What does a roof inspection include?
Short answer. A roof inspection includes the roof covering, flashing, penetrations, valleys, ridge and edges, ventilation, gutters, and signs of decking or attic problems. A thorough one also checks for storm damage and ends with photos and recommendations.
The roof covering
- Granule loss, cracking, curling, blistering and brittleness.
- Missing, creased or lifted shingles and unsealed tabs.
- Hail bruises, which are checked by touch as well as sight.
- Moss, lichen and algae, and whether they are causing damage.
Flashing and penetrations
- Chimney flashing and crickets, step flashing at walls, headwalls.
- Pipe boots, exhaust caps, skylights, satellite or solar mounts.
Edges, valleys and ridge
- Drip edge, starter course and rake edges.
- Valley metal or woven valleys and debris buildup.
- Ridge cap condition and ridge vent.
Ventilation and attic
Intake at the soffits, exhaust at the ridge or vents, and whether the two are balanced. In the attic: stains, mold, damp insulation, daylight at the decking and rusted nails. Poor ventilation shortens shingle life in Georgia heat; see roof ventilation basics.
Drainage
Gutter pitch, clogs, damage, downspout discharge, and fascia or soffit rot behind the gutters.
Structure
Sagging ridgelines, wavy decking, and soft spots that suggest rot.
Documentation
Photos of every slope and every problem, labeled by location, plus a plain summary of what is urgent, what is wear, and what may be storm related. What to expect at a roof inspection walks through the visit itself.