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Free and Detailed Roof Inspections in Ottawa
FREE Basic Roof & Attic Inspection | Detailed Reports From $199 | BBB A+ Rated | CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster | Insurance Claim Documentation
Roof Inspection Services for Ottawa Homes and Buildings
A roof inspection in Ottawa catches the problems our winters create before they turn into leaks, rot or a surprise roof replacement. Vanity Roofing inspects asphalt shingle, metal and flat roofs for homeowners, home buyers and property managers across Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley, and our basic roof and attic inspection is free.
As Ottawa roofing experts, our team has inspected thousands of roofs across the region. From asphalt shingles and flat roofing systems to flashing, ventilation, insulation and attic conditions, every roof assessment is built to spot early signs of damage and give you clear, honest recommendations for the long-term health of your roof.
What the Free Basic Roof and Attic Inspection Includes
Every Ottawa homeowner should know the condition of their roof without paying to find out. The free inspection includes:
- Complimentary visual inspection of your roof exterior and attic space
- Basic assessment of apparent issues and maintenance needs
- No-obligation consultation with one of our certified inspectors
- Honest recommendations on whether a detailed written inspection is worth it for your roof
This initial evaluation helps property owners make informed decisions about maintenance, repairs, or future roofing needs.
Not sure how often your roof needs a check? Our guide on how often to inspect your roof has a simple schedule. Buying a home? Here is what to look for in a roof before you buy. After a long winter, check your roof after the snow melts, and between inspections our roof maintenance guide covers what you can safely do yourself.
What Our Roof Inspectors Check
Our inspectors check the roof from the outside in and the inside out:
Exterior Evaluation
- Shingle and roofing material condition, including granule loss, cracking, curling and installation faults
- Chimney, vent, skylight and flashing details where water most often gets in
- Eavestrough and downspout drainage
- Fascia and soffit condition, including rot and animal damage
- Roof valleys, ridges and ridge vents
Interior Analysis
- Attic check for moisture, frost, mould, ventilation and structural problems
- Insulation gaps and compression that waste heat and cause ice dams
- Ceiling stains and water marks on upper floors
- Gaps where birds, squirrels or raccoons can get in
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
- Thermal imaging to find hidden moisture and heat loss
- Moisture meters to confirm wet decking and insulation
- Drones for steep or hard-to-reach roof areas
- High-resolution photos of every finding
Types of Roof Inspections We Offer in Ottawa
Not every roof needs the same kind of inspection. Pick the one that matches why you are calling, and we will tell you if a different option makes more sense.
Free Basic Roof Inspection
A visual check of your roof and attic with verbal recommendations. Good for peace of mind, an older roof you are unsure about or a second opinion on a quote.
Formal Documented Roof Inspection
A written report with photos for real estate deals, insurance claims, condo boards or long-term budget planning. Starts at $199.
Annual Maintenance Inspection
A yearly check, ideally in the fall, to catch lifted shingles, cracked vent boots and worn flashing before an Ottawa winter turns them into leaks.
Pre-Purchase Roof Inspection
For home buyers and sellers who need to know the real condition of a roof and roughly how many years it has left before closing. Here is what to look for in a roof before you buy.
Storm Damage Roof Assessment
A fast inspection after wind, hail or a fallen branch, with photos and notes that document the damage for your insurance claim. Our storm damage repair team can fix it right after.
Roof Leak Investigation
Tracing the exact source of an active or intermittent leak, which often starts several feet from where the water shows up on your ceiling.
Insurance Claim Roof Inspection
Detailed photos, measurements and a written assessment you can hand to your insurer to support a roof damage claim.
Why Book Your Roof Inspection With Vanity Roofing
An inspection team that also builds and repairs roofs
When you book with Vanity Roofing, you’re working with:
Certified Inspectors
Licensed, insured roofers trained on the problems Ottawa weather causes, from ice dams to wind damage
Local Track Record
More than 18,000 Ottawa roofing and exterior projects completed since 2015
CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster
A top 1% roofing contractor in Canada, with ongoing training on the latest roofing systems
Code and Climate Knowledge
We know the Ontario Building Code and how snow load, freeze-thaw and ventilation affect Ottawa roofs
What Our Clients Say
What You Get After a Formal Roof Inspection
After a formal roof inspection, you receive:
- A written report explaining every finding in plain language
- High-resolution photos of each area of concern
- Recommendations ranked by urgency
- Repair cost estimates, with small repairs starting at $350
- Maintenance tips to get more years out of your roof
Even with a free basic inspection, you get honest verbal feedback on your roof’s condition and whether it needs attention.
Roof Inspection Cost in Ottawa
Our basic roof and attic inspection is free. Formal and specialized inspections with written reports start at $199. Here is what each one includes.
