Stanley Roof and Solar provides free, thorough roof inspections throughout Vancouver, WA and the Portland metro, checking shingles, flashing, gutters, and ventilation. As a Malarkey Premium Certified Contractor, every inspection delivers an honest recommendation and written documentation, no pressure included.
A roof inspection is one of the most valuable, and most underused, roofing services out there, since it’s the starting point for almost everything else Stanley Roof and Solar does. A free inspection is already built into our roof repair and storm damage roof repair work, but you don’t need active damage to request one.
A routine inspection catches small issues while they’re still cheap and simple to fix, whether that means a targeted repair, a roof maintenance visit, or, further down the road, a full roof replacement. As a Malarkey Premium Certified contractor, our inspections give you a clear, honest answer about what your roof actually needs, not a sales pitch dressed up as an assessment.
Some warning signs are obvious from the ground, but many of the most important ones only show up on a closer look. Here’s when it’s worth scheduling an inspection rather than waiting.
Different situations call for an inspection at different times, and knowing the right trigger helps you stay ahead of problems instead of reacting to them.
Reason for Inspection | Recommended Timing | Why It Matters |
Routine maintenance | Twice a year, spring and fall | Catches wear before the next storm or wet season |
After a windstorm or hailstorm | Within 1 to 2 weeks of the event | Storm damage is often not visible from the ground |
Buying or selling a home | Before listing or before closing | Gives both parties a documented roof condition report |
New roof installation | Within the first year | Confirms workmanship and materials while still under warranty |
Insurance renewal | Before your renewal date | Some policies require proof of roof condition on older roofs |
Roof nearing the end of its rated life | As the roof approaches 20 to 30 years old | Helps you plan for repair or replacement instead of reacting to a failure |
Timing recommendations follow guidance from the National Roofing Contractors Association, which recommends inspections at least twice a year plus after any severe weather event.
A thorough inspection covers every component of the roof system, not just what’s visible from the ground. Here’s exactly what our team examines during your visit.
Area | What We Look For |
Shingles and roof surface | Cracking, curling, missing granules, missing or lifted shingles |
Flashing | Rust, gaps, or lifting around chimneys, vents, and skylights |
Gutters and downspouts | Clogs, sagging, granule buildup, and separation from the fascia |
Attic and insulation | Moisture, mold, daylight through the roof boards, and ventilation issues |
Roof deck | Soft spots, sagging, and signs of rot underneath the shingles |
Ventilation | Blocked or unbalanced intake and exhaust vents |
We check every one of these areas on every inspection, not just the spot that prompted the call, since a roof’s weak points are often somewhere other than where the symptom showed up. Proper attic ventilation matters more than most homeowners realize, since the U.S. Department of Energy notes that inadequate ventilation can trap moisture in the attic, contributing to mold growth and premature deterioration of roofing materials over time.
Inspection needs look different depending on the property, and Stanley Roof and Solar handles both with the same certified thoroughness. Our residential roofing inspections cover single-family homes and multi-unit properties throughout Vancouver, Clark County, and the greater Portland metro, checking everything from shingles and flashing to attic ventilation.
Our commercial roofing inspections address the different demands of flat and low-slope systems, including membrane condition, drainage, and rooftop equipment penetrations. We schedule commercial inspections around business hours and coordinate directly with property managers to minimize disruption, whether it’s a routine check or a post-storm assessment for a larger commercial building.
Different roofing materials age differently, and inspection frequency should reflect that. Here’s a general guide to how often each material benefits from a professional look, based on typical performance in the Pacific Northwest’s rain, wind, and moss-prone climate.
Material | Expected Lifespan | Recommended Inspection Frequency |
20 to 30 years | Annually, ideally before the rainy season | |
Metal Roofing (Standing Seam) | 40 to 70 years | Every 1 to 2 years, or after major storms |
20 to 30+ years, with enhanced warranty support | Annually to maintain warranty eligibility | |
Flat/Low-Slope | 15 to 25 years, depending on system | Twice yearly, spring and fall |
Roofs approaching the upper end of their expected lifespan, or those that have gone several years without a professional look, benefit from more frequent inspections regardless of material. If you’re not sure how your roof’s age lines up with its expected service life, a free inspection is the quickest way to find out.
A roof inspection plays a different role after a storm, since it also has to hold up as documentation. When wind, hail, or debris damages a roof, our team inspects the entire system and photographs everything clearly to build a written scope your adjuster can use, catching details easy to miss from the ground like bruised shingles, dented flashing, or granule loss in gutters. According to the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, thorough documentation is one of the most important steps in filing a smooth claim.
