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Book your free roof inspection → or call (630) 463-7663.
Free roof inspections for every roof and every situation
We inspect any residential roof in the Chicago suburbs at no cost, with no obligation and no pressure to buy.
| Roof type | With GME | Reason for inspection | With GME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingle | Free | Storm or hail damage | Free |
| Composite / synthetic slate | Free | Insurance claim | Free |
| Natural slate | Free | Leak or water stain | Free |
| Cedar shake | Free | Aging roof (15+ years) | Free |
| Metal | Free | Pre-winter check-up | Free |
| Spanish / clay tile | Free | Drone inspection | Free |
| Flat roof / Brava / DaVinci | Free | Attic inspection | Free |
What does a roof inspection cost elsewhere?
If you hire someone else, here's what Chicago-area homeowners typically pay:
| Inspection type | Typical cost elsewhere | With GME |
|---|---|---|
| Physical (walk-on) inspection | $75–$200 | Free |
| Drone inspection | $100–$450 | Free |
| Attic inspection (add-on) | $200–$500 | Free |
Market prices are Chicago-area and national averages from Angi and HomeGuide (2026). Your price depends on roof size, pitch, height and access.
Why is GME's roof inspection free?
An inspection is how every good roofing project starts. Real pricing requires seeing the roof, not guessing from a zip code. We'd rather show you exactly what's going on, with no charge and no pressure, than have you put off a problem because of an inspection fee. Many times the honest answer is that your roof is fine, or only needs a small repair.
What to watch out for: a free inspection from an established, licensed local contractor you contacted is normal. Be cautious of unsolicited door-to-door "free inspections" after storms, a common opening for roofing scams. (How to spot roofing scams →)
What is a drone roof inspection?
A drone roof inspection uses a camera drone to photograph your entire roof from above, without anyone walking on it. It's the safest way to inspect steep, tall or fragile roofs like slate, tile and cedar, and it gives you clear photos of every slope, valley and flashing detail. Elsewhere, drone inspections typically cost $100 to $450. With Greater Midwest Exteriors, they're free.
What does a roof inspection include?
A thorough inspection should cover:
- Shingles or roofing material: missing, cracked, curled or blistered shingles and granule loss
- Flashing: around chimneys, skylights, vents and walls, where most leaks start
- Hail and wind damage: bruising, dents on vents and gutters, lifted shingles
- Gutters and drainage: clogs, sagging and water backing up under the roof edge
- Vents and attic: ventilation, insulation, and signs of moisture, mold or past leaks
- Roof decking: soft spots or sagging
- Interior signs: ceiling stains and water marks
Why is fall the best time to inspect your roof in Illinois?
October and early November are the best time for a roof inspection in the Chicago area. Small problems found now can be fixed before snow, ice and freeze-thaw cycles turn them into leaks. A fall inspection catches:
- Ice dam risk: poor attic ventilation or insulation that lets snow melt and refreeze at the edge of the roof
- Summer storm damage: hail and wind damage that hasn't leaked yet, but will once snow sits on it
- Loose flashing and failed sealant: these crack further in freezing weather
- Clogged gutters: they trap meltwater and feed ice dams
Most roofers can't safely do full repairs in deep winter, so fall is also the last good window to fix what an inspection finds.
How often should you get your roof inspected?
- Once a year, ideally in the fall
- After any major hail or wind storm
- Before buying or selling a home
- If your roof is 15+ years old, or you notice leaks, missing shingles or granules in the gutters
Roof inspections and insurance claims
If hail or wind may have damaged your roof, get it inspected before you call your insurance company. The inspector documents the damage with photos, so you know whether a claim is worth filing. Greater Midwest Exteriors has handled more than 1,000 insurance claims: we document the damage, meet with the adjuster, and help make sure the claim covers what it should. (How to get insurance to pay for a roof replacement →)
Can you inspect your own roof?
You can do a basic check from the ground with binoculars: look for missing shingles, sagging, and granules in your gutters. Leave walking the roof to a professional. (How to inspect a roof safely →)
