Roof inspections and roof certifications give you a clear picture of your roof's condition and remaining life-essential for home sales, insurance, refinancing, or simply peace of mind. On Roof Lists, you can explore local pros who offer inspections and certification letters, then contact the ones that fit your needs to compare quotes. Use the directory to reach out, ask questions, and book service directly.

Great Roof

157 Lee Road 288, Smiths Station, AL 36877

Great Roof is a roofing contractor serving Columbus, GA, offering roof installation, replacement, repair, and gutter services. They provide detailed roof inspections and certifications, using premium materials and advanced techniques to ensure durable results. The company is experienced in metal roofing, including standing seam systems, and focuses on thorough repairs to address leaks and damage. Great Roof emphasizes a clear process from inspection to installation and cleanup, aiming to protect homes with quality craftsmanship. Their team is known for effective communication and client support throughout projects.

5.0

119 Reviews

Superior Roofing Columbus

2206 Camille Dr Ste B, Columbus, GA 31906

Superior Roofing Columbus is a roofing contractor serving Columbus, GA, and nearby areas including Auburn, AL, and Phenix City. With over 40 years of experience, they provide roof installation, replacement, leak repair, and professional roof inspections. The company uses GAF certified materials and offers workmanship guarantees to ensure quality results. Superior Roofing Columbus is a family-owned business known for handling urgent repairs and full roof replacements with care and expertise.

4.9

148 Reviews

JWC Roofing, LLC

columbus

JWC Roofing, LLC is a roofing contractor based in Columbus, GA, offering residential and commercial roofing services including installation, replacement, roof repairs, and inspections. They specialize in metal roofing systems such as standing seam and provide siding and pole barn roofing solutions. With over a decade of experience, JWC Roofing emphasizes precision installation following manufacturer specifications to ensure quality and durability. The company serves the Chattahoochee Valley area, focusing on workmanship and reliable materials to meet roofing needs.

5.0

64 Reviews

Roofing World

2920 Edgewood Rd, Columbus, GA 31906

Roofing World is a roofing contractor based in Columbus, GA, offering installation and replacement services for asphalt, metal, and Poly Shingle™ roofs. They serve a broad area including Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, and South Carolina. The company provides roof inspections and certifications, along with gutter installation and guards. Roofing World is known for its lifetime warranties on both materials and labor for their World-Class Collection products, ensuring long-term coverage. Their services include standing seam metal roofing and TPO installation. The company emphasizes a world-class installation process with onsite management and has been recognized by Construction Business Review Magazine.

4.9

103 Reviews

Todd Chapman Roofing

994 Timber Creek Way, Columbus, GA 31904

Todd Chapman Roofing is a roofing contractor based in Columbus, GA, offering services such as roof installation, replacement, repair, leak repair, inspection, and certification. They work with clients on scheduling and assist with insurance claims to support roof damage coverage. The company provides a 5-year workmanship warranty and is known for handling insurance communications and warranty paperwork. Todd Chapman Roofing has experience working closely with insurance adjusters to address hail damage and other roofing issues.

4.9

94 Reviews

See more providers in Columbus, GA

A roof inspection is a professional evaluation of your roof's condition. The inspector looks at visible components-roof covering, flashing, penetrations, drainage, and attic areas (when accessible)-to identify problems and estimate remaining service life. Inspections can be exterior-only, interior and exterior, or supplemented with technology like drones and infrared (IR) moisture scanning.

A roof certification, on the other hand, is a written statement about the roof that's commonly requested during real estate transactions or by insurers. Depending on the provider, it may:

• Confirm that the roof meets certain standards at the time of inspection
• Outline required repairs to reach those standards
• Estimate remaining life (for example, "at least two years under normal conditions")
• In some markets, include a limited leak-free guarantee for a set term, subject to conditions

Important: a certification is not the same as a manufacturer warranty, and terms vary widely by company. Always read the provider's actual certificate language, including exclusions and maintenance requirements.

Why roof inspections and certifications matter

• Real estate: Buyers, sellers, and lenders rely on inspection reports or certifications to understand risk, negotiate repairs or credits, and keep closings on track.
• Insurance: Carriers may request proof of condition before binding coverage, renewing, or paying a claim after a storm.
• Preventive maintenance: Finding small issues early-loose flashing, broken tiles, a cracked boot-can prevent interior leaks and more costly structural repairs.
• Planning: Knowing remaining life helps you budget and time a replacement before failures happen.
• Documentation: A dated report with photos creates a baseline record that's useful for future claims or warranty questions.

