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Reviewed by Alexander Hamilton Li, Architect & General Contractor · CSLB #1078806 · Updated June 2026
A roof inspection is the smartest small investment a homeowner can make. Bay Area roofs take a beating from salt air near the coast, wind-driven winter storms, and strong summer UV, and most problems start small and hidden. Catching a lifted shingle, a cracked vent boot, or worn flashing early keeps a quick repair from turning into soaked decking and a stained ceiling. Hamilton Exteriors inspects roofs the same way we build them, as a GAF Master Elite contractor, and both our online assessment and our on-site inspection are free with no obligation.
Every inspection checks the parts of a roof that actually fail. We look at flashing around chimneys, skylights, and wall junctions, the condition of valleys, shingle wear and granule loss, plumbing-vent boots, ridge and attic ventilation, and the gutters that carry water away. From inside we check the attic for moisture, daylight through the boards, and early signs of decking rot. You get the findings in writing with photos, not just a verbal once-over.
We start online so you do not have to wait for a truck. Enter your address in our roof quote tool and our satellite measurement sizes and images your roof in about sixty seconds. That gives you an instant read on roof area and an initial condition assessment. If you want a closer look, we schedule a free on-site inspection, usually within the same week, to confirm anything the satellite view cannot show.
The written report tells you what matters: the overall condition, any problem areas with photos, whether a repair or a replacement makes more sense, and a ballpark figure priced by the square. That documentation is useful well beyond our own quote. Homeowners use it for insurance claims after a storm and for negotiations when buying or selling a home.
If a storm just rolled through, timing matters. We document wind and impact damage with photos and an itemized scope while it is fresh, which is exactly what insurers want to see on a claim. We are licensed, bonded, and insured under CSLB #1078806, so the inspection and any follow-up work are handled by one accountable contractor.
We inspect roofs across Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, and Napa counties. Start with the instant online assessment, or call us to book a free on-site inspection and we will give you a clear, photo-backed picture of where your roof stands.
What a Roof Inspection Checks
| Area | What We Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing | Gaps or rust at chimneys, skylights, walls | The most common source of leaks |
| Valleys | Worn metal, granule buildup | Channels the most water on the roof |
| Shingles | Curling, cracking, bald patches | Signals remaining service life |
| Vent boots | Cracked or dried rubber seals | A frequent, easily fixed leak point |
| Attic and ventilation | Moisture, daylight, decking rot | Reveals hidden damage from inside |
When Should You Get a Roof Inspection?
Book an inspection after any major Bay Area storm, before buying or selling a home, every three to five years once your roof passes 15 years, and the moment you see a water stain, a damp spot on the ceiling, or shingles on the ground. Inspections are also worth scheduling before the rainy season so any worn flashing or cracked boot is fixed before the first heavy downpour rather than during it.
Roof Inspection for Buying or Selling a Home
A documented roof inspection removes one of the biggest unknowns in a Bay Area real estate deal. Buyers want to know how many years of roof life remain and whether a replacement is looming. Sellers who provide a recent inspection with photos and a condition summary head off last-minute renegotiation. Our written report gives both sides a clear, neutral picture priced by the square.
What Homeowners Say About Our Work
Real reviews from verified Bay Area homeowners.
maribelle nisha vivar
2 weeks ago
Customer service is A+. Shout out to Rachel. Thanks!
Eric W.
via Yelp
Hamilton Exteriors did an amazing job on my roof. The team was professional, and the quality of work was top-notch. Highly recommend!
Robert H.
via Angi
From the very first consultation, we knew we'd made the right choice. The team was knowledgeable and genuinely listened to our concerns about energy efficiency and design. We've already noticed a drop in our energy bills.
Laura G.
via Nextdoor
Hamilton Exteriors repaired extensive dry rot damage on our home's exterior. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality were evident throughout the project. Our home looks better than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Didn't find the answer to your question? Call Now (650) 977-3351
What areas in the Bay Area do you serve?
We serve six Bay Area counties — Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara — covering 47 cities from Oakland to San Jose. Our crews are based in Castro Valley, putting us within 45 minutes of every city we serve. We handle permits and know the building codes for each jurisdiction, which matters because requirements and fees vary significantly between cities.
How does billing and financing work?
We offer $0-down financing with approved credit, 12-month same-as-cash plans, and extended terms up to 15 years for larger projects. You only pay for completed, inspected work — we never ask for full payment before the job is done. Your project manager will walk you through every option during your estimate appointment. We also accept checks, ACH, and all major credit cards.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. CSLB License #1078806 — verify it anytime at cslb.ca.gov. We carry $2M general liability, full workers’ comp, and are bonded per California law. We hold GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Preferred, CertainTeed ShingleMaster, and James Hardie Elite Preferred certifications — each requires annual training and quality audits to maintain. We’re happy to provide proof of insurance before any work begins.
Do I need a permit for my exterior project?
Most exterior projects in the Bay Area require a building permit. Fees vary by city — Oakland runs $200–$600, Peninsula cities often more. We handle the entire permit process: application, plan submission, and scheduling inspections. Permit fees appear as a separate line item in your estimate so you’ll see every cost upfront. For homes in WUI fire zones (Berkeley Hills, Oakland Hills, parts of Marin), we ensure full compliance with local fire-rated material requirements.
Is a roof inspection really free?
Yes. Both the online satellite assessment and the on-site inspection are free, with no obligation to book any work afterward.
How often should I have my roof inspected?
Every three to five years for a roof under 15 years old, once a year past 15 to 20 years, and after any major storm or as soon as you notice an interior water stain.
What does the inspection cover?
We check flashing, valleys, shingle wear and granule loss, vent boots, ridge and attic ventilation, and gutters, plus the attic for moisture and early decking rot. You get the findings in writing with photos.
Can you provide a report for insurance or a home sale?
Yes. We document findings with photos and an itemized scope, which homeowners use for storm insurance claims and for buying or selling a home.
Will you tell me if I need a repair or a replacement?
Yes, and honestly. If the damage is isolated we will say a repair is enough. If wear is widespread or the roof is past 20 years, we will explain why a replacement usually costs less over time.
How long does an on-site inspection take?
Most single-family roofs take 30 to 60 minutes on site. Larger or more complex rooflines take a bit longer. The online satellite assessment takes about a minute.
Get Your Bay Area Roof Inspection Estimate
Request an estimate for your bay area roof inspection project. We typically call back within 5 minutes.
Call now — we pick up in minutes. Or fill out the form above and we'll call you.
21634 Redwood Rd Unit F, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Serving Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, San Jose, Palo Alto, Walnut Creek, San Rafael, Napa, Redwood City & more across Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Mateo & Santa Clara counties. All 47 cities →