Residential roof inspection

Normal function

The inspection establishes condition and risk before a repair, maintenance visit, storm claim, sale, or replacement decision.

What a homeowner may notice

• Interior water stain, damp insulation, musty attic smell, or daylight through the deck.
• Missing, lifted, curled, cracked, blistered, bruised, or unusually bare shingles.
• Rust, gaps, cracked sealant, loose metal, damaged boots, or debris at flashing points.
• Gutter overflow, standing water, granules, sagging, detached downspouts, or soil erosion.

Professional inspection

Start from the ground and attic, then use a safe roof-access method only when conditions and fall protection allow it. Photograph each defect, mark its location on a roof sketch, estimate age and material, trace water upslope, and record quantities in squares, linear feet, square feet, sheets, or each.

Repair or replacement path

A professional scope separates immediate leak control, localized repair, maintenance, partial replacement, and full replacement. It should state assumptions, exclusions, code/permit review, cleanup, and warranty terms.

Typical materials and equipment

Binoculars, moisture meter, flashlight, camera, ladder and fall protection when appropriate, roof sketch, tape/laser measure, probe, replacement samples, and manufacturer installation instructions.

When to act

Routine inspection at least annually and after significant wind/hail or a known leak; increase attention after heavy leaf drop and severe storms.

What moves the price

Active leak urgency, steep or wet roof, multiple roof planes, attic access, storm documentation, drone/thermal imaging, crawlspace access, and written certification requirements.