Key takeaways
– A SmartHome inspection covers your roof surface, flashing and details, with digital photo evidence of what we find.
– You receive a typewritten summary, a life expectancy estimation and prioritized recommendations, so you know what needs attention now and what can wait.
– There’s no pressure. The inspection is free, and you decide what happens next.
Most of us don’t think about our roof until something goes wrong. A stain shows up on the ceiling, a shingle lands in the yard, or a storm rolls through and leaves you wondering. So it’s fair to ask what a “free roof inspection” really involves.
At SmartHome Roofing, we walk homeowners and business owners through this every week. Here’s the whole process in plain language, so you know exactly what to expect before we ever pull into your driveway.
Step 1: You Request the Inspection
Start with our free inspection request. Tell us your address, the best way to reach you, and what prompted the visit, such as a leak, an older roof or recent weather. The more detail you share, the better prepared our team will be.
Your request goes to the nearest of our offices in Glasgow, Bardstown or Somerset. A local team will follow up with you directly.
Step 2: We Confirm a Time
Someone from the office will contact you to set a time that works. You’re welcome to be there, but it isn’t required, and we’ll go over the findings with you afterward. We’ll give you a sense of timing when we schedule, and larger or more complex roofs naturally take longer.
If you have an active leak, tell us up front. Emergency roof repair is available 9 AM to 5 PM, and we’ll help you figure out the next step.
Step 3: A Walk Around the Property
The inspection starts on the ground. We look at the roof from every side and note anything that stands out, along with signs of storm or wind impact around the property. We’ll also ask what you’ve noticed and where.
Step 4: A Close Look at the Roof
Next, our inspector checks the roof itself. Our trained inspectors follow a checklist rather than a quick glance.
- Shingles: missing, cracked, lifted, creased or worn shingles, and granule loss.
- Flashing: the metal at chimneys, walls, skylights and valleys.
- Pipe boots and vents: common spots for cracks and leaks as they age.
- Ridge caps and edges: areas that take the most wind.
- Decking and attic: soft spots or signs of moisture, where attic access is available.
For flat and low-slope roofs on businesses, we also look at seams, drainage and the condition of the membrane.
Step 5: We Document Everything
This is where an inspection earns its keep. Our team captures digital photo evidence of what we find, so you can see your roof’s condition for yourself. Photos make it easy to compare before and after, and they help if an insurance question comes up later.
Need a free roof inspection in Glasgow, Bardstown or Somerset? Schedule your free roof inspection with your nearest SmartHome team
Step 6: You Get a Written Report
After the visit, you receive a typewritten summary of what we found. It includes a life expectancy estimation for your roof, so you can plan ahead instead of being surprised. It also lists prioritized recommendations, ranked by what needs attention first.
That ranking matters. A lifted shingle and a failing flashing detail are not the same problem, and you shouldn’t be sold both as if they were.
Step 7: A Straight Conversation
Finally, we sit down with you and explain the results in plain language. We’ll tell you what needs attention now and what can safely wait, so you never feel pressured. If the roof is in good shape, we’ll tell you that too.
Depending on what we find, the next step might be nothing at all, a simple roof repair, or a conversation about replacement. You can take the report home and think it over.
Why Inspect Before There’s a Problem?
Roofs rarely fail all at once. Small issues, such as a cracked pipe boot or worn flashing, tend to let in a little water at a time, and that moisture can reach insulation and framing before you see a stain.
An inspection catches those issues while they’re still inexpensive to address. It’s also a good idea if you’re buying or selling a home, if your roof is getting older, or if you simply don’t know its history. If you’re buying or selling, ask your local team how we can help with your situation.
If Storm Damage Is the Reason
After hail or wind, we offer a Free Pre-Claim Inspection. We’ll give you an honest read on whether the damage looks significant enough to justify a claim, and we’ll document it either way. Your policy, your deductible and the final decision are always between you and your insurer.
To see what to look for, read our guide to spotting hail damage.
How to Get Ready
You don’t need to prepare much. A few small things help:
- Note what you’ve seen: stains, drips, noises or drafts, and when you noticed them.
- Gather paperwork: if you have records of past roof work or warranties, set them aside.
- Secure pets and clear access: make sure we can reach the yard, driveway and any attic hatch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the inspection really free?
Yes. Your initial consultation, quote and professional inspection report are provided to homeowners free of charge.
Do I need to be home?
You’re welcome to be there, and we’d love to walk you through the findings in person. If you can’t be home, we’ll go over the results with you afterward.
Do you inspect commercial roofs?
Yes. We inspect residential, multi-family and commercial properties, including retail centers, medical offices and small business complexes. Contact your nearest office to set up a commercial roof assessment.
Will I be pressured to sign something?
No. We explain what needs attention now and what can safely wait, and you decide what to do next.
Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection
Whether you’re in Barren County, Nelson County, Pulaski County or the surrounding areas, there’s a SmartHome team close to you. Schedule your free roof inspection with your nearest SmartHome team.
Prefer to start with a local page? Visit our Glasgow, Bardstown or Somerset roofing teams.
