How do you perform a roof inspection?

Inspectors who are consistent work the same sequence every time, which keeps them from skipping the spots that usually leak.

1. Safety and setup

Dry roof only, sturdy ladder tied off and extended three feet above the eave, soft rubber soled shoes, and a harness on anything steeper than a walkable slope. Moss, algae, morning dew and pine needles make shingles slick.

2. Exterior and gutters

Note roof age clues, the number of layers at the eave, gutter condition, fascia rot, and collateral dents on metal. Check whether downspouts dump water against the foundation.

3. Attic

Look for stains, mold on the sheathing, crushed or wet insulation, blocked soffit vents, and bathroom fans that vent into the attic instead of outside.

4. The roof surface, slope by slope

• Field shingles: granule loss, cracking, blistering, lifted tabs, creases and soft hail bruises.
• Penetrations: pipe boots, exhaust vents, skylights and satellite mounts.
• Flashing: chimney, step flashing at walls, headwall and apron pieces.
• Valleys, ridge and edges: drip edge, starter course, ridge cap and vents.

5. Document and summarize

Take a wide photo for location and a close photo for detail, then label each by slope. A good summary separates urgent leaks from wear items and from storm damage. See roof anatomy explained for the part names and the Georgia maintenance checklist for a seasonal version.

Homeowners can safely do steps 2 and 3. Steps 1 and 4 are where people get hurt, so leave the roof surface to a roofer.