Roof inspection in Los Angeles
A roof inspection tells you what condition the roof is in and what, if anything, it needs. We look at the roofing, the flashing, the drainage and, where there is access, the attic and the underside of the deck. You get a written report with photos that separates what needs attention now from what can wait, so you can plan and budget with facts.
- Service
- Roof inspection
- Contractor
- LA General Builders, CSLB Lic #1044686
What an inspection is for
Most people only think about the roof when it leaks, and by then the wood under it is already wet. An inspection finds the small problems first: a cracked pipe boot, lifted flashing, a slipped tile. These are inexpensive to repair when they are caught early and expensive when they are left.
For a buyer or a seller, the inspection puts facts on the table. A buyer learns what the roof will need and can negotiate with the report in hand. A seller can fix problems before they come up in escrow, or price the house with the roof's condition already documented. We describe what we see plainly and do not push a replacement the roof does not need.
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On the roof
We check the surface and each place the roof is opened: chimney (1), pipes (2), skylights (3) and edges (4).
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In the attic
Water marks on the wood show where water gets in (1), often far from the stain on the ceiling (2).
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Drainage
Valleys, gutters and drains are checked for blockages and for places where water stands.
When to have the roof inspected
- Before you buy a house, while you can still negotiate
- Before you sell, so there are no surprises in escrow
- After a heavy storm or strong winds
- When you see a stain, a drip or loose roofing
- Before you add solar panels to an older roof
- When the roof is getting old and you want to plan ahead
How the job runs
The same steps on every job, from the first look at the roof to the final inspection.
Ask about the roof's history
The age of the roof, past leaks and earlier repairs tell us where to look hardest.
Check from the ground and the eaves
We look at the roofline, fascia, gutters and the edges of the roofing before going up.
Walk the roof
Where the roof is safe to walk, we check the field, ridges, valleys, flashing, vents and skylights up close.
Look inside the attic
Where there is access, we check the underside of the deck for water marks, daylight and ventilation problems.
Write the report
You get a written report with photos, sorted into what needs attention now, what to watch and what is in good shape.
Talk it through
We go over the findings with you and answer questions, and give a written price for any repair you want done.
What the inspection covers
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing surface | Shingles, tile, metal or membrane | Wear, cracks, missing pieces, lifted edges and earlier repairs. |
| Flashing and penetrations | Chimneys, walls, skylights and vent pipes | Where most leaks start, so each one is checked. |
| Drainage | Valleys, gutters, drains and scuppers | Blockages and places where water stands instead of running off. |
| Structure and attic | Deck, rafters, fascia and ventilation | Sagging, rot, water staining and signs of poor airflow. |
What sets the price
- The size of the roof and how many levels it has
- Pitch and height, which affect how the roof can be accessed
- The roofing material, since tile takes more care to walk than shingle
- Whether there is attic access
- Whether you need the report for a sale or for your own planning
Permits and inspections
An inspection by a contractor is not a city inspection and needs no permit. If the report leads to repair or replacement work, we check the permit requirement for that work and handle it.
Questions homeowners ask
What do I get at the end?
A written report with photos of what we found, sorted by how soon each item needs attention. If you want any of it repaired, we give you a written price.
Is this the same as a home inspection?
No. A home inspector looks at the whole house and usually views the roof briefly. A roof inspection is done by a roofing crew and looks at the roof in detail.
Can you tell me how many years the roof has left?
We can tell you what condition it is in and what is likely to fail first. Nobody can give an exact number of years, and we will not pretend to.
Do you walk on tile roofs?
Only where it can be done without breaking tile. Where it cannot, we inspect from the eaves, from ladders and from the attic.
Get a price for your roof
Tell us about the roof and we will call you to set up a visit. Or call now and talk to an estimator.
818-741-5451See a price range in about a minute
LA General Builders, 8728 Zelzah Ave, Northridge, CA 91325
CSLB Lic #1044686