Typical costs (and what affects them)

Costs vary by roof size, pitch, material, access, and local labor rates. For a typical single-family home in the U.S., you might expect:

• Standard roof inspection: $150-$350
• Two-story/high-pitch or complex roofs: +$50-$200
• Drone-assisted inspection: +$50-$150
• Infrared moisture scan (select cases): $200-$500
• Written roof certification/letter (when paired with inspection): $75-$200
• Standalone certification with required minor repairs verified: $200-$600+

Common minor repairs that may be recommended (prices vary widely):

• Replace a handful of shingles/tiles: $150-$400
• Seal or re-seat flashing, vents, or nails: $200-$500
• Replace pipe boots/roof jacks: $125-$300 each
• Chimney flashing or counter-flashing tune-up: $300-$900

Larger roofs, multifamily buildings, and commercial systems (TPO, PVC, modified bitumen, metal) usually cost more to inspect and document. Travel time, roof height, safety setup, and report complexity also influence price. Always confirm what's included in writing before you book.

Ready to compare local pros? It's quick and free.

How to choose a roof inspection or certification provider

• Check credentials: Look for licensed roofing contractors or inspectors familiar with your roof type and local codes. Ask about training (e.g., HAAG, NRCA, manufacturer programs) and whether they carry general liability and workers' comp insurance.
• Review sample reports: High-quality reports include clear photos, annotations, definitions, and specific recommendations-not just generic checklists.
• Ask about methods: Will they walk the roof when safe, use drones when not, enter the attic, or perform IR scans when moisture is suspected?
• Understand independence: Some companies inspect only; others also perform repairs and replacements. Either is fine-just weigh convenience against the potential for upsell, and focus on transparent documentation.
• Clarify turnaround time: Real estate timelines are tight. Confirm reporting and certification delivery windows before you schedule.
• Read the certificate terms: If a "leak-free" certification is offered, learn the duration, maintenance requirements, exclusions (e.g., acts of nature), and how claims are handled.

What's included in a professional roof inspection

Most professional inspectors will evaluate and document:

• Roof covering: shingles, shakes, tile, metal panels, or membranes-wear, granule loss, fasteners, uplift, impact damage
• Flashings: valleys, step and apron flashing, drip edge, counter-flashing, skylight and chimney details
• Penetrations and accessories: pipe boots, vents, satellite mounts, solar or HVAC standoffs, snow guards
• Edges and transitions: eaves, rakes, ridges, hips, wall intersections, parapets
• Drainage: gutters, downspouts, scuppers, drains, ponding areas
• Substrate and underlayment (where visible): signs of waviness, soft spots, or prior overlays
• Attic/ceiling areas: moisture stains, daylight at penetrations, ventilation, insulation levels
• Storm indicators: hail bruising, wind creases, lifted seams, debris impact, fallen branches
• Photos and map: labeled images and a roof plan or overview for clarity

Limitations should be spelled out (for example, no destructive testing, limited attic access, or evaluation from the ground and/or drone due to safety).

Roof certification: what to expect

• Scope and standards: The provider will define what "passes," such as no active leaks, intact flashing, and adequate covering condition.
• Required repairs: If the roof doesn't meet standards, you'll get a list of repairs needed before a certificate can be issued.
• Term: Certificates often state a time frame (for example, two years) or remaining life estimate. Some include a limited leak guarantee for the term, with exclusions.
• Conditions: Coverage typically excludes storm events, foot-traffic damage, and deferred maintenance. Many require you to maintain gutters and address minor issues promptly.
• Transferability: If issued in a sale, ask whether the certificate transfers to the buyer and how to register it.

Always keep copies of the report, certificate, invoices for any repairs, and dated photos.

Timeline: from call to report

• Inquiry and scheduling: 1-5 business days, faster in slower seasons and longer during storm surges.
• On-site inspection: About 60-120 minutes for a typical residence; larger or complex roofs take longer.
• Report delivery: Same day to 48 hours for most basic inspections; more detailed assessments may take 2-3 days.
• Certification (if requested): Issued after required repairs are completed and verified-often 2-10 business days total, depending on scope and scheduling.

