How often should I have my roof inspected in San Diego?

Annually for shingle roofs, and every 2–3 years for tile and metal — plus after any Santa Ana wind event or heavy winter rain. Older roofs (15+ years) benefit from twice-yearly checks. Our standard inspection is free.

What does a roof inspection include?

We check shingle or tile condition, flashing at penetrations, valley metal, ridge and hip caps, gutters, attic ventilation, decking from above and below, and interior ceilings for staining. We deliver a written report with drone photos and a prioritized action list.

Can I inspect my own roof safely?

You can do a visual from the ground with binoculars — look for slipped tiles, curled shingles, and debris in valleys. Don't walk on the roof: falls are the leading cause of roofing injury. Book a free professional inspection instead.

Is a roof inspection worth it before buying a home?

Absolutely. A $0 professional inspection can save $30,000+ in undisclosed roof replacement costs on an older home. We provide written pre-purchase inspection reports acceptable to lenders and escrow.

The Free Roof Inspection Checklist Every San Diego Homeowner Should Run

You don't need to climb on the roof to catch 90% of issues. This is the same ground-level walk-around our estimators run when we visit a home. Do it twice a year — spring and fall — and you'll catch problems while they're still $500 repairs.

From the street, look at every slope

Any visible sag, dip, or wave in the roof plane? — structural issue, call us.
Missing, cracked, curled, or discolored shingles/tiles?
Dark streaks (algae) on the north-facing slope? — cosmetic, but a sign of moisture retention.
Rusty flashing at chimneys, skylights, or wall junctions?

Walk the perimeter and look up

Fascia and soffit stains? — indicates gutter overflow or ice damming (rare in San Diego but happens in Ramona).
Peeling paint under the eave? — moisture from above.
Loose or slipped ridge caps?
Debris pile at the base of a valley? — that valley is not draining.

Check the gutters

Granules in the gutter or at downspout base? — shingle wear.
Standing water in any gutter section? — pitch is wrong.
Rust streaks below joints? — replace before next storm.

Attic inspection (10 minutes with a flashlight)

Any daylight visible through the deck? — active hole.
Water stains, dark ring marks, or mold on rafters/decking?
Damp or matted insulation?
Rusty nail tips? — condensation from poor ventilation.

Interior spot check

Ceiling stains, especially around light fixtures?
Peeling paint or bubbling wallpaper on top-floor walls?
Musty smell in closets on the top floor?

When to call a pro

If you check any of these boxes, get a free professional inspection before adding a temporary fix. Call California First Roofing at (424) 777-1619 or email sales@californiafirstroofing.com — we bring drone imagery, moisture meters, and photo documentation to every inspection.