Roof Inspections
A Roof Inspection by the People Who Fix Roofs
Before you buy, after a storm or ahead of winter, we get on the roof and into the attic, then hand you photos and a clear account of what we found.
- Free estimates
- Licensed and insured
- Homes and businesses
Get your free estimate
Tell us about the job. We will get back to you quickly to book a time.
Prefer to talk? (289) 683-9727
Know what's over your head
James Roofing provides roof inspections for homeowners, buyers and property managers across Hamilton, Toronto, Niagara, Halton and Peel. We look at the roof surface, flashing, ventilation and eavestrough, plus the attic side of the deck, then send you photos and a written summary. Call (289) 683-9727 or request a free estimate to book your inspection. Every report is written in plain language, not jargon.
A general home inspection often judges the roof from the ground or from a ladder at the eaves. That misses a lot: lifted shingles near the ridge, cracked boots on vent pipes, chimney flashing that’s been tarred over, or a second layer of shingles hiding under the first. A roofer walks the roof, knows what wear looks like at each age, and can tell you what the fix involves. For buyers, that difference can be worth a lot at the negotiating table.
Inspections also make sense after a hard winter or a big wind event. Heavy snow loads, ice dams and gusts off Lake Ontario can do damage you won’t notice until a ceiling stains. Catching it early keeps a small repair small, and gives you time to plan for a bigger one. For commercial and multi-unit properties, we also offer scheduled inspections with reports you can keep on file for owners, boards or insurers.
Why James Roofing
What our roof inspection covers
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Roof surface and flashing
Shingle or membrane condition, ridge cap, valleys, chimneys, skylights, vents and wall flashing.
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The attic side
Signs of leaks, condensation, mould and daylight, plus how well the attic is insulated and ventilated.
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Eavestrough and drainage
Whether gutters and downspouts carry water away from the house, and whether ice dams have been an issue.
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A clear photo report
Photos and plain notes on what's urgent, what can wait and what to budget for.
Google Reviews
What our customers say
5.0
- 5 out of 5 stars
I am beyond happy with the work that James Roofing did at my rental property. I had water damage from an incompatible roofing system that was put on by the previous company. From the beginning of my project, James was happy to answer any questions I had about proposed solutions and always made sure I understood all options available. The job was done when he said it would be, and on time. The crew was very polite with my tenants and cleaned up 100% after their work was done. I will be calling James Roofing again when my main roof needs replaced.
- 5 out of 5 stars
They are a great company!! The workers were pleasant and got the job done in a timely manner. Prices are reasonable as well. Will definitely recommend!!
- 5 out of 5 stars
I am very pleased to give the highest regard to this company. Not only were they efficient but also made me feel included with the process. Very easy to communicate with, good listeners and very knowledgeable. Thumbs up!!
- 5 out of 5 stars
Honestly great experience from start to finish. I got the run around from a few other roofers before finding James Roofing. He was prompt in returning my phone calls, worked me in a few days earlier than originally planned and fixed the leak in my roof immediately and for a fair price. Would highly recommend to anybody looking for good, honest work
- 5 out of 5 stars
Janes was able to fix holes in my roof with short notice. Solid job!
- 5 out of 5 stars
James Roofing did a fantastic job making this 106 year home look so much better. The crew were fantastic and cleaned up well after the job was complete. Very polite and James was fantastic to deal with. Very professional.
- 5 out of 5 stars
Great and honest work. They installed eavestrough and down pipes for me. Very reasonably priced and professional job well done.
How It Works
How a roof inspection works
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Book a visit
Tell us why you need the inspection, such as a purchase, storm damage or routine upkeep.
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On the roof
We walk the roof where it's safe and document the surface, flashing and penetrations.
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In the attic
We check the underside of the deck, the insulation and the ventilation for moisture and heat problems.
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Your report
You receive photos and a written summary with recommendations ranked by priority.
Four reasons people call for an inspection
Pre-purchase inspections
Buying a house with an unknown roof is a gamble. We check the age and condition of the shingles, count layers where we can, look at flashing and ventilation, and search the attic for signs of past leaks. You’ll know whether the roof has years left or needs to be budgeted for, which is useful information when you’re negotiating. We also note the condition of the eavestrough, soffit and fascia, since they’re often replaced along with a roof.
