Whether you own a home or manage a commercial property, your roof is one of the most important components of the structure. It shields the building from weather, protects what’s inside, and directly affects long-term property value and maintenance costs. But because it’s out of sight, it’s often out of mind—until there’s a problem.
One of the most effective ways to prevent costly repairs is through regular roof inspections. But how often should you schedule them? The answer depends on the type of building, the type of roof, the climate, and your warranty requirements.
In this article, we’ll outline how often homeowners and commercial property owners should schedule roof inspections, what those inspections typically cover, and how regular checkups can save you money and stress in the long run.
Residential Roofs: How Often Should Homeowners Schedule an Inspection?
For homeowners, the general recommendation is to schedule a professional roof inspection once per year—typically in the spring or fall. An annual inspection helps catch early signs of wear, damage from storms, or aging materials before they lead to leaks or structural issues.
When Else Should You Inspect a Residential Roof?
In addition to an annual inspection, homeowners should consider additional checkups in the following situations:
- After a major storm: High winds, hail, or falling branches can cause hidden damage that isn’t visible from the ground.
- Before selling or buying a home: A roof inspection helps ensure transparency and gives both parties peace of mind.
- If your roof is over 10 years old: Materials naturally break down over time. More frequent inspections (twice per year) may be warranted.
What Homeowners Should Look For Between Inspections
While a professional should conduct the full inspection, homeowners can keep an eye out for warning signs from the ground:
- Missing or curled shingles
- Granule loss or buildup in gutters
- Sagging or uneven roof lines
- Water stains on ceilings or attic rafters
- Flashing that looks rusted or dislodged
If anything seems out of place, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection promptly—waiting could lead to larger problems.
Commercial Roofs: How Often Should You Inspect?
For commercial properties, the stakes are even higher. A leak can disrupt operations, damage inventory, or create safety hazards. That’s why most commercial roofing professionals—including Rhino Roofers—recommend scheduling a professional roof inspection at least once per year, with many property managers opting for biannual inspections (every 6 months).
Why More Frequent Inspections?
Commercial roofing systems are often flat or low-sloped, which makes them more vulnerable to:
- Ponding water
- Foot traffic and mechanical equipment
- Thermal expansion and contraction
- Membrane wear around penetrations and edges
In these systems, small problems like clogged drains or cracked flashing can develop into major issues quickly. Frequent inspections help detect and correct these issues before they require significant repairs or replacements.
Key Times to Schedule Commercial Roof Inspections
- Annually (at minimum): To stay compliant with manufacturer and contractor warranties (Rhino Roofers’ workmanship warranty requires annual inspection).
- After major weather events: Especially in Central Texas, where hail and wind can cause surface damage.
- Before and after installing rooftop equipment: HVAC units, solar panels, or signage can create new vulnerabilities.
Warranty Compliance: Why Scheduling Matters
Both residential and commercial roof warranties often include conditions requiring regular inspections and documented maintenance. Failing to meet these terms may void coverage—even if the damage would otherwise have been eligible for repair or replacement.
For example, Rhino Roofers offers a two-year workmanship warranty, which requires at least one inspection per year to remain valid. This inspection verifies that the roof remains in good condition and that no issues have developed due to installation errors or environmental wear.
Manufacturer warranties, especially for commercial systems like TPO or modified bitumen, may also require detailed service records and routine assessments from certified professionals.
What’s Included in a Professional Roof Inspection?
Whether you’re inspecting a home or a commercial facility, a professional inspection typically includes:
For Residential Roofs
- Shingle or tile condition
- Flashing and chimney sealing
- Gutter and downspout functionality
- Signs of moss, algae, or water damage
- Ventilation and attic moisture checks
For Commercial Roofs
- Membrane condition (TPO, EPDM, etc.)
- Flashing, seams, and penetration checks
- Drainage system performance (scuppers, internal drains)
- Evidence of ponding water or debris
- Rooftop equipment integrity and sealing
At the end of the inspection, you should receive a detailed report outlining any concerns, recommended repairs, and photographic documentation.
DIY Observation Between Inspections
While you shouldn’t attempt to walk on your roof—especially on commercial systems—you can still perform visual checks from the ground or upper windows.
For Homeowners:
- After storms, look for loose or missing shingles
- Watch for water stains on ceilings or in the attic
- Check that gutters are clear and firmly attached
For Building Owners/Managers:
- Look for pooling water on flat roof surfaces
- Ensure drains and scuppers are free of debris
- Inspect flashing and rooftop equipment for visible wear or movement
When in doubt, always contact a qualified roofing contractor for a closer look.
Stick to a Schedule and Always Call Rhino Roofers, the Best Roofing Company in Central Texas
The question isn’t if you should get your roof inspected—it’s how often. For most homeowners, an annual inspection is sufficient. For commercial properties, twice a year—ideally before and after peak storm seasons—is often the safest approach. Rhino Roofers can help you with BOTH residential and commercial roofs.
Regular inspections are more than just routine—they’re an investment in your property’s health, value, and risk management. They help you:
- Prevent costly damage
- Extend the life of your roofing system
- Maintain warranty compliance
- Plan ahead for future repairs or replacements
If it’s been more than a year since your last inspection, now is the time to schedule one. Whether you’re managing a single-family home or a 200,000-square-foot warehouse, the roof won’t take care of itself—but with regular checkups, it won’t need to surprise you either.