Free Roof Inspection: Spot Scams & Pick Local Pros Safely

A legitimate free roof inspection should deliver a written report and zero pressure; if the “free” part feels pushy or destructive, it’s a scam. Roofers waive the inspection fee because they hope to earn your repair business later—not because they’re running a charity—so knowing the line between marketing and manipulation keeps both your shingles and your wallet intact.

This guide unpacks the real price of an inspection, spotlights the storm-chaser tricks that fool homeowners, outlines the prep work that protects your property, and gives you a vetting blueprint for trustworthy local pros. You’ll see exactly what a proper inspection entails, learn how to decode the follow-up paperwork, decide when to involve insurance, and walk away with a printable checklist for the next hailstorm.

Whether you live along Colorado’s Front Range or anywhere hail hammers rooftops, the goal is simple: give you clear, scam-proof steps to secure a solid roof without signing away your peace of mind.

Know the Real Cost of a Roof Inspection Before Saying “Yes”

“Free” sounds great, but it helps to know what you’re actually saving. A standard roof inspection carries real labor, equipment, and insurance costs; seeing those numbers makes it easier to judge whether a free roof inspection is a perk or a pressure tactic.

Typical price ranges and why some companies waive the fee

• Standard visual inspection: $150–$400 nationwide


• Drone imagery add-on: +$100–$200


• Infrared leak scan: +$200–$400

Legitimate contractors eat that overhead because landing the subsequent repair or replacement offsets it. Transparent firms state this up front and give you the report to keep, whether or not you hire them. Shady outfits bank on quick, high-margin jobs and hope you never ask what the inspection would have cost.

Pros and cons of a $0 inspection offer

Upsides

• Early leak detection before ceiling stains appear


• Photo documentation you can forward to insurance


• Peace of mind after hail or high wind

Potential downsides

• Fabricated damage (lifting shingles to mimic wind)


• “Hidden” fees tacked on to any repair quote


• High-pressure sales or contingency contracts that lock you in

Situations when a paid inspection may be smarter

• Pre-listing a home where an independent, third-party report boosts buyer confidence


• Legal or warranty disputes requiring a credentialed structural engineer


• Insurance carrier mandates—some will reimburse only if you use their approved inspector

When objectivity, court-ready documentation, or warranty validation is on the line, paying for a certified report can be the cheaper move in the long run.

Spot the Tell-Tale Signs of a Free Roof Inspection Scam

Storm season brings out honest roofers—and opportunists who count on panic and confusion. Recognizing the earliest warning signs keeps you from handing over your roof (and insurance check) to a fly-by-night crew.

Common scam approaches after storms

• Unsolicited door knocks within 24 hours of hail reports


• Robo-texts or flyers claiming “we’re already on your block”


• Out-of-state license plates, disposable Gmail addresses, and phone numbers that forward to another area code


• Promises of “we’ll eat your deductible” or “free upgrade to metal” that violate most insurance contracts


• Implying they’re “sent by your insurance company” when no carrier actually approves contractors in advance

Red flags during the visit

If you invite them onto the property, stay alert:

• No business card, badge, or proof of insurance on request


• Refusal to let you watch, or asking you to wait inside while they “inspect”


• Pulling up shingles, prying flashing, or banging with a hammer to mimic hail bruises


• Urgent talk of filing a claim today “before the deadline” (there isn’t one that short)


• A contingency contract slid across the hood of the truck with a “sign here and I’ll start tarping”

How real contractors behave differently

They build trust instead of pressure. Compare the behaviors side-by-side:

Spot these differences early, and the scammers move on to the next driveway.

Do This Prep Work at Home Before the Inspector Arrives

A little legwork before anyone sets foot on your shingles protects you from accidental—or intentional—damage and speeds up any future insurance claim. Think of it as creating a paper trail and a safe workspace that keeps the inspection efficient, transparent, and firmly under your control.

Document existing roof and interior conditions

• Snap date-stamped photos of every roof plane, gutters, downspouts, and any visible bruised shingles.


• Walk the attic and top-floor ceilings; photograph water stains, sagging decking, or daylight through boards.


• File these images with prior inspection reports, receipts, and the exact date of the last major storm.


• If foul play later occurs, your “before” gallery is rock-solid evidence.

Check your insurance policy first

• Review deductible amount and covered perils (wind, hail, fallen tree).


• Note claim filing deadlines—many Colorado policies give you 12–24 months, not 48 hours.


• Call the carrier’s claims desk to ask whether they require their own adjuster or accept contractor reports.

Safety and access arrangements

• Move vehicles so the inspector can park close and set ladders safely.


• Secure pets and kids indoors; falling debris happens.


• Provide ladder access but stay present on the ground—never leave strangers alone on your roof.


• Have a flashlight ready for the attic walkthrough if one is included.

Vetting Local Roofers: From License Search to Final Shortlist

A solid vetting process turns a random free roof inspection offer into a low-risk opportunity. Your goal is to prove the company is licensed, insured, established in your city, and willing to work on paper—not just a handshake in the driveway.

Confirm legal credentials and insurance

• Look up the contractor’s state or municipal roofing license online and match the name on the truck to the name on the license.