If the inspection reveals a leak or exposed decking, our emergency roofing team provides same-day protection while the claim and permanent repair move forward. See our storm damage roof repair page for more on the claims process.
Once the inspection is complete, you’re never left guessing about next steps. Here’s what to expect once the assessment wraps up.
Inspection cost depends on the reason for the visit and how it’s paired with other services. Here’s a general breakdown to help set expectations.
Inspection Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
Free Inspection (Paired with Repair or Storm Damage Assessment) | $0 | Included as part of our roof repair and storm damage roof repair services |
Routine Maintenance Inspection | $0–$150 | Often free or reduced when paired with a roof maintenance visit |
Pre-Purchase or Pre-Sale Inspection | $150–$350 | Detailed written report, often needed on a shorter timeline |
Insurance Documentation Inspection | $0–$200 | Frequently waived when the inspection leads to a covered repair |
Commercial Roof Inspection | $200–$500+ | Varies by building size, roof type, and rooftop equipment |
Most residential inspections tied to a repair, storm damage assessment, or routine maintenance visit are provided free of charge. Standalone inspections, like those for a home purchase or sale, carry a modest fee that reflects the detailed written report involved. Stanley Roof and Solar can confirm the exact cost for your specific situation before scheduling.
Every inspection follows the same clear process, so there’s no guesswork about what happens during your visit or afterward. Here’s exactly what to expect.
An inspection is only as valuable as the honesty behind it, and that’s exactly where our approach starts. Here’s what sets Stanley Roof and Solar apart for homeowners and businesses throughout the region.
Browse completed roof inspection and repair projects in our project gallery to see the quality and craftsmanship we deliver across Vancouver, Clark County, and the Portland metro, and read what local homeowners and businesses say on our testimonials page or Google Business Profile.
No matter where a property sits within Southwest Washington or the greater Portland metro, Stanley Roof and Solar delivers the same thorough, Malarkey Premium Certified inspection standard on every visit. From a routine check in Vancouver to a pre-purchase inspection in Portland, homeowners and businesses throughout the region get the same honest assessment and clear next steps.
Our service areas include Vancouver, WA, Clark County, WA, Battle Ground, WA, Camas, WA, Longview, WA, Woodland, WA, Multnomah County, OR, Portland, OR, Beaverton, OR, Hillsboro, OR, Tigard, OR, and Lake Oswego, OR. For a full view of our coverage, see our service area page.
Whether you’re planning ahead, checking on storm damage, or simply want peace of mind about your roof’s condition, an inspection gives you real answers instead of guesswork. Our team will assess every part of your roof, explain exactly what we find, and provide honest next steps with no pressure to book work you don’t need. The best time to catch a small issue is before it becomes an expensive one.
Contact Stanley Roof and Solar or call (800) 433-4633 to schedule a free roof inspection across Vancouver, WA and the Portland-Vancouver metro.
Whether you need a fast repair, a full roof replacement, or a solar system installed by a team that actually understands roofs, you’re one call away from a straight answer and a free estimate.
The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends inspections at least twice a year, in spring and fall, plus an extra check after any major storm. Older roofs or roofs with a repair history often benefit from checking in more.
Yes, we don't charge for a standard roof inspection. You get a written report and photos either way, whether or not you decide to move forward with any work.
We explain what we found in plain terms and give you options, from a simple roof repair to a full roof replacement if the damage warrants it. There's no obligation to book anything on the spot.
It's not required, but it's a good idea. A written inspection report gives buyers a clear picture of the roof's condition and can help avoid surprises during negotiations.
Yes. If a storm has damaged your roof, our inspection report and photos can serve as documentation for your insurance adjuster, similar to what we provide for storm damage roof repair.
Most residential inspections take under an hour, depending on the size and complexity of the roof. We'll let you know if we expect it to run longer.
Yes, even a new roof benefits from periodic checks to confirm proper drainage, ventilation, and that no installation issues have developed, particularly after the first major storm season.
Yes, an inspector checks for moss growth, trapped moisture, and algae staining, especially in shaded areas, since these issues can quietly damage a roof for months before becoming visible from the ground.
Yes, we inspect both residential and commercial roofs, including low-slope membrane systems that need a different inspection approach than shingles.
Whether you need a fast repair, a full roof replacement, or a solar system installed by a team that actually understands roofs, you’re one call away from a straight answer and a free estimate.
