Buying a House? DON'T Trust a Home Inspection for the Roof

“If I already had a home inspection, why do I need a roof inspection too?”
This is a question we hear all the time — and it’s a really important one.
In this video, James from Van Martin Roofing explains the real difference between a general home inspection and a specialized roof inspection — and why that difference can save homeowners from surprise repairs, hidden leaks, and early roof failure.
A home inspection gives you a broad overview of an entire house.
A roof inspection is a deep diagnosis of the roofing system itself — shingles, flashing, decking, ventilation, and everything that keeps your home protected from the elements.
If you’re buying a home, selling a home, or simply trying to understand your roof’s condition, this breakdown will help you know exactly what to expect and why a roof inspection matters.

🕒 In This Video, We Answer:

0:00 intro
0:12 What’s the difference between a home inspection and a roof inspection?
0:30 Why do some roofs pass a home inspection but still fail early?
0:55 What can a roof inspection find that a home inspection can’t?
1:15 What is flashing, and why is it a common leak point?
1:34 How does attic ventilation affect roof lifespan?
1:50 What is roof decking and how do you check for damage?
2:00 When should homeowners get a roof inspection?


💡 What You’ll Learn
✔ Why home inspectors are generalists and roofers are specialists
✔ The key things roof inspections look for: shingles, flashing, ventilation, decking
✔ How hidden roof problems cause leaks and shorten lifespan
✔ Why a roof inspection is a true diagnosis — not a quick glance
✔ How Van Martin uses photos + attic checks to explain everything clearly

At Van Martin Roofing, we don’t just glance at your roof — we diagnose it.
We climb up, check the attic, document what we see, and explain it in plain language so you can make the best decision for your home with confidence.