How to Inspect Your Own Roof: A Safe, Ground-Level Assessment Guide

Regular roof inspections catch small problems before they become expensive emergencies. You don't need to climb on the roof - in fact, we strongly advise against it for safety reasons. Here's how to conduct a thorough assessment from the ground, your attic, and your gutters.

Ground-Level Exterior Inspection (15 Minutes)

Walk around your home and look at the roof from all angles. Use binoculars for a closer view. Shingle condition: Look for missing, cracked, curled, or buckled shingles. Any visible gaps in coverage need attention. Curling at edges or buckling in the middle indicates aging adhesive. Color consistency: Dark patches or streaks may be algae (cosmetic) or areas where granules have worn away (functional concern). Patches of differently-colored shingles indicate previous repairs. Roofline straightness: Stand back and look at the ridgeline and roofline. Any sagging, dipping, or waviness suggests structural issues or decking deterioration. Flashing: Check visible flashing around the chimney, vents, and where the roof meets walls. Look for rust, gaps, lifted edges, or missing caulk.

Gutters and downspouts: Check for granule accumulation in gutters (normal in small amounts, concerning if heavy). Look for pieces of shingle or flashing in gutters. Ensure gutters are securely attached and not pulling away from the fascia. Check that downspouts direct water away from the foundation.

Interior Attic Inspection (20 Minutes)

Enter your attic with a flashlight on a sunny day. Daylight penetration: Turn off the flashlight and look for any points of light coming through the roof deck. Light means water can get through too. Water stains: Look for dark spots, stains, or discoloration on the underside of the roof deck and rafters. Follow stains upward to find their origin - water can travel along rafters before dripping. Mold or mildew: Dark spots, fuzzy growth, or musty smell indicates moisture problems, often from inadequate ventilation.

Insulation condition: Insulation should be dry and evenly distributed. Wet, compressed, or displaced insulation indicates leaks or moisture issues. Ventilation: You should feel air movement in a properly ventilated attic. Check that soffit vents aren't blocked by insulation (install baffles if needed). Confirm ridge vent or exhaust vents are present and unobstructed. Structural: Look for cracked, split, or sagging rafters. Check that decking isn't delaminating or soft.

After-Storm Quick Check (10 Minutes)

After any significant storm (hail, high winds, heavy snow), do a quick exterior walk-around looking for newly missing or displaced shingles, debris on the roof (tree branches), damaged flashing or vent caps, dents in metal components (gutters, vents, flashing) that may indicate hail, and water stains on interior ceilings. Document any visible damage with photos immediately - this timestamp is valuable for insurance claims.

When to Call a Professional

If your DIY inspection reveals any of the following, schedule a professional inspection ($100-$300): multiple missing or damaged shingles, sagging or uneven roofline, active leaks or new water stains, mold in the attic, the roof is 15+ years old and hasn't been professionally inspected recently. Professional roofers can safely access the roof surface, check areas not visible from the ground, assess remaining shingle life, and identify problems you may miss.

Inspection Schedule

Conduct a ground-level inspection twice a year (spring and fall) and after every major storm. Do an attic inspection once a year. Schedule a professional inspection every 3-5 years, or annually if your roof is over 15 years old. This simple schedule catches 90% of problems early enough for affordable repair rather than emergency replacement.