Three things homeowners think when they hear "free roof inspection"
Fair suspicion, honestly earned by our industry. So here's exactly what our inspection covers, what it costs, and what you walk away with, before anyone climbs your roof.
What our roof inspection covers
In short: Attic to shingles, decking to ventilation. Photos of everything we find and a clear written summary of what it means.
A real inspection doesn't happen from the driveway. Half of what tells you whether a roof is failing is on the underside, in the attic. Here's the full scope:
- Attic interior (when accessible): daylight at the deck, staining on rafters, soft sheeting
- Decking condition, the foundation everything else sits on
- Roof surface: curling, cracking, granule loss, wind damage
- Flashing at chimneys, walls, valleys, and pipe boots
- Ridge and valleys, where roofs fail first
- Ventilation, because a roof that can't breathe ages twice as fast
- Storm and hail damage you can't spot from the ground
- Photos and a written summary of everything, in plain language
“Hail damage almost never looks like anything from the ground. What you’re looking for is a bruise: a soft spot where the granules got knocked loose and the mat underneath is exposed. Left alone, it becomes a leak two or three years after everyone’s forgotten the storm. If your neighborhood took hail, get the roof looked at while the claim window is still open.”
Free assessment or detailed inspection: which do you need?
In short: Considering roofing work? The assessment is free. Need documentation for insurance, a real estate deal, or a storm claim? That's a detailed paid inspection.
Roof Assessment
For homeowners considering roofing work. Full inspection, photos, and an honest answer about what your roof needs, if anything.
Detailed Inspection
For insurance claims, real estate transactions, or post-storm assessments. Thorough documentation built to hold up with adjusters and in negotiations.
Either way, you get
Photos of what we find and a clear written summary. No verbal-only diagnoses, no mystery. You can hand it to your insurer, your realtor, or another contractor.
When should you book a roof inspection?
In short: After storms or hail, past the 15-year mark, before buying or selling, or when you spot warning signs from the ground.
- After a storm or hail event. Wind and hail damage is often invisible from the ground, and insurance claim windows don't stay open forever.
- When your roof passes 15 years. That's when small problems start compounding. An annual look catches them while they're still repairs, not replacements.
- Before buying or selling a home. A documented roof condition is negotiating power, whichever side of the deal you're on.
- When you can see warning signs. Curling shingles, granules in the gutters, stains on ceilings. Our guide to the 7 warning signs you need a new roof shows you what to look for.
- Before winter hits. Northern Indiana freeze-thaw and lake-effect snow punish weak spots. See our winter roof readiness guide.
Storm damage and insurance claims
In short: Claims live and die on documentation. Our Policy Guard service provides the photos and evidence, and communicates with your adjuster.
If your roof took storm damage, the inspection is step one of the claim. Adjusters respond to documented evidence: dated photos, marked-up damage, a written scope. That's exactly what our detailed inspection produces, and our Policy Guard service supports you through the rest of the process, communicating with adjusters so it stays seamless and stress-free for you.
Start with our Indiana roof insurance guide, and if your claim has already been turned down, read what to do when your roof claim is denied.
Our inspection process
In short: Five steps, ending with a written summary and zero pressure. The decision stays yours.
- The call. We listen, ask questions, book a time that works for you.
- The inspection. Attic (upon availability), decking, surface, flashing, and ventilation. The full scope above.
- The photos. Everything we find, documented. You see what we see.
- The written summary. What's wrong, what it means, and what your options are, in plain language.
- Your decision. If it needs a repair, we'll quote it. If it needs replacing, we'll say so with numbers. If it's fine, we'll tell you that too and see you in a few years.
What homeowners say after the inspection
In short: 352 Google reviews. 5.0 stars. The same words come up again and again: clean, honest, professional, would recommend.
"Better Way and Lyle were amazing. The work was completed in a day, and by the time they left, the only thing that was different was my roof. They cleaned everything up, right down to the last nail. Thank you for helping protect my family."
"All the guys were exceptional to work with. I can't recommend them enough. Quality work at a competitive price. Extremely prompt and professional."
Roof inspection questions Indiana homeowners ask
Is the roof inspection really free?
In short: Yes, for homeowners considering roofing work. Detailed paid inspections are available for insurance claims, real estate transactions, or post-storm assessments. Either way, you get photos and a clear written summary.
What does the roof inspection include?
In short: The attic when it's accessible, the decking, the roof surface, flashing at chimneys, walls, and pipes, and the ventilation. You get photos of what we find and a clear written summary of what it means and what your options are.
How often should I have my roof inspected?
In short: Once a year is good practice, plus after any major storm or hail event. Roofs past 15 years old deserve closer attention, because that's when small problems start compounding.
Do I need a roof inspection for an insurance claim?
In short: Proper documentation is what makes or breaks a claim. Our detailed inspections provide the photos and written evidence adjusters need, and our Policy Guard service communicates with them on your behalf. Read our Indiana roof insurance guide →
Will you pressure me to buy a new roof?
In short: No. If your roof has five more years in it, that's what we'll tell you. The inspection ends with an honest written summary and the decision stays yours.
Do you inspect roofs before buying or selling a home?
In short: Yes. Detailed inspections for real estate transactions are one of the main reasons homeowners call us. You get documented findings you can use in negotiations.
Communities we serve for roof inspections
Our crews are on the road every day across Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan. Click your city for local details.
Book your free roof inspection
You can't make a good decision about a roof you can't see.
We'll come out, inspect it properly from the attic up, and send you photos with a clear written summary. If something needs fixing, you'll know exactly what and exactly what it costs. If it doesn't, you'll sleep better.
Either way, the inspection is yours to keep and compare against anyone else's opinion.
Lyle Lehman, Founder