A roof may look simple from the outside, but it is a complex system that protects your home or business against wind, rain, and temperature changes. Understanding how a professional roof inspection works step by step helps you to make better decisions about maintenance, repairs, and possible replacement. Dakdienst Nederland performs these inspections in a structured, transparent way so that you always know what is happening on your roof and why certain recommendations are made.
In the Netherlands, roof inspections are often offered at different price levels, depending on the type of property and the depth of the assessment. On average, a standard roof inspection by many contractors can range between €100 and €250. However, Dakdienst Nederland has chosen to make the inspection itself always free of charge, because clear information and honest advice should never be a barrier. The costs only start when you decide to have repairs or maintenance carried out.
In this article, you will learn step by step how the roof inspection process works and what you can expect specifically from a free Dakdienst Nederland inspection. By the end, you will know exactly which phases are involved, which parts of your roof are checked, how possible costs are built up, and how to make informed decisions about the condition of your roof.
Understanding the Roof Inspection Process Step by Step
A professional roof inspection starts long before a roofer sets foot on your roof. The first step is usually an intake and preparation phase, where basic information is collected. Dakdienst Nederland will typically ask about the type of building (residential, commercial, flat roof, pitched roof), the age of the roof, and any problems you may have noticed yourself, such as leaks, damp spots, broken tiles, or noise during storms. This information helps the inspector to focus on likely problem areas and to bring any specific materials or tools that might be required.
During this intake phase, an appointment is scheduled at a time that suits you. You will also be informed that the inspection itself is completely free, without any obligation to proceed with repairs. This transparency is important: you know beforehand that you will not be charged for the inspection visit. While the average Dutch roofing company may charge for such a visit, Dakdienst Nederland regards it as an essential service to help customers gain insight into the condition of their roof.
Next, there is often a short preliminary external check from the ground or from neighbouring viewpoints. The inspector might observe the general condition of the roof: visible sagging, missing tiles, loose flashing, or blocked gutters. This first visual scan is not yet the detailed inspection, but it gives an early impression of possible structural concerns and safety risks before climbing onto the roof.
Once safety has been ensured, the inspector proceeds to the on-roof assessment, which is the core of the inspection. At this stage, every component of the outer roof covering is examined systematically. For pitched roofs, this includes tiles or slates, ridge and hip tiles, roof edges, and chimney surroundings. For flat roofs, the inspector checks the roofing membrane (for example bitumen or EPDM), seams, blisters, cracks, and any ponding water. The aim is to discover not only existing damage but also early signs of wear that could lead to future issues.
In addition to the covering itself, the inspector checks the flashing and joints around chimneys, skylights, dormers, and ventilation outlets. These areas are particularly vulnerable to leaks. Improperly sealed connections, loose lead flashing, or cracked sealant can allow water to penetrate the structure. Dakdienst Nederland pays special attention to these details, because many leaks originate exactly at these junctions between different materials. Catching such issues early can avoid much more costly repairs later on.
Furthermore, the drainage system is inspected in detail. Gutters, downpipes, and roof drains are checked for blockages, damage, or incorrect slopes. Leaves, moss, and debris are often a cause of recurring problems; they can lead to overflowing gutters, water infiltration in the fascia boards, and even damage to the façade. The inspector will assess whether a simple cleaning is enough or whether parts of the system are worn out and need to be repaired or replaced. This is a crucial part of any complete roof inspection, as a perfect roof covering is of little use if water cannot drain properly.
After inspecting the exterior, a thorough inspection includes an interior and structural check wherever accessible. In pitched roofs, this often involves examining the attic or loft space. The inspector looks for water stains on beams or insulation, mould growth, damp smells, and visible light shining through the roof structure. These signs can reveal hidden leaks that are not yet visible on the outside. In some cases, condensation issues are identified that are not due to leaks but to poor ventilation.
The load-bearing structure of the roof is also assessed visually for any deformations or signs of weakness. Sagging beams, cracked rafters, or decayed wood can indicate structural problems that require more extensive intervention than a simple repair of roofing material. While a free inspection will not include structural calculations, an experienced inspector from Dakdienst Nederland can recognise warning signals and advise you on whether further structural assessment by a specialist engineer is needed.
Ventilation and insulation are checked as well, as they play an important role in the life expectancy of your roof. Poor ventilation can lead to condensation under the roof covering, which in turn damages wood and insulation. Insulation that is improperly installed or saturated by moisture can dramatically reduce energy efficiency and lead to mould issues. By including these aspects in the roof inspection, you receive a more complete picture of the overall health and performance of your roof system, not just its outer layer.
The final step in the process is the reporting and advice phase. After the on-site inspection, Dakdienst Nederland will walk you through the findings. This often happens first in a direct conversation: the inspector points out observed defects, potential risks, and parts that are still in good condition. This personal explanation helps you understand not only what is wrong, but also why it matters and how urgent each item is.
Next, you receive a clear overview of recommended measures, usually divided into:
- Urgent repairs (for example, active leaks or loose tiles that could fall)
- Necessary maintenance in the short term (such as replacing weathered flashing or cleaning blocked gutters)
- Preventive or long-term improvements (for example, upgrading insulation or renewing aged roofing in planned phases)
At this stage, pricing is discussed. In the Dutch market, the costs for roof works vary widely. As a broad indication:
- Small repairs (such as replacing a few tiles or sealing a minor leak) often range between €150 and €500.