Free Basic Inspection
- Visual assessment of the roof exterior and attic
- Verbal walkthrough of what we found
- Basic maintenance recommendations
- No written report, so book a formal inspection if you need one
- Ideal for homeowners who want peace of mind
Specialized Inspections From $199
Pre-Purchase Inspection
Starting from $199, with a detailed written report for real estate transactions and closing
Storm Damage Assessment
Starting from $199, with photo documentation for your insurance claim
Leak Investigation
Starting from $199, including moisture mapping to trace where the water is getting in
What Affects Roof Inspection Cost
- The size of the roof and the number of roof levels
- Roof pitch and how safely it can be accessed
- Whether you need a written report, photos or moisture mapping
- Attic access and attic size
- Flat or commercial roofs with multiple membranes or rooftop units
What Ottawa's Climate Does to Your Roof
Common Problems We Find on Ottawa Roofs
Winter Weather Impact
Ottawa winters cause the same handful of problems on almost every roof we inspect:
- Ice dams pushing meltwater back under the shingles, which our ice dam removal service clears
- Heavy snow load stressing the roof deck and rafters
- Attic frost and condensation from poor roof ventilation
- Flashing and sealant pulled loose by freeze-thaw cycles
Seasonal Considerations
- Spring (March-May): Post-winter checks for damage from ice, snow and wind
- Summer (June-August): The best weather for full evaluations and maintenance
- Fall (September-November): Pre-winter inspections to fix small issues before the snow arrives
- Winter (December-February): Emergency inspections for ice dams, leaks and heavy snow load
How Booking a Roof Inspection Works
Visual Assessment
Your inspector arrives on time and checks every accessible roof area, plus the attic.
Honest Recommendations
You get straight advice on your roof's condition and whether a written inspection is worth it.
No-Pressure Decision
You decide what happens next. Book a repair, a formal inspection or simply enjoy the peace of mind.
Roof Inspection FAQs for Ottawa Homeowners
Is the free roof inspection really free? What’s the catch?
Yes. Our basic roof and attic inspection is free with no obligation. We do it because most people have no idea what shape their roof is in, and an honest look builds trust. If you need repairs we hope you’ll call us, but there is never any pressure.
What’s the difference between the free inspection and paid formal inspections?
The free inspection is a visual check of your roof and attic with verbal recommendations. Formal inspections start at $199 and add diagnostic tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging, a closer examination and a written report with photos you can use for insurance claims, real estate deals or comparing contractor quotes.
How often should I have my roof inspected in Ottawa?
Once a year for most Ottawa homes, ideally in the fall before winter, and again after any major storm. Roofs under 5 years old can often go every two years unless there has been severe weather. Our guide on how often to inspect your roof has more detail.
What should I do to prepare for a roof inspection?
Clear a path to your attic hatch if you can, but it is not required. If possible, move vehicles away from the house so we can set up ladders safely near the eavestroughs.
How long does a roof inspection take?
A free basic inspection usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Formal inspections with written documentation take 1 to 2 hours, and larger homes or complex rooflines can take longer.
Will the inspector need to access the inside of my home?
Yes. A complete inspection includes the attic, where we check ventilation, insulation, frost, mould and signs of leaks you cannot see from outside.
What happens if you find problems during the inspection?
We walk you through everything we found. With a formal inspection you also get photos and written descriptions. Urgent problems get explained right away with next steps, and less critical items are ranked so you can plan and budget.
Do you provide repair services for issues found during inspections?
Yes. Our roof repair team can fix anything we find, with repairs starting at $350. There is no pressure, and you are welcome to get other opinions first.
Are your roof inspections recognized by insurance companies?
Our free inspections are not set up for insurance claims. Our formal documented inspections include the photos and written detail insurers look for, and homeowners regularly use them for claims.
Do you offer emergency inspections after storms?
Yes. We prioritize post-storm inspections and typically respond within 24 to 48 hours after severe weather. Getting the damage documented early prevents more water damage and makes your insurance claim stronger.
Book a Free Roof Inspection in Ottawa
Most roof problems stay hidden until water shows up on a ceiling, and by then the damage has usually spread into the deck and insulation. A quick inspection now is the cheapest roof repair you will ever get. Book your free basic roof and attic inspection and we will tell you honestly where your roof stands.
A Roof Inspection Team Ottawa Homeowners Trust
Vanity Roofing has built its reputation on proven results, long-term warranties, and referrals from satisfied customers across Ottawa. As the largest installer of CertainTeed® roofing products in Ottawa and a Select ShingleMaster™ in the top 1% nationwide, we’re able to register CertainTeed’s 5-Star Warranty, covering materials and labour for up to 50 years and workmanship for up to 25 years on qualifying shingle systems. That level of protection reflects the quality of our installations and the confidence we stand behind.
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Our commitment to excellence is further reinforced by an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and recognition as Best Roofing Contractor in Ottawa by ThreeBestRated every year since 2019. We’re also certified by the Vinyl Siding Institute and recognized as a James Hardie Elite Contractor, ensuring the same high standards across all exterior services. From roofing to siding, we communicate clearly at every stage of your project and deliver workmanship built to last, so you can feel confident your home or business is protected by one of Ottawa’s most trusted exterior contractors.
