Roof Inspection

Updated November 6, 2026

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Safety

Roof work is hazardous and should not be attempted casually. Stay off ladders and rooftops, keep ground-level observations brief, and never inspect during rain, ice, or high wind. Steep pitches require harnesses, anchor points, and training that most homeowners do not have. Leave climbing, walking on the roof, and close-up checks to insured professionals, and keep children and pets away from ladder areas while any inspection is underway.

Before the visit

Clear vehicles, grills, and fragile items away from the driveway and the roof perimeter so ladders can be placed safely. Unlock gates, secure pets indoors, and write down any interior stains, drips, drafts, or unusual sounds to share with the technician. If the home has attic access, clear a path to the hatch and make sure the light works. Gather past repair invoices, warranty paperwork, and insurance claim details so the inspection can be documented accurately.

Repair vs replace

Repair is often the right call when damage is isolated: a handful of missing or cracked shingles, lifted or corroded flashing, clogged or detached gutters, failed sealant around vents and chimneys, or a small puncture in an otherwise sound surface. If the roof is relatively young and the underlying deck is dry, targeted repairs can stop leaks and extend service life at a fraction of replacement cost.

When to replace

Replacement becomes the practical choice when shingles are curling or balding across large areas, granule loss is widespread, multiple leaks keep returning, sagging points to rotted decking or structural trouble, or the roof is near the end of its expected lifespan. Extensive hail or wind damage, soft spots underfoot, and repair estimates that approach the cost of a new roof are also strong signals to plan for full replacement.

Common issues

Symptom	Likely causes	Safe check	Stop when
Water stains on ceilings or walls	Worn shingles, failed flashing around chimneys or vents, cracked pipe boots, or ice dam backup letting water under the roof covering.	From indoors, photograph the stain and note whether it grows after rain; check the attic with a flashlight for damp insulation or daylight at penetrations while standing only on joists.	The ceiling is bulging, dripping steadily, or the stain spreads quickly after each rain; contain water with buckets, avoid electrical fixtures near moisture, and arrange professional help promptly.
Missing, cracked, or curling shingles	Age, wind uplift, hail strikes, improper nailing, or heat cycling that dries and shrinks asphalt shingles over time.	View the roof from the ground with binoculars after a storm; look for bare patches, shingle fragments in gutters, or edges lifting along the eaves.	Large sections are bare, debris is scattered across the yard, or the roofline looks uneven; stay off the roof and request a professional assessment.
Granules collecting in gutters or at downspout outlets	Normal aging, hail damage, or foot traffic loosening the mineral surface of asphalt shingles.	Check gutter bottoms and splash areas from the ground or while cleaning only ground-reachable sections; a light scattering of granules is normal, while heavy piles are not.	Gutters hold thick granule buildup or shingle faces show bald, dark patches; schedule an inspection before the next heavy rain.
Sagging roofline or dips between rafters	Water-rotted decking, overloaded or damaged framing, failing structural members, or long-term attic moisture.	Stand back at the street and sight along the ridge and eaves; from inside, look for bowed sheathing between rafters while walking only on attic joists.	The sag is new, worsening, or paired with cracking sounds or doors that suddenly stick; stay out of the upper level and get a structural evaluation quickly.
Daylight visible in the attic	Separated decking seams, holes from fasteners or animal activity, or missing shingles leaving open gaps at the roof deck.	On a sunny day, walk the attic joists with lights off and mark light entry points with chalk; never step on drywall or areas covered only by loose insulation.	Light enters through large openings or wide gaps, or water is actively dripping; avoid running electrical devices near wet insulation and call for professional help.
Moss, algae streaks, or lifted shingle edges	Shade, trapped moisture, poor attic ventilation, or leaf and branch debris holding water against the roof surface.	Observe from the ground and note whether growth sits flat on the surface or shingles appear raised, spongy, or green-edged, which suggests deeper moisture.	Moss mats are thick enough to lift shingles or plants are rooted in the roof; skip pressure washing and have the surface evaluated by a technician.