- More extensive repairs or partial renewals can run between €500 and €2,500, depending on surface and material.
- Full roof replacement on an average Dutch home often varies between €5,000 and €15,000 or more, depending on size, material choice, and complexity.
These are general averages for the Netherlands; for an exact, customised quotation you must always contact Dakdienst Nederland directly. The inspection itself remains free, regardless of whether you decide to proceed with the proposed work.
What to Expect From a Free Dakdienst Nederland Inspection
A free roof inspection by Dakdienst Nederland always starts with clear communication and planning. You can contact the company by phone or via the website to request an inspection. During this first contact, some key questions are asked: the type of roof, suspected issues, and whether there have been previous repairs or leaks. Based on this, an appointment is scheduled, and you are informed once more that the inspection is entirely free of charge and without obligation.
On the agreed date, the Dakdienst Nederland inspector arrives within the indicated time slot and introduces themselves, explaining briefly how the visit will proceed. This often includes:
- A short discussion about your observations and concerns
- An explanation of safety measures (for example, use of ladders, fall protection)
- An outline of the approximate time needed for the inspection
This professional and structured approach ensures that you know exactly what is happening and feel comfortable during the process.
Before climbing onto the roof, the inspector may already carry out a brief visual scan from the ground to identify obvious problem areas. They check the alignment of the roof, the state of the gutters, and any visible damage to tiles, slates, or roofing membrane. This first impression helps in planning a safe and efficient on-roof inspection. If the building or circumstances require it, additional access methods (such as a mobile scaffold) may be discussed with you in advance.
Once on the roof, Dakdienst Nederland performs a detailed, methodical inspection. Every area of the roof is checked step by step: ridge, valleys, eaves, roof penetrations, and connections with walls or chimneys. The inspector often takes photos of problem areas to document them clearly. Any cracked, missing, or loose elements are noted, as well as signs of wear such as granular loss on bitumen, exposed underlay, or open seams.
The inspector also checks whether the roof is still functionally safe and watertight, not just visually acceptable. For instance, tiles that appear intact may still be incorrectly installed or insufficiently fixed, posing a risk in strong winds. On flat roofs, small blisters, micro-cracks, or poor detailing around drains can be early indicators of future leaks. Dakdienst Nederland treats these as important signals and records them in the assessment.
At the same time, the drainage system receives specific attention: the inspector checks whether gutters and downpipes are blocked, corroded, leaking, or detached. On flat roofs, roof outlets and emergency overflows are inspected for blockages and proper water flow. If debris or accumulated dirt is identified as a cause of poor drainage, the inspector will advise on cleaning and possible preventive measures, such as installing leaf guards.
An important aspect of a Dakdienst Nederland inspection is the transparent explanation of the findings and next steps. After finishing the on-roof and any interior checks, the inspector will go over the results with you in calm and understandable language. You will learn which parts of the roof are still in good condition, where immediate intervention is needed, and which issues could be tackled in a maintenance plan over several years.
You will then receive a non-binding proposal for any recommended works. This might include:
- Minor repairs (e.g. replacement of individual tiles, resealing of flashing)
- Maintenance (e.g. cleaning gutters, moss removal, re-pointing ridge tiles)
- Larger interventions (e.g. partial or full replacement of the roofing material)
Again, the inspection itself is free, regardless of the outcome. The proposal will typically contain an itemised overview of the work and associated costs, aligned with Dutch market levels. However, because every roof and situation is unique, exact prices can only be determined after this specific inspection and assessment. If you wish, Dakdienst Nederland can also prioritise the work so that you can, for instance, first handle urgent leaks and plan larger replacements at a later time.
Finally, Dakdienst Nederland emphasises long-term roof health and prevention. The inspector may recommend periodic inspections, especially for older roofs or roofs that are heavily exposed to wind and weather. While some homeowners wait until visible leaks appear, preventive inspections can significantly reduce total costs over the life of your roof. By detecting and resolving minor defects early, you often avoid the much higher expenses of emergency repairs or water damage inside the property.
If you choose to go ahead with the proposed work, planning and execution are then coordinated with you in detail. If you decide not to proceed immediately, you still benefit from the free, professional insight into the condition of your roof. In both cases, the core promise stands: the roof inspection by Dakdienst Nederland remains completely free and without obligation, giving you the information you need to make well-considered decisions about your roof.
A roof inspection is much more than a quick look at a few tiles; it is a structured, step-by-step process that evaluates the entire roof system, from covering and drainage to structure, insulation, and ventilation. By understanding how this process works, you can better interpret the advice you receive and recognise the value of preventive maintenance. In the Netherlands, many contractors charge for a detailed roof inspection, but Dakdienst Nederland has chosen to offer this key service entirely free, so that every property owner can make informed decisions without financial pressure at the diagnostic stage.
Whether your roof is visibly damaged, starting to age, or you simply want certainty about its condition, a free inspection by Dakdienst Nederland offers clear insight and practical recommendations. While the actual costs for repairs or replacement can range from a few hundred euros for minor works to many thousands for a full renewal—always depending on size, material, and complexity—exact pricing is only possible after a personal assessment of your specific roof. Therefore, you are always advised to contact Dakdienst Nederland directly for a tailored quotation.
By making use of a structured, professional inspection and transparent advice, you can extend the life of your roof, prevent unexpected leaks, and spread investments over time in a controlled way. A free roof inspection by Dakdienst Nederland is a low-threshold, high-value step towards a safe, watertight, and durable roof over your property.