If your inspection is tied to a closing date or insurance deadline, share the exact date upfront so the provider can prioritize appropriately.

How to prepare for your inspection

• Ensure access: Unlock gates, clear driveway space, and move vehicles that block roof or ladder access.
• Secure pets and notify occupants: Keep everyone safe while ladders are in use.
• Tidy attic access: Clear the area below attic hatches and remove delicate items.
• Share history: Provide prior reports, invoices, photos of leaks, and any known problem areas.
• Note restrictions: Tell the inspector about solar arrays, fragile tiles, or areas that must not be walked.
• Plan for utilities: If IR or attic evaluation is included, ensure interior access and lighting are available.

Smart ways to compare quotes

• Standardize the scope: Ask each provider to price the same deliverables-roof walk (when safe), attic check, photo-filled report, and certification language if needed.
• Ask for a sample report: Compare detail, clarity, and recommendations.
• Confirm technology: If one quote includes drone or IR and another doesn't, your comparison isn't apples to apples.
• Check lead times and rush fees: Speed matters during real estate or insurance deadlines.
• Review exclusions and travel fees: Know what's extra before you sign.
• Consider value, not just price: A thorough, well-documented report often pays for itself in negotiation leverage and prevention.

Questions to ask potential providers

• Are you licensed (where required) and insured? Can you share proof?
• How many inspections do you perform on my roof type each month?
• Will you walk the roof when safe, use a drone when not, and check the attic?
• What's included in the report? Do you have a sample?
• Do you offer roof certifications? What are the exact terms, duration, and exclusions?
• If repairs are needed, can you perform them-or do you refer to others?
• How quickly can you schedule and deliver the report/certification?
• How do you handle findings that require specialized trades (masonry for chimney, skylight manufacturer issues, solar penetrations)?
• What is the reinspection fee after repairs?

Signs you may need a roof inspection or certification

• You're buying or selling a home and want objective documentation
• Your insurer requests proof of condition or you've filed a storm claim
• You see stains on ceilings/walls or smell musty odors in the attic
• After hail, high wind, or falling debris in your area
• Your roof is nearing a typical age threshold (e.g., 15-20 years for many asphalt systems; earlier for low-slope membranes)
• You're planning to install solar panels, a new HVAC unit, or skylights
• Gutters overflow or you notice shingle granules in downspouts
• Tiles/shingles are cracked, sliding, or missing; metal panels are loose; seams are lifting
• Your HOA, lender, or municipality asks for a certification letter

Roof materials and typical service life (quick guide)

Actual lifespan depends on climate, installation quality, maintenance, and ventilation, but general ranges are:

• 3-tab asphalt shingles: ~15-25 years
• Architectural asphalt shingles: ~25-35 years
• Wood shakes/shingles: ~20-30 years with diligent maintenance
• Standing seam metal: ~30-50+ years
• Clay/concrete tile: ~40-75+ years (underlayment may need replacement sooner)
• Natural slate: ~60-100+ years
• Modified bitumen (low-slope): ~15-25 years
• TPO/PVC (low-slope): ~20-30 years
• EPDM (low-slope): ~20-30 years

If your roof is near the end of its expected service life-or showing signs of distress-an inspection helps you plan the next steps confidently.

Using Roof Lists to find local pros

Roof Lists is a service directory that makes it easy to discover companies offering roof inspections and roof certifications in your area. We don't pre-vet or endorse providers, and we don't perform any service work. Instead, we give you tools to browse options, read public reviews, and contact businesses directly to request quotes.

Tips for using the directory:

• Search by your ZIP code or city to see nearby providers
• Save a shortlist of 3-5 companies with experience on your roof type
• Send the same scope to each provider so quotes are comparable
• Ask for sample reports and certificate language
• Verify licenses and insurance, and check references for larger jobs
• Keep everything in writing-scope, price, timeline, and deliverables

Final thoughts

A professional roof inspection-and a clear, written certification when needed-protects your timeline, your budget, and your home. Use Roof Lists to compare qualified local providers, ask better questions, and move forward with confidence. When you're ready, explore nearby companies and get the information you need to make a smart decision.

Frequently asked questions