Post-storm inspections
High winds, hail and heavy snow can damage a roof without obvious signs from the ground. We check for creased or missing shingles, lifted ridge caps, dented metal and damage from falling branches, and we’ll arrange temporary protection if water could get in. Wind damage often shows up as scattered creased tabs on one slope, easy to miss from the driveway but important for a claim.
Insurance documentation
If you’re filing a claim, the adjuster wants clear evidence. We provide dated photos of the damage, notes on what we found and a written scope for the repair. Your insurer decides on coverage, but good documentation helps the claim move. Getting it documented soon after the storm also helps show the damage is new.
Annual maintenance inspections
A yearly check, ideally in fall before the snow, catches cracked vent boots, loose flashing and clogged eavestrough while they’re cheap to fix. For commercial and multi-unit buildings, we can set up a regular schedule with reports you keep on file. We’ll also flag signs that the roof is nearing replacement age, so it doesn’t catch you off guard.
Questions
Roof Inspections FAQs
Still unsure about something? Call us and talk to someone who actually works on roofs.
(289) 683-9727How long does a roof inspection take?
Most residential inspections take about an hour, depending on the size of the roof and access to the attic. Larger commercial roofs take longer. The written report follows after the visit.
Will you go on the roof if it's steep or icy?
We walk the roof when it's safe to do so. If pitch, ice or weather make it unsafe, we inspect from ladders and the attic, note any areas we couldn't reach, and come back when conditions allow if needed.
Do I need to be home for the inspection?
It helps if someone can let us into the attic hatch. If you're buying, we can coordinate access with your agent.
Can you inspect a roof for an insurance claim?
Yes. We document storm damage with photos and a written description of what we found and what the repair involves. Your insurance company makes the final decision on coverage.
How often should a roof be inspected?
Once a year is a good rule, plus after any major storm. Fall is a smart time because it leaves room to fix problems before snow and ice arrive.
Service Areas
Roof Inspections across Southern Ontario
Our crews cover Hamilton, Halton, Peel, Toronto and Niagara. Pick your city for local details.
- Hamilton
- Toronto
- Burlington
- Oakville
- Mississauga
- Stoney Creek
- Ancaster
- Grimsby
- St. Catharines
- Niagara Falls
- Welland
- Milton
Not on the list? We cover the communities in between too. Call (289) 683-9727 to check.
More Services
More ways we protect your property
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Roof Replacement
Full tear-off to the deck, new ice-and-water shield, underlayment and architectural shingles, installed to handle Ontario winters and summer heat.
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Roof Repair
Leaks, missing shingles, failed flashing and storm damage traced to the source and fixed with proper materials, not a smear of caulking.
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Flat Roofing
Modified bitumen, TPO and EPDM systems for garages, additions, rowhouses and commercial roofs, with drainage built in so water doesn't sit.
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Commercial Roofing
Low-slope roof installation, repair and maintenance programs for plazas, offices, industrial units and multi-unit residential buildings.
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Eavestrough, Soffit and Fascia
Seamless aluminum eavestrough, downspouts, soffit and fascia, installed with the right size and slope to move water away from your foundation.
Explore eavestrough, soffit and fascia -
Gutter Guards
Gutter guards that keep leaves, maple keys and pine needles out of your eavestrough, so it drains in summer storms and clogs less in winter.
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Siding
Vinyl, fibre cement, aluminum and steel siding installed over a proper weather barrier, with trim and flashing done right at every window.
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Attic Insulation and Ventilation
Blown-in attic insulation and balanced ventilation that cut heat loss, prevent ice dams and keep condensation and mould out of your attic.
Explore attic insulation and ventilation -
Snow Removal
Seasonal snow removal for driveways, walkways and commercial lots, plus salting and roof snow and ice dam removal from the crew that knows your roof.
Explore snow removal
Book your roof inspection
Call (289) 683-9727 or request a free estimate and we'll set a time to get up on your roof.