A complete checklist for inspecting your roof inside and out - whether you're a homeowner doing a seasonal check, a buyer evaluating a property, or dealing with storm damage.
Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements, and most problems start small. A cracked piece of flashing or a few missing shingles can turn into thousands of dollars in water damage if left unchecked. Regular inspections catch these issues early - before they reach your decking, insulation, or interior ceilings.
Start your inspection from the ground with binoculars, then work your way around the perimeter. If you need to get on the roof, use proper safety equipment - a harness, non-slip boots, and a sturdy ladder secured at the eaves.
The attic tells you what the exterior cannot. Bring a flashlight, watch your step on joists, and look carefully at the underside of the roof deck.
Turn off the flashlight and look for pinpoints of light coming through the decking. Any visible daylight means water can get in too. Mark these spots and have them repaired from the outside.
A ground-level visual check and attic walkthrough can catch a lot, but some situations require a licensed roof inspector or contractor.
Need help finding a qualified contractor? Use our guide to finding a roofing contractor or browse the contractor directory by state.
Roof inspection costs vary based on the type of inspection, your roof's size and complexity, and your local market.
A $200-$400 inspection that catches a failing section early can save you thousands compared to discovering the damage after water has reached your interior. It is one of the best-value investments in home maintenance.
You should inspect your roof at least twice a year - once in spring and once in fall. Additional inspections are recommended after major storms (hail, high winds, heavy snow), if you notice interior water stains, or before buying or selling a home. Roofs older than 15 years benefit from annual professional inspections to catch aging-related issues early.
Yes, homeowners can perform basic visual inspections from the ground using binoculars and from inside the attic. Check for missing or damaged shingles, sagging areas, clogged gutters, and attic water stains. However, walking on a roof is dangerous without proper safety equipment. For a thorough evaluation - especially before a home purchase or after storm damage - hire a licensed roof inspector.
Professional roof inspections typically cost between $150 and $400. Some roofing contractors offer free inspections, especially if they expect to bid on repair work. Drone inspections run $150-$300. Infrared moisture scans and full structural inspections with detailed reports can reach $400-$500. The cost varies by roof size, pitch, accessibility, and your local market.
Professional roof inspectors examine shingle condition (curling, cracking, missing, granule loss), flashing around chimneys and vents, ridge caps, valleys, gutters and downspouts, soffit and fascia, roof penetrations, and signs of moss or algae. Inside, they check the attic for daylight through roof boards, water stains, mold, sagging decking, insulation condition, and proper ventilation. For more on what goes into a complete roofing system, see our underlayment guide.
Absolutely. A pre-purchase roof inspection is one of the best investments you can make when buying a home. A standard home inspection often only gives the roof a surface-level look. A dedicated roof inspection reveals hidden issues like failing flashing, poor ventilation, or decking damage that could mean a $10,000-$25,000 replacement shortly after closing. The $200-$400 inspection fee can save you thousands in unexpected repairs. Use our contractor guide to find a qualified inspector.