Maintenance & Repairs
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
If the insulation looks thin, matted or packed against the soffit vents, our attic insulation guide explains what to look for and when it's worth adding more.
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
Intake vents low on the roof and exhaust vents near the ridge have to work as a pair. Here's why ventilation matters more than most people think.
- 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 are the last step in your roof's drainage system, and a clogged or sagging run can push water back under the roof edge. If yours need more than a cleaning, see our gutter repair and replacement page.
- 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. Around Knoxville, the National Weather Service says tornadoes peak in April and large hail in May, with a smaller second bump for both in November. Our hail damage guide shows what to look for.
- 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
HomeAdvisor's June 2026 cost data puts a stand-alone roof inspection at about $125 to $392 nationally, with an average around $257. Roofers often look a roof over as part of quoting a repair or replacement, so ask up front whether there's a charge and whether you'll get a written report with photos. That documentation is the part worth paying for.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Have experienced local roofers look your roof over. Free to request, no obligation.
Get Free QuotesKeep 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 sell your home or file an insurance claim; Tennessee's insurance regulators specifically advise photographing or videoing all damage when you file. Our roof insurance claim guide walks through the rest of that process.