What a Roof Inspection Actually Covers

If you've ever been told "your roof looks fine from the ground," that wasn't an inspection. A real roof inspection is a methodical walk through eight or nine specific checkpoints that together tell you whether your roof has years of life left or months.

Shingle Condition and Granule Loss

The first step is a close look at the shingle field. We check for curling edges, cracking, bald patches where granules have washed away, and the texture of the mat itself. Shingles in late life feel brittle and crack under light pressure.

Flashing at Every Penetration

Every place the roof is interrupted is a potential leak. That includes chimneys, skylights, plumbing vents, exhaust fans, and wall transitions. We check that flashing is tight, not corroded, properly lapped under shingles, and sealed where it meets masonry.

Valleys and Ridges

Valleys concentrate water and ridges concentrate wind uplift. Both need specific attention. A worn valley can fail even when the rest of the roof looks new.

Gutters and Drip Edge

Water has to leave the roof cleanly. We check that drip edge is properly installed behind the gutter front, that gutters are pitched, and that downspouts are clear. Fascia rot almost always starts here.

Attic Inspection

At least half of a good inspection happens from inside the attic. We look for daylight at eaves or ridges, staining on the underside of decking, wet insulation, compressed insulation that blocks airflow, and adequate ventilation baffles.

Ventilation Balance

We measure soffit intake against ridge or gable exhaust. An unbalanced system overheats the attic in summer and drives ice dams in winter. Many older homes fail this check.

What You Should Get

After an inspection you should receive photos of problem areas, a plain-language explanation of what was found, and a clear split between items that need attention now versus items to monitor. If you're handed a single-line estimate without any evidence, that wasn't an inspection.