What Roofers Look for During a Roof Inspection: A Complete Guide
To begin with, your roof is your home’s first line of defense against nature — the sun, rain, wind, hail, snow, and heat. Over time, it weathers storms, expands and contracts, sheds or retains water, and handles daily wear and tear. As a result, a professional roof inspection is essential to making sure your roof continues doing the job well. At the same time, Reimagine Roofing believes in proactive care: spotting small issues before they become big problems, protecting your investment, and keeping your home safe and energy efficient.
In this post, we dig deep into what roofers look for during a roof inspection: the parts, defects, warning signs, process, and why it’s so valuable. Plus, we’ll show you how Reimagine Roofing does inspections differently—with attention to detail, advanced tools, and benefits like our free inspection and Fast Quote Tool to get your estimate in less than 24 hours.
Why Roof Inspections Matter
Before exploring exactly what roofers look for, it’s helpful to understand why inspections are so important. At Reimagine Roofing, we emphasize regular inspections for several key reasons:
- Catch damage early so small issues don’t become large leaks, rot, structural damage, or even full roof replacements.
- Extend roof lifespan. Maintaining waterproofing, drainage, and structural integrity helps your roof remain durable longer.
- Save money. Preventive maintenance is far less expensive than emergency repairs.
- Insurance & warranties. For damage from storms, or aging, you often need documentation that an inspection was done. Having photo proof helps.
- Peace of mind. Knowing your roof is sound lets you sleep better at night.
When Should You Get an Inspection?
Roofers usually recommend inspections:
- Annually, as a routine maintenance task.
- After severe or damaging weather events: heavy wind, hail, storms, snow loads, monsoon rains, hurricanes, etc.
- If you notice signs of damage: leaks in ceiling, water stains, missing or curling shingles, rising energy bills, visible deterioration.
- When selling or buying a home: inspections are often requested in real estate.
What Roofers Inspect: The Key Components
During a full roof inspection, a roofer or roofing inspector will check both exterior and interior components. They may also use specialized tools or techniques in many cases (e.g., drones, infrared cameras, or moisture meters). To make it easier to follow, let’s break the inspection process into two main categories: Exterior Elements and Interior & Structural Elements.
Exterior Elements
Roofing Material (Shingles, Tiles, Metal, Membrane, etc.)
Roofers examine the visible roofing surface carefully. Common issues include:
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Missing or broken shingles or tiles
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Cracked, curled, cupping, or buckling shingles
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Shingle granule loss (especially with asphalt shingles)
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Discoloration, algae, moss, or lichen growth
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Rust, dents, or corrosion on metal roofs
Flashing & Seals Around Penetrations
Chimneys, skylights, vents, and pipes are common leak-prone areas. Roofers check:
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Flashing for rust, cracks, or separation
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Sealant or caulk for cracking, missing areas, or brittleness
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Gaps or openings that may allow water or pests to enter
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Condition of flashing around roof edges, valleys, and eaves
Roof Decking & Underlayment
Even though these aren’t always visible, roofers look for signs such as:
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Sagging sections or dips in the roof plane
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Soft spots that flex when walked on
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Water damage or rot beneath roofing materials
Gutters, Fascia, Soffits, Edges, and Eaves
Proper drainage is critical to roof performance. Inspections cover:
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Gutters: free of debris, properly pitched, securely attached
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Downspouts: directing water away from the foundation
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Fascia and soffits: checking for rot, pest damage, or separation
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Edge metal and drip edges: ensuring water is guided away correctly
Interior & Structural Elements
Ventilation, Insulation, and Attic Conditions
These often-overlooked areas have a big impact on roof health. Roofers check:
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Ventilation: ensuring ridge vents, soffit vents, and exhaust vents are working
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Insulation: confirming it’s dry, intact, and sufficient
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Attic: looking for water stains, mold, mildew, wood rot, or daylight shining through boards
Structural Integrity
To ensure the roof is stable, roofers evaluate:
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Rafters, trusses, decking, and beams for deterioration
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Sagging rooflines or uneven planes
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Warping or shifting in walls under roof load
Weather Damage & Storm Impact
After major storms, inspections often reveal:
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Wind uplift causing lifted or missing shingles
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Hail dents, bruising, or granule loss
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Water infiltration from ice dams or wind-driven rain
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Debris impacts from branches or flying objects
Signs of Leakage or Moisture
Moisture problems show up both inside and out. Roofers look for:
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Water stains on ceilings or walls
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Mold and mildew odors
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Moisture spots in attics or near vents and chimneys
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Soft or sagging drywall
Workmanship and Installation Quality
Even the best materials fail with poor workmanship. Inspectors look at:
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Shingle or tile alignment
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Correct flashing installation and sealing
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Proper nail placement and fastener type
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Overlaps in valleys, ridges, and around chimneys
Drainage / Water Flow
Finally, they confirm water flows as intended:
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No ponding on flat or low-slope roofs
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Clear valleys with no debris
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Functioning gutters and downspouts
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Adequate slope and pitch to prevent pooling
How Reimagine Roofing Inspections Work
At Reimagine Roofing, we’ve refined the inspection process to provide homeowners the best insight, fastest estimates, and maximum protection. Here’s how we do it:
- Free Roof Inspection – No cost to you.
