What to Expect During a Roof Inspection in Scottsdale
Learn about what to expect during a roof inspection in Scottsdale. Get an expert Behmer Roofing & Sheet Metal breakdown of roof evaluation steps, what to look for, and common problems unique to Scottsdale roofing systems.
When you live in Scottsdale, your roof works overtime. From intense summer heat to monsoon storms and the occasional winter cold snap, the desert climate stresses roofing systems in ways many homeowners don’t realize. That’s why roof inspections are one of the most valuable, yet most overlooked, services for homeowners in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the rest of the Valley.
Whether you’re buying a home, maintaining your current roof, or dealing with issues like leaks or worn-out underlayment, knowing what to expect during a professional roof inspection helps you make smart, proactive decisions. Here’s a detailed look at what reputable roofing companies check, why these inspections matter in Arizona, and how you can prepare your home for a smooth evaluation.
When you live in Scottsdale, your roof is exposed to some of the most extreme weather conditions in the country, and no one understands that better than Behmer Roofing & Sheet Metal. As a fourth-generation, family-owned roofing company trusted throughout Scottsdale and beyond, Behmer has seen firsthand how Arizona’s climate affects roof systems of all types.
No matter your material type, design, or age of your roof, a professional roof inspection is the key to preventing costly damage and extending the life of your roofing system. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during a roof inspection, what to look for, and why inspections matter more in Arizona than almost anywhere else.
Why Roof Inspections Are Essential in Scottsdale
Homes in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and surrounding areas experience intense, year-round exposure to:
- Brutal UV radiation
- Drastic temperature swings from day to night
- Monsoon storms, wind, and dust
- Seasonal debris and moisture buildup
These conditions are especially hard on tile roofs, underlayment systems, metal flashing, and flat roofs. Even roofs that look perfectly fine from the ground often have underlying issues only a trained inspector can uncover.
What A Roof Inspector Looks For
A professional inspection is never just a quick glance at the roof. Highly trained teams perform a comprehensive, multi-point evaluation designed specifically for Scottsdale roofing systems.
Below is exactly what an expert from Behmer Roofing and Sheet Metal looks for during an inspection:
1. Roof Surface Condition (Tile, Foam, Shingle, or Metal)
Professional roof inspectors begin by assessing the visible condition of your roofing material. In Scottsdale and Phoenix, tile roofs often hide deeper issues beneath the surface:
- Cracked, displaced, or slipped roof tiles
- Visible areas of underlayment showing
- Surface wear from heat exposure
- Foot-traffic damage (from inexperienced HVAC techs or installers)
2. Underlayment Evaluation
The underlayment is the true waterproofing layer on most Arizona homes, and Behmer Roofing & Sheet Metal has completed thousands of underlayment replacement projects across the Valley. An expert roof inspector will look for:
- Brittle or deteriorated underlayment
- Exposed fasteners
- Curling or slipping membrane edges
- Water staining or moisture intrusion
- Sun damage from cracked or missing tiles
Even premium tile roofs with a 50-year lifespan rely on underlayment that may only last 18–25 years in Scottsdale’s climate. Behmer’s inspectors can immediately tell whether your underlayment is nearing failure.
4. Interior Attic Inspection
If attic access is available, an interior inspection may be necessary. This step can reveal issues long before they show up inside your home.
- Hidden leaks or staining
- Proper ventilation (critical in 110°+ summers)
- Mold, mildew, or moisture buildup
- Insulation condition
- Structural integrity around rafters and decking
5. Drainage and Water Flow Assessment
Arizona roofs still rely on proper drainage (especially flat roofing systems). Water flow issues often lead to premature coating failure on foam roofs or underlayment damage on tile roofs. A professional roof inspection can reveal hidden or potential issues and it’s important to have an expert look for:
- Ponding or low spots
- Blockage areas
- Improper roof slopes
- Debris buildup
- Signs of past water backup
6. Photo Documentation & Written Report
Behmer’s philosophy is transparency and helping homeowners understand exactly what their roof needs. When your inspection concludes you should expect a professional to provide you with quality feedback and insight:
- High-resolution images
- Clear explanations of findings
- Recommended repairs
- Priority levels (urgent vs. preventative)
- Honest timelines and price expectations
How Long Does a Roof Inspection Take?
Most Scottsdale roof inspections take 45–90 minutes, depending on roof type, home size, accessibility, and whether attic evaluation is included. Behmer Roofing and Sheet Metal also offers rapid-response inspections during monsoon season when leaks and emergency calls are more common.
The Most Common Issues Behmer Finds in Scottsdale Roofs
After decades of Valley roofing experience, Behmer Roofing & Sheet Metal typically discovers:
- Aging or failing underlayment - The #1 issue for tile roofs in Scottsdale and Phoenix.
- Slipped, cracked, or broken tiles - Often caused by weather, foot traffic, or natural settling.
- Flashing or metal failures - A leading cause of leaks during storms.
- Foam roof UV degradation - Happens when coatings age or maintenance is overdue.
- Ventilation problems - Insufficient airflow shortens roof lifespan significantly.
Every issue Behmer identifies is documented clearly so homeowners know exactly what’s happening and why.
How to Prepare for Your Inspection
Behmer Roofing and Sheet Metal’s goal is to make the process easy, clear, and educational for homeowners. To help a professional roof inspector complete a thorough evaluation, you can:
- Provide attic access if possible
- Remove vehicles from the driveway
- Keep pets safely inside
- Share any concerns, past leak areas, or recent storm impacts
How Often Should You Schedule a Roof Inspection?
Regular inspections help catch small problems before they become expensive repairs. Behmer Roofing and Sheet Metal recommends:
- Every 1–2 years for preventative maintenance
- After severe monsoon storms
- When your roof reaches 15+ years old
- Before listing or purchasing a home
Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement
It can be difficult to know when to repair roof damage versus doing an entire replacement. A roof inspection can prevent costly damage or replacement in the future. To understand the difference:
Repairs:
- Damage is isolated
- Flashing needs resealing
- Only a few tiles need replacement
- Underlayment failure is minimal
Replacement:
- Widespread deterioration exists
- The roof is nearing 20–30 years old
- Multiple leak areas are present
- Tiles are in good shape but waterproofing has failed
Full Roof Replacement:
- Both tile/shingles and underlayment are beyond their lifespan
- Structural issues exist
- The homeowner wants a long-term solution or a new look
Why Scottsdale Homeowners Trust Behmer Roofing & Sheet Metal
Behmer has earned its reputation through four generations of roofing expertise, specialization in Arizona and Scottsdale roofing systems. Behmer Roofing’s In-house sheet metal fabrication team is highly trained in both installation and inspection. Behmer believes in honest, transparent, photo-documented findings and exceptional quality and long-lasting workmanship.
From North Scottsdale to Arcadia, from Phoenix to Paradise Valley, Behmer is the name homeowners call when they want the job done right.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Home with a Behmer Roof Inspection
A roof inspection is one of the smartest investments you can make as a homeowner in Scottsdale, Phoenix, or anywhere in the Valley. Behmer Roofing & Sheet Metal provides the expertise, transparency, and craftsmanship needed to keep your roof performing at its best, year after year.
Whether you’re managing an older roof, evaluating storm damage, or simply staying ahead of maintenance, Behmer gives you peace of mind with every roofing inspection.
