How do you inspect a roof, and should you have your roof inspected?
Short answer. Inspect from the ground with binoculars, walk the perimeter for gutter and fascia problems, and check the attic with a flashlight for stains, daylight and damp insulation. You should also have a professional inspect it after any hail or strong wind, before buying or selling, and about once a year once the roof is older.
Step 1: From the ground
- Walk all four sides with binoculars.
- Look for missing, lifted, creased or curling shingles.
- Look for bare or dark patches, and moss on shaded slopes.
- Check chimney flashing, vents and pipe boots for gaps or cracks.
- Note sagging rooflines.
Step 2: Edges and drainage
- Gutters full, sagging or pulling away.
- Granules piling up at downspout outlets.
- Peeling paint or soft spots on fascia and soffits.
- After a storm, dents on gutters, downspouts and AC units.
Step 3: The attic
- Daylight through the deck.
- Water stains on decking and rafters, especially around chimneys and vents.
- Wet or matted insulation.
- Frost or rusted nail tips, which point to ventilation problems.
Step 4: Inside the house
Ceiling stains and peeling paint near exterior walls and below roof penetrations.
Safety first
Do not walk on the roof, especially when it is wet, hot or covered in needles. Steep and two story roofs are for professionals with fall protection.
Should you have it inspected professionally?
Yes, if you found anything above, the roof is over about 10 to 15 years old, a storm passed through, or you are buying, selling or renewing insurance. See what to expect from a roof inspection and signs you need a new roof.