- Scheduling & Accessibility – You don’t even need to be home.
- Visual Walkthrough & Technology – Walkthrough plus drone and infrared assistance.
- Detailed Reporting – Full report with high-resolution photos and clear recommendations.
- Fast Quote Tool – Upload your address and photos, and receive an estimate in under 24 hours.
- Storm Damage Documentation – Detailed photo and written reports to support insurance claims.
What a Roof Inspection Looks Like Step-by-Step
- Initial Assessment from Ground Level
- Exterior Roof Walk – checking shingles, flashing, valleys, gutters.
- Interior / Attic Inspection – looking for leaks, rot, ventilation issues.
- Storm or Environmental Damage Check
- Structural Inspection
- Workmanship Evaluation
- Photographic Documentation
- Report & Recommendation
Common Problems Roofers Often Find
- Damaged shingles
- Poor flashing
- Clogged gutters
- Moss or algae growth
- Attic leaks
- Ventilation issues
- Sagging or dips
- Pooling water
- Storm impact damage
- Installation mistakes
How Often Should Inspections Be Done?
- Annually for preventive care.
- After major storms or extreme weather.
- Before and after warranty expiration or before selling.
- Older roofs (10+ years) may need more frequent checks.
How Reimagine Roofing’s Inspection Saves You Time & Money
| Feature | Why It Helps You |
|---|---|
| Free inspection | No upfront cost |
| Fast Quote Tool | Clarity in under 24 hrs |
| Photo reports | Helpful for decisions and insurance |
| No need to be home | Convenience |
| Expertise + technology | Find hidden problems |
| Transparent recommendations | Understand urgent vs. long-term issues |
What Happens After the Inspection
You’ll receive:
- A list of findings (urgent, near-term, long-term).
- Repair estimates or replacement options.
- Maintenance suggestions.
- Documentation for insurance or warranties.
- Guidance to help you choose the best path forward.
Tips for Homeowners
- Clear attic space for access.
- Trim trees near roof.
- Note leaks or problem spots.
- Ask about lifespan, urgent fixes, and maintenance.
- Keep records for future reference.
Contact Reimagine Roofing Now
Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a big, expensive problem.
Schedule your FREE Roof Inspection with Reimagine Roofing today. Our expert team will walk your roof with care, provide a high-resolution photo report, and help you understand every finding in simple terms.
Need a fast estimate? Use our Fast Quote Tool: upload your address and photos, tell us where you think the issue is, and get an estimate in less than 24 hours. Protect your home. Save your money. Gain peace of mind.
- Book your Free Roof Inspection
- Use the Fast Quote Tool for a personalized estimate in under 24 hours
- Serving AZ, NM, NJ, UT, FL, PA, & MD — wherever you are, we’ve got your roof covered
FAQs
Can I inspect my own roof?
You can check visually from the ground, but many issues require professional tools and training.
How long does it take?
Usually 1–2 hours depending on roof size and complexity.
How much does it cost?
Many charge $150–$350, but Reimagine Roofing offers inspections free of charge.
Will insurance cover storm damage?
It depends on your policy, but professional inspection and documentation help immensely.
A roof inspection is more than just checking for missing shingles. Roofers are looking at materials, structure, flashing and seals, venting, drainage, storm damage, workmanship quality, and more. Regular inspections help you avoid costly damages, extend the roof’s life, and keep your home safe, dry, and energy efficient.
If you haven’t had your roof assessed in a while—or if you’ve just experienced severe weather—now is the time to act.
