Inspect roof

Perform a visual safety check of your roof condition using binoculars from ground level to identify obvious damage, wear, or maintenance needs.

Why it matters#

Roof repairs caught early cost $150-$400; ignored problems can escalate to $5,000+ for major repairs or $12,000+ for full replacement. Regular ground inspections let you spot missing shingles, debris buildup, and flashing issues before they cause interior water damage, mold growth, or structural problems.

What you'll need#

Tools#

• Binoculars or camera with zoom
• Smartphone for photos
• Notepad

Steps#

1. Walk the Perimeter#

Start by walking completely around your house, looking both at the ground and up at the roof. Check the ground for fallen shingles, granules (the sandlike coating on asphalt shingles), or roofing debris—these indicate active deterioration happening above.

2. Get a Wide-Angle View#

Step back far enough to see the entire roof slope. Look for the overall condition: Does everything look uniform and flat? Are there any areas that appear to sag, dip, or bulge? A sagging roofline indicates potential structural problems that require immediate professional attention.

3. Scan for Missing or Damaged Shingles#

Using binoculars, look systematically across each roof section. Missing shingles appear as dark patches (the underlayment shows through). Look for shingles that are cracked, curled at the edges, cupped, or out of alignment with their neighbors. Note the approximate locations.

4. Check the Flashing#

Examine the metal flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and where different roof sections meet (valleys). Flashing should be flat, intact, and well-sealed. Look for rust, lifted edges, gaps, or visible caulk failure. Flashing problems are the #1 cause of roof leaks.

5. Look for Debris and Growth#

Scan for piles of leaves, branches, or other debris that can trap moisture and damage shingles. Look for moss, algae (dark streaks), or lichen—these hold moisture against the roof and can deteriorate shingles over time. Note locations for cleaning.

6. Inspect Gutters and Edges#

Check that gutters are attached securely and not sagging. Look for shingle granules in gutters—excessive amounts indicate aging shingles nearing end-of-life. Examine the roof edges and rake boards for signs of rot or animal damage.

7. Check Vents and Penetrations#

Look at vent pipes, attic vents, and any other roof penetrations. The rubber boots around pipes can crack with age (look for visible deterioration). Vent covers should be in place and undamaged.

8. Document and Compare#

Take photos from multiple angles and keep them for comparison with future inspections. Over time, this helps you notice gradual changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Pro tips#

• Inspect twice yearly (spring and fall) and after any major storm with high winds or hail. Check from ground level immediately after severe weather when it's safe to be outside.
• If you notice dented gutters or downspouts at heights above your head, suspect hail damage—your shingles likely took hits too.
• From inside your home, check attic spaces and ceilings for water stains, daylight through joints, or damp insulation—these reveal roof problems you can't see from outside.

Warnings#

• Stay on the ground! Walking on your roof can be extremely dangerous and may damage shingles—especially aging ones. Leave roof-walking to insured professionals.
• Don't ignore moss or algae thinking it's just cosmetic—these organisms trap moisture that can rot your roof deck over time.

When to call a pro#

Call a licensed roofing contractor if you spot any of the following: multiple missing shingles, sagging areas, visible holes or daylight, damaged or missing flashing, excessive granule loss, interior water stains, or if your roof is 15+ years old. Many roofers offer free inspections—take advantage of this for a thorough assessment.