The short answer
There’s no single schedule that fits every roof, but a simple rule of thumb works well for Kansas City.
A practical schedule
| Situation | How often |
|---|---|
| After significant hail or wind | Each time |
| Roof under 10 years old | Every 2–3 years |
| Roof 10–15 years old | Every 1–2 years |
| Roof 15+ years old | Every year |
| Buying or selling a home | Before closing |
| Leaks, stains, or missing shingles | Right away |
Why “after significant storms” comes first
In Kansas City, storms do more to shorten roof life than the calendar does. A significant hail or wind event — hail 1 inch or larger, or gusts of 58 mph or more, the National Weather Service’s severe thresholds — is a good trigger for a roof inspection, even on a newer roof.
From 2016–2025, the National Weather Service logged hail that size within 30 miles of downtown Kansas City on about 8.1 days a year (see Kansas City hail history by year).
Storm records can’t say for sure what reached your roof, but they’re a useful starting point. Look up the storms on record near your address.
Curious what storms were recorded near you?
See how many significant storms are on record near your address, free in about 30 seconds. Add your contact details to see each storm’s date and hail size.
- Doesn’t file an insurance claim
- One local partner, never a pile-on
Spring and fall checkups
If you prefer seasonal routines:
- Spring: look for winter freeze-thaw damage before storm season peaks.
- Fall: clean gutters and check for summer storm damage before winter.
The season-by-season roof maintenance checklist for Kansas City has the full list for each season.
What you can do between inspections
- Keep gutters clear so water drains off the roof edge.
- Trim branches that hang over or touch the roof.
- Watch ceilings and the attic for new stains.
- Note any shingles in the yard after windy days.
The bottom line
Inspect after significant storms, more often as your roof ages, and anytime something looks off. Learn what a roof inspection actually tells you, and see the roof inspection checklist of what a pro looks at.
Sources
Sources (1) · NOAA SPC
How our free inspections work and who pays us
Common questions
Should a new roof be inspected?
What can I check myself between inspections?
This guide is general information for homeowners, not professional, insurance, or legal advice. How we write and update guides.