What Happens During a Roofing Permit Inspection
A quick, practical look at what an inspector is actually checking for once your roofing permit is pulled.
Who requires a permit, and when it's pulled
Most municipalities across Hamilton, Boone, and Marion County require a permit for a full roof replacement, though requirements and the issuing authority vary depending on whether you're in an incorporated town, an unincorporated county area, or Indianapolis itself. We pull the permit as part of our standard process for jobs that require one.
What an inspector typically checks
Inspections generally focus on proper underlayment installation, correct nailing pattern and fastener count, ice and water shield placement at code-required areas like eaves, and flashing detail at penetrations and valleys. The inspector is verifying the work meets code, not evaluating cosmetic quality.
When the inspection happens
Depending on the jurisdiction, an inspection may occur mid-project after underlayment is installed but before shingles cover it, at final completion, or sometimes both. We schedule around whichever inspection points your specific permit requires.
What happens if an inspection finds an issue
If an inspector flags something, it needs to be corrected before the permit can be finalized or closed. This is a normal part of the process on occasion, not a sign of a failed project — and it's part of why permitted work provides real assurance for homeowners that installation met code.