Complete Roof Inspection Checklist
Whether you're doing a quick check yourself or hiring a professional, it helps to know what a thorough roof inspection covers. Here's the complete list.
What You Can Check From the Ground
You don't need to climb on your roof to spot many problems. Walk around your house with binoculars and look for:
- Missing, cracked, or curled shingles
- Shingles that look different from the rest (possible repairs or storm damage)
- Sagging or uneven roofline
- Visible moss or algae growth
- Damaged or missing flashing around chimneys
- Rust stains (could indicate flashing problems)
- Damaged or clogged gutters
- Debris accumulation in valleys
- Overhanging tree branches touching the roof
- Damaged soffit or fascia boards
What to Check in the Attic
Your attic tells you a lot about your roof's condition. Check on a dry day (so you're not confusing old stains with active leaks):
- Daylight visible through the roof deck (shouldn't see any)
- Water stains on rafters or decking
- Dark spots indicating past or current leaks
- Sagging decking between rafters
- Signs of mold or mildew
- Wet or compressed insulation
- Proper ventilation (soffit vents clear, ridge vent visible)
- Exhaust vents properly connected and not leaking
- No pest damage or entry points
- Adequate insulation depth
On-Roof Inspection (For Professionals)
If you hire a professional, here's what they should be checking:
Shingle Condition
- Granule loss (check valleys and edges)
- Cupping or curling edges
- Blistering or bubbling
- Cracked shingles
- Missing tabs or whole shingles
- Proper nail placement (not exposed)
- Adequate shingle overlap
- Starter strip in place at edges
Flashing
- Chimney flashing condition and seal
- Vent pipe boots (not cracked or deteriorated)
- Skylight flashing integrity
- Valley flashing condition
- Step flashing along walls
- Drip edge along eaves and rakes
- Sealant condition at all flashing
Ventilation
- Ridge vent clear and functioning
- Box vents or turbines undamaged
- Exhaust cap screens in place
- No animal damage or nesting
- Adequate intake vs exhaust ratio
Structure and Surface
- Decking feels solid (no soft or bouncy spots)
- No sagging between rafters
- Valleys draining properly
- No ponding areas
- Roof penetrations properly sealed
- Satellite dish mounts sealed
Gutter and Drainage
- Gutters securely attached
- No sagging sections
- Proper slope toward downspouts
- No visible rust or holes
- Seams intact (no leaking)
- Downspouts connected and directing water away
- Extensions or splash blocks in place
- No debris accumulation
Exterior Walls and Trim
While you're at it, check related areas:
- Fascia boards intact, not rotted
- Soffit vents clear of debris and paint
- No gaps between roof edge and fascia
- Siding near roof in good condition
- Paint not peeling near roof edges (moisture sign)
- Caulking around penetrations intact
How Often to Inspect
- Annually: Full inspection, preferably in fall before winter weather
- After major storms: Quick visual check for obvious damage
- Seasonally: Quick ground-level look, especially at gutters
- Before selling: Professional inspection to identify and address issues
- When buying: Professional inspection is essential
What to Do With Your Findings
If you find issues during your inspection:
Minor issues (single cracked shingle, small debris): Can often wait until your next scheduled maintenance or addressed during other work.
Moderate issues (several damaged shingles, questionable flashing): Get a professional assessment within a few weeks.
Serious issues (active leaks, sagging, widespread damage): Call a roofer right away. These get worse quickly.
When to Hire a Professional Inspector
DIY checks are fine for routine monitoring. But hire a pro when:
- You're buying or selling a home
- You suspect significant damage
- Your roof is older (15+ years)
- You're uncomfortable on ladders or roofs
- You want documentation for insurance
- You're planning a major renovation
Professional inspections typically cost $150-400 depending on roof size and complexity. Worth it for the expertise and documentation.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Get peace of mind with a thorough inspection from experienced Knoxville roofers.
Get Free InspectionKeep Records
Document your inspections. Take photos of any issues, note dates of repairs, keep receipts. This helps track deterioration over time and is valuable if you ever file an insurance claim or sell your home.