If you live in Salem (Lee County), Expert Roofers Columbus handles free roof inspections from our Columbus office. Salem is a Lee County community along US-280 east of Phenix City. We start with a free inspection, show you photos of what we find, and give you a straight answer on what the roof actually needs.
What we check during a Salem roof inspection
- Shingles: wear, curling, cracking, granule loss, missing areas.
- Flashing & penetrations: chimneys, valleys, pipe boots.
- Decking & attic: signs of water intrusion or soft spots.
- Gutters & drainage: so water actually leaves the roof.
- Storm & hail damage: the kind an insurance adjuster looks for.
What you get
A clear picture of your roof's condition with photos, and an honest recommendation: repair, replace, or simply keep an eye on it. We would rather educate you than throw out a number.
When to schedule an inspection
- After any major storm, especially hail or high wind, even if nothing looks wrong from the ground.
- Before buying or selling a home in Salem, so the roof is not a surprise at closing.
- Once a year on a roof older than about 15 years.
- When you see warning signs: ceiling stains, granules in the gutters, shingles in the yard or a musty attic.
How long it takes
A typical home inspection takes under an hour. We check the roof surface, flashing and penetrations, then the attic if you give us access, and we send you photos with a plain-English summary. There is no cost and no obligation either way.
Roofing in Salem
Salem is an unincorporated Lee County community between Opelika and Phenix City along U.S. 280 and 431, first settled in 1835 and spread over roughly 115 square miles. Local landmarks include Wacoochee Elementary School and the nearby NCAT asphalt test track. The Salem-Shotwell Covered Bridge came from here; a fallen tree destroyed it on June 4, 2005, and it was rebuilt in 2007 at Opelika Municipal Park.
Storms that have hit Salem
On February 28, 2009 an EF2 tornado with 125 to 130 mph winds touched down southwest of Salem and crossed U.S. 280, destroying 4 site built homes and 6 mobile homes and badly damaging 8 more homes (NOAA). On May 3, 2025 an EF0 tornado passed through the Salem area near Wacoochee Elementary, where 1.5 inch hail was also reported on March 31, 2025.
Permits for roof work in Salem
Salem is unincorporated, so building permits come from Lee County Building Inspections, which serves the unincorporated areas of Lee County (334-737-7014). The county asks homeowners to call if they are unsure whether a project needs a permit. Its fee schedule charges no permit fee where the job valuation is $1,000 or less.
Why our inspections are different
- Rated 4.7 stars across 77 Google reviews from local homeowners.
- Storm and insurance-claim specialists. We document damage the way adjusters need it.
- Free, no-pressure roof inspections. If you do not need the work, we will tell you.
- Licensed and insured roofing crews serving Georgia and Alabama.
- Local and responsive. We answer the phone and show up when we say we will.
Serving Salem and the Chattahoochee Valley
Along with Salem, we roof homes and businesses in Phenix City, Smiths Station, Fort Mitchell, Ladonia, Columbus, Fortson, and the rest of the Valley on both sides of the river. Wherever you are within about 30 miles of Columbus, the standard is the same: done right, the first time.
Ready when you are. Call (706) 917-2768 or schedule a free inspection in Salem.
Common questions
Is a roof inspection really free?
Yes. There is no charge for the inspection and no obligation to hire us afterward.
Do I need to be home for the inspection?
Not for the roof itself. If you want us to check the attic, someone needs to be there to let us in.
Will an inspection tell me if I have hail damage in Salem?
Yes. We look specifically for the bruising, granule loss and dented metal that adjusters look for, and photograph it so you can decide whether to file a claim.
Who do I call about a roofing permit in Salem?
Salem is unincorporated, so Lee County Building Inspections handles permits there. Call 334-737-7014 and they will tell you whether your reroof needs one.
Has Salem had tornado damage?
Yes. NOAA records an EF2 tornado on February 28, 2009 that destroyed 4 site built homes and 6 mobile homes near Salem, and a weaker EF0 on May 3, 2025 near Wacoochee Elementary.