• Request a Certificate of Insurance for workers’ comp and general liability emailed straight from the agent—screenshots can be faked.


• Verify the policy limits cover at least $1 million per occurrence.

Dig into reputation and local footprint

• Check BBB, Google, and Nextdoor reviews for patterns, not one-offs.


• Ask for addresses of three projects completed within 30 miles; drive by if you can.


• Confirm a physical office, company-branded vehicles, and a phone number with a local area code.


• In Northern Colorado, veteran-owned Semper Fi Restoration ticks these boxes and has long-term hail-claim experience—traits you want in any roofer.

Interview questions to narrow your choices

1. “Will you show me annotated photos on site?”


2. “Do you use contingency contracts, and may I review one now?”


3. “Which shingle manufacturers certify your crews?”

Get everything in writing

Insist on a written inspection scope, a promise that the inspection is no-obligation, and a deliverables list (photos + report). If the contractor balks, cross them off your shortlist—paperwork should never be a problem for a pro.

What a Legitimate Free Roof Inspection Looks Like—Step by Step

A proper free roof inspection is organized, transparent, and oddly uneventful; you’ll never wonder what the contractor is doing or why. Expect a clear beginning-to-end routine that covers every surface, documents findings in real time, and ends with a brief sit-down—no contracts, no arm-twisting.

Exterior evaluation

The tech starts at ground level, circling the home to photograph:

• Shingles or granules on the lawn


• Dented gutters, downspouts, siding, and A/C fins


• Flashing at walls and chimneys for rust or gaps

After setting ladder stabilizers, they inspect the roof deck:

• Shingle condition, nail pops, missing tabs


• Hail bruises measured with a gauge (¾ in ≈ 19 mm is typical claim size)


• Vent boots, skylight seals, and chimney caps


• Soft spots that hint at rotten decking beneath

Interior/attic assessment

With shoes off or boot covers on, the inspector checks:

• Attic insulation for moisture clumping


• Decking for daylight pinholes or black mold streaks


• Ceiling drywall for rings, bulges, or peeling paint
  
  They’ll also scan the rafters with a moisture meter if leaks are suspected.

Deliverables you should receive before the contractor leaves

• 10–20 time-stamped photos or a short drone video


• Written summary stating roof age, remaining service life, and urgent vs elective fixes


• Itemized repair or replacement ranges and projected timeline


• A statement that the inspection—and any estimate—carries no obligation to hire them today

Keep the packet; it’s your evidence vault for insurance or second opinions later.

After the Inspection: Decoding Reports, Insurance, and Next Moves

Inspection packet in hand, the next move is all about decision-making. Read every line, look for patterns across bids, and weigh insurance math against out-of-pocket repairs. A little desk work now prevents thousands in surprise costs later.

Compare multiple estimates like a pro

Create a quick spreadsheet and plug in:

• Materials grade (30-yr asphalt, Class 4 impact, metal)


• Labor warranty length


• Total price and payment schedule


• Expected timeline and crew size

Sort by what matters most to you—often warranty first, cost second. Scan each proposal for “contingency” clauses that bind you to one roofer the moment the insurer approves work. If the language feels one-sided, ask for edits or walk away.

Filing or avoiding an insurance claim

Use the report to see if repair totals beat your deductible. If they do:

1. Call the carrier’s claims line and open a file.


2. Schedule the adjuster visit; invite your preferred contractor to attend.


3. Collect the adjuster’s scope in writing and compare it to your roofer’s.


4. Keep digital copies of every form, photo, and check stub—carriers lose things.

If costs fall below the deductible, skip the claim and pay cash; you avoid premium hikes and keep a “claim-free” record.

Timing your repairs or replacement

• Book work November–February for potential off-season discounts.


• Ask about shingle lead times—popular colors sell out after big storms.


• Verify your city’s permit turnaround so materials aren’t sitting in the driveway for weeks.


• Don’t delay critical fixes; active leaks void manufacturer warranties and invite mold within days.

Quick Reference: Scam-Proof Homeowner Checklist

Print or screenshot this cheat-sheet before storm season hits. It boils the entire guide down to a dozen do-or-die habits that block scammers, protect your policy, and keep decision-making firmly in your hands.

One-page printable list

• Verify roofer license online


• Request insurance certificate direct from agent


• Photograph roof and attic before visit


• Never sign contracts at the door


• Be present during entire inspection


• Refuse any upfront deposit requests


• Compare at least three written estimates


• Read contingency clauses twice


• Confirm local office, address, and plates


• Keep copies of every photo and report


• Call insurer to discuss deductible first


• Share findings with trusted neighbors

Stay Protected and Keep Your Roof in Top Shape

Knowing the true cost of an inspection, spotting storm-chaser red flags, doing simple prep work, and vetting reputable locals put you in full control of any free roof inspection offer. Combine that homework with a clear understanding of the inspection steps and you’ll decide— not be pressured—when to file insurance, repair, or replace. Print the scam-proof checklist, tuck it in your homeowner binder, and email a copy to the neighbor who always asks “Who should I call?” after the next hail report. Colorado readers ready for a no-pressure, veteran-led assessment can book with Semper Fi Restoration today.