How Long Does a Roof Inspection Take?

How Long Does a Roof Inspection Take?

When homeowners or property managers start planning maintenance, one of the most common questions we hear is simple: How long does a roof inspection actually take? Whether it is a Roof Inspection in Toronto or a roof inspection in Mississauga, the timeline can vary based on several factors. At Independent Roof Inspection Services, we understand that your time matters just as much as the condition of your roof. Over the years, we have inspected thousands of commercial, residential, and institutional properties. Our goal is to help you understand what to expect so you can plan confidently and make informed decisions.

Roof inspections are more than a quick glance at shingles. A proper inspection involves accessing the roof, examining the attic ventilation, reviewing eaves troughs, identifying deficiencies, and determining the remaining service life of your roofing system. In our experience, a thorough inspection is one of the most valuable investments you can make for the long-term performance of your property.

Below is a complete guide that breaks down the typical timeframe, what affects it, and why a professional inspection is essential.

Table of Contents

1. Why Roof Inspections Matter

Your roof is one of the three essential systems in any building. Just like plumbing and electrical systems, the roofing system protects your home or business from structural damage, water ingress, and insulation issues.

At Independent Roof Inspection Services, our experience comes from decades of hands-on roofing, foreman supervision, sales, estimating, and eventually independent inspection work. We have seen what can happen when a roof is ignored or when homeowners rely on contractors who might prioritize sales over accuracy. This is why our inspections remain completely independent and unbiased. We perform no roofing work. Our only job is to provide accurate inspection results and recommendations.

A complete inspection helps you:

• Identify leaks and water ingress before they cause major damage
• Determine whether your roof needs repairs or a full replacement
• Understand the true condition of a newly installed roof
• Validate quotes from roofing contractors
• Protect your investment and avoid unnecessary costs

2. How Long Does a Roof Inspection Take

A typical roof inspection generally takes 45 minutes to 2 hours. The exact time depends on the property size, roof type, age of the roofing system, access points, and the presence of complex features such as skylights or rooftop mechanical units.

Here is an approximate timeline:

Property Type	Average Inspection Time
Small Residential Homes	45 to 60 minutes
Medium Residential Homes	60 to 90 minutes
Large Residential Properties	90 minutes to 2 hours
Commercial or Industrial Buildings	2 hours to several hours depending on size

In a Roof Inspection, weather and roof accessibility can also play a role in determining how long we are on-site.

Our priority is accuracy. This means we always get onto the roof and often enter the attic space when necessary. A proper inspection should never be rushed and should never be done from the ground with binoculars. That type of inspection simply cannot give you an honest assessment.

3. Factors That Influence Inspection Time

Several factors can change how long a roof inspection takes. Some of the most common include:

1. Roof Size

A larger roof requires more walking, more measurements, and more detailed assessments.

2. Roof Slope

Steeper roofs require additional safety precautions and more time to navigate.

3. Roofing Material

Shingled, metal, modified bitumen, and flat membrane roofs each require a slightly different approach. For example, a flat roof on a commercial building may require extra time to assess drains, parapet walls, and membrane conditions.

4. Age of the Roof

Older roofs typically have more wear and additional areas of concern that require careful evaluation.

5. Attic and Ventilation Access

If we need to inspect ventilation, insulation, and airflow, the inspection may take longer.

6. Weather Conditions

Wet, icy, or windy conditions may require slower, more careful movement across the roof.

7. Building Type

Commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings often include equipment, ducts, and larger surface areas that require more time.

4. What We Examine During an Inspection

Our inspections are comprehensive, unbiased, and recognized by major insurance companies, condominium corporations, and Tarion.

During your inspection, we assess:

• Overall roof structure
• Condition of shingles or membrane
• Flashings
• Valleys and ridges
• Chimneys
• Vents, fans, and protrusions
• Skylights
• Eaves troughs and downpipes
• Attic ventilation and insulation
• Evidence of water ingress
• Roofing workmanship quality
• Remaining service life estimate

We also identify any deficiencies and provide recommendations that help you determine whether repairs or full replacement is necessary.

5. Residential vs Commercial Roof Inspection Timelines

Residential

Most residential inspections are completed in under 90 minutes. These inspections focus on shingles, flashings, eaves troughs, and attic ventilation.

Commercial or Industrial

These inspections may take significantly longer because commercial roofs often include:

• Large flat roofing systems
• Hot asphalt systems
• TPO or modified bitumen membranes
• HVAC units and multiple penetrations
• Larger drainage systems
• Detailed perimeter wall checks

Commercial inspections may require several hours depending on square footage and roof complexity.

6. Why Independent Reporting Matters

At Independent Roof Inspection Services, our independence is our strength. We are not affiliated with any roofing company and we do not perform roofing work. Our purpose is to protect you by offering accurate assessments based on industry knowledge and years of direct roofing experience.

Our reports are widely accepted because they are thorough, neutral, and built on real hands-on expertise. When you need a second opinion, our job is to make it your first choice.

7. What You Can Expect From Us

When you book a Roof Inspection with us, you can expect:

• A detailed on-site assessment
• Photos of all deficiencies
• A clear explanation of the roof condition
• Comments on the state of troughs and downpipes
• Estimated serviceable life
• Unbiased recommendations
• Review of quotes if you obtain multiple contractor estimates
• Professionalism and integrity throughout the entire process

We are certified, insured, fall-protection trained, and WSIB compliant. Every inspection is performed with safety, accuracy, and quality in mind.

8. 5 Key Takeaways

1. A roof inspection generally takes 45 minutes to 2 hours.
2. Size, material, access, and roof age all influence the timeframe.
3. A thorough inspection requires getting onto the roof and into the attic when needed.
4. Independent inspections protect you from unnecessary roofing costs.
5. Our team offers unbiased, accurate reporting backed by decades of real roofing experience.