How Often Should a Roof be Inspected for Repairs in Arizona?

Your roof quietly takes a beating from the Arizona sun, wind, and dust storms year after year without complaint. Yet most homeowners give it as much thought as their home’s foundation—until water starts dripping through the ceiling. By then, what could have been a quick, affordable fix has often turned into a full-blown nightmare. Fortunately, you can avoid all that stress and expense just by scheduling routine roof inspections.

How often should you have your roof inspected?

Most roofing experts typically recommend at least one roof inspection per year, but in Arizona’s harsh climate, twice a year is a better bet. Ideally, you want to have your roof inspected once in early spring (before the summer furnace kicks in) and again in the fall (after monsoon season). This way, you catch any damage from extreme weather before it turns into a costly disaster. 

When to schedule an extra roof inspection

Even if you’re on the twice-a-year plan, sometimes your roof needs an emergency checkup. Call a pro if:

• A major storm just blew through (monsoons, high winds, hail—you know the drill)
• Your roof took a hit (like by a fallen tree branch or flying debris)
• You’ve had back-to-back heatwaves (that sun is brutal on shingles and flat roofs)
• You’re buying or selling a home (a roof inspection can save you from nasty surprises)

Sometimes you’ll see missing shingles or other clear signs of damage and know it’s time to call someone for roof repairs. But most roof problems aren’t that obvious.

Tiny cracks or leaks can hide where you’d never notice, especially on flat roofs. That’s why it helps to have a pro check things out regularly. They know what to look for and can catch small issues before they turn into big, pricey repairs.

How Long Does a Roof Inspection Take?

Even if you have a busy schedule, you can still fit in a roof inspection. For most Arizona homes, professional roof inspections often take just 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

However, several factors can affect how long your inspection takes:

• Roof size: Larger roofs naturally take more time to inspect from end to end.
• Home design: Complex layouts or multiple stories may slow things down.
• Accessibility: Steep slopes or hard-to-reach areas can add time.
• Material condition: Older or damaged roofs may need a more detailed look.
• Weather: Extreme heat, wind, or rain can impact inspection times.

For less time than it takes to watch your favorite TV show, you get a complete roof assessment, early problem detection, and potentially thousands in saved repair costs. This simple step is one of the wisest home care moves you can make.

What Pros Look for During a Roof Inspection

When a roofing professional climbs up on your roof, they’re not just taking a casual look around. They’re actually checking for specific problems that could cost you big money if left unaddressed. Here’s what they’re really looking for during a sloped or flat roof inspection.

Outside Your Home:

• Shingles that are missing, cracked, or curling up at the edges
• Metal flashing that’s pulled away or rusting around your vents and chimney
• Any spots where your roof is sagging (never a good sign!)
• Green stuff growing on your roof (moss loves to trap moisture)
• Gutters filled with debris or pulling away from the house
• Cracked sealant around pipes or vents

Inside Your Home:

• Brown water stains on your ceiling (clear signs of leaks)
• Wet spots in your attic after it rains
• Whether hot air can escape properly through vents
• Cracks or bowing in the wooden support beams
• Spots where daylight shines through (if you can see sky, water can get in)

After the inspection, a good roofer will walk you through what they found and let you know if any repairs are needed, or if your roof is in great shape and good to go.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Roof

After your inspection, you might be asking yourself: “Can these problems be fixed, or is it time for a whole new roof?” In many cases, repairs will do the trick. But some issues are too serious or widespread for a simple fix.

Here are the common signs that usually point to full replacement:

• Visible sagging or structural damage
• Roofing materials have reached the end of their lifespan
• More than one active leak, especially in different areas
• Shingle damage that covers 30% or more of the roof
• Daylight showing through the roof boards

Sometimes, it’s not black and white. In those cases, follow the 50% rule: if repairs cost more than half of what a full replacement would (or if you’re constantly fixing new problems), it makes more sense to invest in a new roof.

Not sure which route to take? National First Response offers honest, pressure-free inspections. We’ll tell you exactly what your roof needs, so you can make the right call for your home, your budget, and your peace of mind.

How to Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Whether you’ve spotted a problem or just want peace of mind, National First Response has you covered. Our certified GAF Master Elite® Contractor roofing experts are available 24/7 and can be at your home fast—often within the hour.

Don’t wait for a leak to tell you there’s a problem. Call us at 480-725-0664 or fill out our online form to schedule your free roof inspection today. Your roof (and wallet) will thank you.