Since a lot of people ask what they're actually paying for with an inspection, wanted to break down what a thorough job from
roofing toronto companies should typically include, based on what I've researched.
A proper inspection isn't just a quick look from the ground, it should cover the shingles or roofing material itself for cracking, curling, or granule loss, flashing around chimneys and vents for gaps or rust, and the overall structure for sagging or soft spots that might indicate decking issues underneath. Attic ventilation is worth checking too, since poor airflow can trap moisture and cause problems even when the roofing material itself looks fine from outside.
Given Toronto's climate specifically, ice damming is something worth asking about directly, since freeze-thaw cycles through winter can force water backup under shingles in ways that aren't always obvious until there's already been a leak. A contractor familiar with the local climate should be checking for signs of this even outside of an active complaint about it.
Gutters and downspouts often get overlooked in a roof-focused inspection, but they're directly tied to how well water actually drains off the roof, so a thorough inspection should include a look at those too rather than treating them as a separate system entirely.
The other thing worth asking upfront is whether the inspection itself is free or comes with a scheduling fee, since that varies a lot by company and it's better to know going in rather than being surprised on the invoice. Anyone had an inspection turn up an issue they weren't expecting going in?