Do You Need a Roof Inspection? What a NJ Roofer Looks For
You should get a roof inspection if your roof is 15 or more years old, after a major storm, before you buy or sell a home, if you're seeing warning signs (attic stains, missing shingles, granules in the gutters), or if it's simply been a few years since the last one. A real inspection checks three things: the surface (shingles, flashings, seals), the decking underneath (soft or rotted spots), and the attic inside (leaks, moisture, and ventilation). Most reputable NJ roofers do it free — here's what to expect.
Green Apple Roofing is a GAF Master Elite® roofer that has inspected and installed roofs across New Jersey since 2008. We give you an honest read — repair, replace, or "you've got years left" — with no pressure.
When you actually need a roof inspection
- Your roof is 15+ years old. Asphalt roofs enter the back half of their life around 15 years — a good time to know where you stand.
- After a major storm. High wind or hail can lift or crack shingles and loosen flashings even when the roof looks fine from the ground.
- Before buying or selling a home. A roof is one of the most expensive parts of a house — buyers and sellers both benefit from knowing its real condition.
- You're seeing warning signs. Stains on the ceiling or attic, missing or curling shingles, or granules building up in the gutters all warrant a look. (Here are the 7 signs your roof may be done.)
- It's just been a while. Even a healthy roof benefits from a check every few years to catch small issues early.
What a NJ roofer looks for
A real inspection is more than a glance from the driveway. Here's what we actually check:
- The surface. Shingle condition (curling, cracking, bald spots and granule loss), and whether the seal strips are still holding.
- Flashings and penetrations. The metal and seals around chimneys, vents, skylights, and valleys — where the majority of roof leaks actually start.
- The decking. Soft, spongy, or rotted spots in the wood underneath (like the decking exposed in the photo above) that mean water has already been getting in.
- The attic. From inside — daylight through the boards, dark water stains on rafters and insulation, and whether the attic is properly ventilated (poor ventilation quietly shortens a roof's life).
- Gutters and drainage. Whether water is actually getting off the roof, and how many granules are washing into the gutters.
What should a roof inspection cost?
Most reputable roofers, including us, offer a free visual roof inspection. Some charge $150–$400 for a detailed written report — for example, a real-estate transaction or an insurance claim where you need documentation. Be cautious of anyone who inspects for free and then insists you need a full replacement on the spot: a real inspector shows you photos of what they found and lets the evidence speak. If your roof only needs a repair, an honest roofer will tell you that.
What you get from us
After the inspection you get a straight answer — repair, replace, or you've got years left — backed by photos of what we found. If it does turn out you need work, our roof replacement cost guide covers the numbers, and we'll beat or match any legitimate quote with a veteran + first-responder discount. If it doesn't, we'll tell you that too. You can see our recent work in the project gallery, and we serve homeowners from Howell and Middletown to the shore.
Not sure where your roof stands? Schedule a free roof inspection — same-day phone response, no pressure.
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We'll survey your roof, tell you honestly whether it needs repair, recover, or replacement, and give you an itemized bid you can actually compare. Same-day phone response.