How often should you get your roof inspected?
When to get a roof inspection in Australia — after storms, before buying, and routinely — what an inspection covers, and what you can check from the ground.
Key takeaways
- A professional check every couple of years catches most problems early.
- Always check after hail, cyclones and severe storms.
- Ground-level checks are safe; climbing onto the roof is not.
Routine inspections
Many roofers suggest a professional inspection every couple of years, and more often for older roofs, homes near the coast, or roofs under heavy tree cover. Small repairs found early are far cheaper than water damage inside.
After severe weather
Hail, cyclones and strong winds can crack tiles, lift sheets and dislodge ridge capping without obvious signs from inside. Have the roof checked after severe weather, and before the next storm season.
What you can check from the ground
Walk around the house with binoculars in good light:
- Missing, slipped or cracked tiles
- Ridge capping with gaps or missing mortar
- Rust streaks or lifted sheets on metal roofs
- Sagging or overflowing gutters
- Branches touching or overhanging the roof
- Water stains on ceilings or in the roof eaves
What a professional inspection covers
A roofer will check the roof surface, ridge capping, valleys, flashings, penetrations such as vents and skylights, gutters and downpipes, and often the roof space for water tracks, and give you photos and priorities.
Book it
Post a roofing inspection request free on Fixit247 with the roof type, age of the home and any concerns, and compare up to 3 obligation-free quotes from verified roofers, where available.
General information only, reviewed for Australian conditions. Rules differ between states and territories and change over time, so confirm details with the relevant regulator. Call 000 in an emergency. Editorial policy
Need gutter repairs help?
Describe the job once. It's free to post, no account is needed to start, and there's no obligation to accept a quote.
Post a Job FreeGet the next checklist in your inbox.
Seasonal reminders and new guides for Australian households.
Keep reading
Signs your roof needs repair
Warning signs of roof problems you can spot safely from the ground or inside — tiles, ridge capping, rust, sagging and ceiling stains — before they become leaks.
ReadRoof damage after a hailstorm: what to check
Safe checks after hail — from inside and on the ground — what hail damage looks like on tiled and metal roofs, and how to get repairs and insurance moving.
ReadBlocked gutter warning signs
How to spot blocked or failing gutters from the ground, why they matter in storms and bushfire season, and when to book a professional.
ReadWhat to do during a roof leak
Ground-level actions to reduce damage during a roof leak, plus the signs that need emergency help rather than a ladder.
ReadStorm damage to your home: first steps
What to do in the first hours after storm damage — safety, the SES, temporary protection, photos for insurance and arranging repairs.
ReadWater stain on the ceiling? What to do
What a ceiling water stain can mean — roof leak, plumbing leak or condensation — what to check safely, and when a stain needs urgent attention.
Read