Roof Inspection Checklist

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Most roof problems start small and get expensive only when nobody notices them. A regular look from the ground and from inside the attic catches most of them early, without anyone setting foot on the roof. This checklist walks through what to look at and keeps a list of anything that needs following up.

Roof Inspection Checklist

A checklist for inspecting your own roof safely, from the ground and the attic, with a list of concerns to follow up.

Go through each item and mark it Fine or Concern. Doing this twice a year, and after any big storm, catches most problems while they are still small.

From the ground, with binoculars
Missing, lifted or cracked shingles Look along every slope, especially near the ridge and edges where wind catches.
Curling or buckling shingles Edges turning up or down often point to age or poor attic ventilation.
Bald patches, or granules in the gutters Shingles shedding their granules are wearing out.
A sagging ridge or roof line A dip in what should be a straight line can mean a structural problem. Have it checked.
Flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights Look for lifted, rusted or missing metal and cracked sealant.
Moss, algae or piles of debris Moss holds water against the roof, and debris blocks drainage in valleys.
In the attic, stepping only on the joists
Daylight through the roof boards Light where it should not be is a way in for water.
Stains, damp wood or mold Look around chimneys, vents and valleys, and along the eaves.
Frost or water drops on nail tips A sign of condensation and poor ventilation rather than a leak.
Soffit vents clear of insulation Insulation pushed into the eaves blocks the intake air.
Bathroom and kitchen fans venting outside Fans that blow into the attic fill it with damp air.
Gutters and drainage
Gutters clear and firmly attached Sagging sections and loose hangers let water spill behind the gutter.
Downspouts discharge away from the house Water should be carried well clear of the foundation.
Fascia and soffit sound Soft, stained or peeling fascia means water has been getting behind the gutter.
Inside the house
Ceiling or wall stains Especially on the top floor and below the roof edges.
Peeling paint or damp near the ceiling on outside walls Often a sign of water getting in at the eaves.

Stay off the roof. Everything here can be checked from the ground, a window or the attic. Falls from roofs and ladders cause serious injuries every year; if a closer look is needed, that is a job for a roofer.

When to inspect

Twice a year works for most houses: once in spring, to see what winter did, and once in autumn, before the bad weather. Add a look after any severe storm, and whenever a stain or a drip appears inside.

What a homeowner inspection is not

It is a way to spot problems, not to rule them out. A roofer on the roof sees things no one can see from the ground, such as the condition of flashing seals and nail heads. If your list has concerns on it, or the roof is getting old, a professional inspection is worth booking.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I inspect my roof?

Twice a year, in spring and autumn, and after any severe storm. It takes less than an hour from the ground and the attic.

What should I look for in the attic?

Daylight through the boards, stains or damp wood, frost on nail tips, insulation blocking the soffit vents, and fans venting into the attic instead of outside.

Do I need a professional roof inspection?

If your own check turns up concerns, the roof is near the end of its life, or you are buying or selling a house, yes. A roofer can check details that cannot be seen from the ground.

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