Roof Inspection in New York, NY

A roof inspection is a close look at the condition of your roof, from the surface materials to the flashing, vents, and drainage points. This site connects New York homeowners with independent, licensed roofing contractors who can perform inspections. We don't perform them ourselves. An inspection can be useful before you buy a home, after a heavy storm, or when you notice a stain on the ceiling and want to know where the water is coming from.

In New York City, roofs take a lot of punishment. Nor'easters, summer thunderstorms, and winter freeze-and-thaw cycles all stress seams, shingles, and flashing. Homes here also vary a great deal: brownstone and row-house roofs with bulkheads and skylights, flat roofs on multifamily buildings, and pitched roofs on houses in the outer boroughs. A contractor who inspects these roofs regularly should know where leaks tend to start, such as around chimneys, parapet walls, and roof edges.

When you request quotes, ask each contractor what the inspection covers, whether you'll receive written findings or photos, and whether there is a fee. Those details vary from one independent provider to the next. If you live in a co-op or condo, check with your board or managing agent before anyone goes onto the roof, since access rules often apply. Comparing a few responses can help you understand your roof's condition before you commit to any repairs.

Signs you need roof inspection

• Water stains, peeling paint, or damp spots on ceilings or upper-floor walls
• Missing, curled, cracked, or blistered shingles or roofing membrane
• Granules from asphalt shingles collecting in gutters or at downspouts
• Cracked or loose flashing around chimneys, skylights, vents, or parapet walls
• Daylight visible through the roof boards in an attic or top-floor space
• A recent severe storm, fallen branch, or you're buying or selling a property