What Happens During a Roof Inspection—And Why You Should Have a Regular Roof Check

A Roof Inspection Starts from the Ground Up

“We do the full outside of the house,” says Zach. This often includes siding, windows, gutters, and downspouts. “Even down to your metal barbecue grill. Obviously, we’re not in the barbecue business, but we’ll point out all the damage.”

Why? Because anything storm-related might help support your insurance claim. A McCoy Project Manager walks the property, takes notes, and prepares you to meet with an adjuster confidently.

Once the ground inspection is complete, we inspect the roof, usually in person, though drones are sometimes used. If you’re calling about a leak, we’ll prioritize that area first. But Zach notes that “the real issue is often higher up, as water runs down the pitch.”

From there, we look for key indicators of damage or wear:

• Age and granule loss
• Hail and wind impact
• Nail pops and blisters
• Flashing and seals
• Signs of poor ventilation

“Hail hits can look like a lot of different things,” Zach explains. “Which means there are a lot of things that look like hail hits but aren’t.” For instance, blisters form in extreme heat when asphalt bubbles and pops. Knowing the difference matters.

Roof Inspections from an Agent’s Perspective

“We’re going to look at your home the exact same way an insurance agent will,” says Zach.

Inspectors take samples—called hail squares—from each slope of your roof. These are typically 10×10-foot areas used to determine damage.

“If we find 8 to 10 solid hail hits in a square, that’s when we can say the slope meets the standard. If there’s not enough, it’s up to the discretion of the insurance company.”

Shingles, flashing, and other metal components are inspected for dents and impact marks. When damage is found, we mark it with chalk to show the adjuster. “Don’t worry,” Zach adds. “It’ll come off in the next rain.”

Regular Roof Inspections Take 20 Minutes And Can Save Thousands

A standard home inspection takes about 20 minutes, and McCoy Roofing provides it at no cost. So why make it a routine?

Because insurance companies typically give homeowners one year from the date of a storm to file a claim. Wait too long, and you may miss the window.

“If you’re waiting two years, and you have two-year-old damage, it’s already too late,” says Zach.

Insurance carriers can recognize old damage, and once it’s considered aged, it’s no longer eligible for coverage.

Annual roof inspections are also the only regular roof maintenance most Nebraska homeowners need. And when issues are caught early, you avoid costly surprises.

“I’ve been on a roof where the homeowner had zero complaints, zero issues—but there were missing shingles. The roof was still leaking, and that’s a potential mold problem.”

These roof inspections also catch poor ventilation, which can lead to blistering, mold, and condensation especially during cold months.

“Think of it like a cold glass of water on a hot day,” Zach says. “You get the same thing, but instead of outside the glass, it’s on the inside of your plywood.”

Don’t Wait. Get Peace of Mind Now with a Free Roof Inspection

“If anything, it’s peace of mind and staying on top of the insurance side of things,” says Zach. “At least you’ll know what decisions to make and when.”

Whether you’ve recently had a storm, are planning to sell your home, or just want to stay ahead of wear and tear, a roof inspection is the best place to start.

Schedule your free inspection with McCoy Roofing today—because the best time to check your roof is before it leaks.