Why Regular Roof Inspections Matter

Most roof problems start small. A missing shingle, a tiny crack in flashing, or clogged gutters can lead to:

Water damage to ceilings and walls
Mold growth in attic spaces
Structural wood rot
Costly emergency repairs

Inspect your roof twice yearly (spring and fall) plus after major storms.

Safety First

Before You Climb

Do NOT go on your roof if:

Roof is wet, icy, or covered in debris
Wind exceeds 15 mph
You’re uncomfortable with heights
Roof pitch exceeds 6/12
You’re working alone

Safety equipment needed:

Rubber-soled shoes (no flip-flops)
Safety harness for steep roofs
Sturdy extension ladder
Helper on the ground
Fully charged phone

Alternative: Many items can be inspected from the ground with binoculars or from an attic inspection.

Ground-Level Inspection

What to Look For From the Ground

Roof Surface:

Gutters and Downspouts:

Gutters attached securely
No sagging sections
Downspouts directing water away from foundation
Shingle granules in gutters (sign of wear)

Flashings (Use Binoculars):

Metal around chimneys intact
Vent pipe boots not cracked
Valley flashing visible and straight
No rust or corrosion

Soffits and Fascia:

Paint not peeling
No visible rot
Vent openings clear
No animal entry points

Attic Inspection

Before Climbing on the Roof, Check Inside

Light and Ventilation:

No daylight visible through roof boards
Soffit vents unblocked
Ridge vents open
Attic fan working (if equipped)

Signs of Moisture:

No water stains on rafters or decking
No mold or mildew smell
Insulation is dry
No condensation on roof deck

Structural Elements:

Rafters straight and solid
No sagging between supports
Decking feels solid (no soft spots)
Chimney structure intact

Pro tip: Do attic inspection on a sunny day - you’ll see light leaks more easily.

On-Roof Inspection

Shingle Condition

Visual Check:

Physical Check (Gently):

Shingles not brittle
Tabs sealed (not lifting)
Nails not backing out (no bumps)

Flashings

Chimney Flashing:

Step flashing intact along sides
Counter flashing sealed at mortar joints
No rust or corrosion
Caulk not cracked or missing
Chimney cap present and secure

Vent Pipe Boots:

Rubber boot not cracked
Flange sealed to shingles
No gaps around pipe

Valley Flashing:

Metal visible and intact
No punctures or rust
Debris cleared from valley

Wall Flashings:

Step flashing behind siding
Kickout flashing at wall ends
Counter flashing sealed

Other Roof Features

Ridge and Hip Caps:

All cap shingles present
No cracking or curling
Ends sealed

Vents:

Screens intact (no animal entry)
No visible damage
Properly sealed at base

Skylights:

No cracked glass
Flashing intact
Seals not deteriorated

Gutter System Inspection

Gutters

Physical Condition:

No holes or rust spots
Joints not separated
Properly sloped toward downspouts
Secured to fascia

Cleanliness:

Free of leaves and debris
Water flows freely
No standing water
No plant growth

Downspouts

Securely attached
No clogs (water exits freely)
Extensions direct water 4+ feet from foundation
Connected to drainage if applicable

Post-Storm Inspection

After Hail

Check for dimples/dents in shingles
Look for cracked or broken shingles
Check metal vents and flashings for dents
Document damage with photos
Call insurance company if damage found

After High Winds

Look for missing shingles
Check for lifted or torn shingles
Inspect ridge caps
Look for debris impacts
Check for fallen tree limbs

After Heavy Rain

Inspect attic for new water stains
Check ceilings for discoloration
Look for water in light fixtures
Inspect exterior walls for water marks

Warning Signs That Need Professional Help

Call a Roofer Immediately If:

Structural Issues:

Roof visibly sagging
Multiple areas of soft decking
Rafters showing signs of failure

Active Leaks:

Water dripping during rain
Wet insulation in attic
Ceiling damage spreading

Severe Damage:

Large areas of missing shingles
Storm damage covering more than 25%
Flashing completely failed

Schedule an Inspection Soon If:

Aging Roof:

Roof over 15 years old
Significant granule loss in gutters
Multiple repairs in past 2 years

Minor Issues:

A few lifted or curling shingles
Small areas of missing granules
Caulk needing refresh

Inspection Frequency Guide

Situation	Recommended Frequency
Normal conditions	Twice yearly (spring/fall)
Roof 15-20 years old	Quarterly
After major storm	Immediately
New roof (first year)	Every 3 months
Before selling home	Professional inspection

DIY vs. Professional Inspection

DIY Inspection Good For:

Regular maintenance checks
Identifying obvious problems
Monitoring known issues
Post-storm quick checks

Professional Inspection Needed For:

Pre-purchase home inspections
Insurance claims
Warranty issues
Complex roof systems
Steep or high roofs
When problems are suspected

Professional inspection cost: $150-$400

Documentation Tips

Keep records of:

Date of each inspection
Photos of any issues found
Repairs made and by whom
Warranty information
Insurance claims filed

Photo tips:

Include wide shots showing context
Close-ups of specific damage
Multiple angles of problem areas
Date stamps on photos

Calculate Repair or Replacement Costs

Found issues during your inspection? Use our free Roofing Calculator to estimate repair or replacement costs for your roof.

Pro Tip: Create a roof maintenance calendar. Schedule inspections after your clocks change (spring forward, fall back) - it’s an easy reminder for twice-yearly checks. Keep a dedicated folder with all roof-related documents, photos, and warranty information for quick reference.