A paid roof inspection in Pennsylvania typically runs between $75 and $500, depending on how it is done and how deep it goes. That is a real range, and the method matters as much as the price. If you are weighing a repair or replacement, or you just came through a storm, our inspection is free, and there is more on when and why below. First, here is what the paid options cost and what you get for the money.
What a roof inspection costs in PA
The price depends mostly on the method. A basic visual inspection is the cheapest and covers most routine needs; drone, infrared, and attic add-ons cost more because they use equipment or find things the eye cannot. Here is how the common types compare.
| Inspection type | Cost range | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Physical / visual | $75–$200 | Routine annual checkups and post-storm looks |
| Drone | $150–$400 | Steep or hard-to-reach roofs, detailed photo reports |
| Infrared / thermal | $250–$500 | Finding hidden moisture and insulation gaps |
| Attic add-on | $100–$300 | Interior moisture, ventilation, and insulation review |
Why the price varies so much
A $75 visual look and a $500 thermal scan are not the same product, and neither is being overcharged. The basic inspection is a trained roofer walking the roof and the attic, checking the shingles, flashing, boots, and ventilation, and writing up what they find. That is enough for most routine and post-storm needs.
The pricier methods buy you reach or information you cannot get with the eye alone. A drone covers steep or fragile roofs safely and produces a detailed photo record. An infrared or thermal scan finds moisture and insulation gaps hidden inside the roof assembly, which is genuinely hard to catch otherwise. An attic add-on looks at the underside, the ventilation, and interior moisture. You are paying for depth, so match the method to what you actually need rather than defaulting to the most expensive.
Roof certifications
A roof certification, often requested during a home sale, is a separate document that estimates the remaining life of the roof in writing, usually with a stated number of years the inspector expects it to last. It is meant to give a buyer or lender confidence, and it typically costs $150 to $300 on top of the inspection fee because it carries more assurance and liability than a simple report.
When Moonshot inspects for free
For homeowners considering a repair or replacement, or after storm damage, we provide a free inspection along with a written, itemized estimate. We get on the roof, document what we find with photos, and give you a straight read, even if that read is that you do not need a new roof yet. We would rather tell you the truth and earn the job when the time actually comes than sell you work you do not need.
There is a place for a paid third-party inspection, and we will tell you when you are in it. If you need an independent report for a home sale, a certification for a lender, or a neutral opinion for a dispute, hiring an inspector who is not also bidding the work is the right move, and worth the fee for the independence it gives you.
Matching the inspection to your situation
The cheapest inspection is not the best one, and the most expensive is not either. The right one is the one that fits why you are looking. For a routine annual check or a quick post-storm look, a solid visual inspection is plenty. Weighing a repair or replacement? Our free inspection covers it. Buying or selling a home, or need to satisfy a lender? That is where a paid, independent report or a certification earns its fee, because you want an opinion from someone with no stake in the outcome.
Reserve the drone and thermal methods for when they actually add something: a roof too steep or fragile to walk safely, or a stubborn moisture problem you cannot pin down. Paying for infrared on a simple ranch with an obvious issue is spending money on precision you do not need. Spend where the information gap is, and not a dollar more.
Common questions
How often should I have my roof inspected?
At least once a year, and twice a year once a roof passes about 10 years old. Also inspect after any major wind or hail storm, and before buying or selling a home, when the roof's condition is part of the deal.
Do you charge for a storm-damage inspection?
No. If you think a storm hit your roof, we will come out, assess it, and document the damage the way an insurance adjuster needs to see it, at no cost and with no obligation.
Is a free inspection as thorough as a paid one?
For deciding on a repair or replacement, yes. We check the same shingles, flashing, and ventilation and give you a documented read. The paid, independent inspection earns its fee in a different situation, when you need a neutral report from someone who is not also quoting the work.
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