply the material on top of the house. In reality, your roof is a layered system designed to manage water, airflow, and temperature. If any part of that system fails—ventilation, flashing, underlayment, or decking—it can compromise the entire roof, even if shingles still look fine. Smaller inspections tend to focus only on shingles. A 37-point inspection evaluates how heat escapes from the attic, whether moisture is being trapped, if flashing is directing water properly, and whether decking is structurally sound. This deeper approach identifies root causes, not just surface symptoms.
Hidden Problems Smaller Inspections Often Miss
Basic and limited inspections frequently fail to detect subtle hail bruising, early granule loss, improper ventilation, soft decking, nail pops beneath shingles, moisture trapped in attic spaces, and improper previous repairs. These hidden issues can shorten roof lifespan significantly if left unaddressed. A 37-point inspection is designed specifically to catch these problems early.
Why Inspection Depth Matters in Austin
Austin’s climate places unique stress on roofs. Intense UV exposure, high summer temperatures, strong winds, hailstorms, and heavy rain events all accelerate wear. Because of these conditions, roofs in Central Texas often experience faster aging than those in milder climates. A limited inspection may miss early signs of heat-related deterioration or storm impact. A comprehensive inspection accounts for Austin-specific stress factors and evaluates whether your roof is equipped to handle them.
How Rhino Roofers Uses the 37-Point Inspection
Rhino Roofers’ 37-point inspection is designed to give homeowners a clear, honest understanding of their roof’s condition. Their process focuses on identifying current problems, detecting early-stage deterioration, evaluating overall system performance, explaining findings in plain language, and recommending practical next steps. Instead of pushing unnecessary replacements, Rhino Roofers uses inspection data to guide homeowners toward the most appropriate solution—whether that’s maintenance, repair, or replacement.
The Value of a Comprehensive Inspection
Choosing a roofer who performs a detailed inspection provides several advantages. You experience fewer surprises later, receive more accurate estimates, gain better long-term planning, reduce the risk of premature roof failure, and have greater confidence in your roofing decisions. You’re not just paying for someone to “look at your roof.” You’re investing in a thorough evaluation that protects one of your home’s largest assets.
Why Rhino Roofers’ Inspection Stands Out
The difference between a 10-point inspection and a 37-point inspection is the difference between surface-level checking and system-level understanding. Rhino Roofers’ approach ensures nothing important is overlooked, small issues are caught early, homeowners receive complete transparency, and solutions are based on facts rather than guesses. This higher standard of inspection is one of the reasons many Austin homeowners choose Rhino Roofers when they want real answers, not quick opinions.
Choose the Inspection That Protects Your Home
When it comes to your roof, the quality of the inspection directly impacts the quality of the outcome. A basic inspection may tell you if shingles are missing. A 37-point inspection tells you how healthy your entire roofing system truly is. If you want a detailed, professional evaluation of your roof, Rhino Roofers’ 37-point inspection provides the clarity you need to make confident decisions. Schedule your inspection today and take the first step toward protecting your home with a roofing team that looks deeper, checks more thoroughly, and puts your long-term interests first.