Roof basics
Roof Inspection Checklist: What a Good Inspection Covers
Not every roof inspection is the same. Here is what a thorough one should cover and what you should receive when it is done.
The short answer: If your roof has years left and the damage is in one area, repair it. If shingles are failing across the roof or the same leaks keep returning, a replacement saves money over time. We tell you which one applies, with photos.
What a good roof inspection covers
A thorough inspection looks at the whole roof system, not just the shingles. The InterNACHI home inspection checklist, a widely used checklist from home inspectors, includes these roof-related items:
- Roofing material: the shingles or other covering
- Gutters and downspouts
- Vents, flashing and skylights
- Chimney and other roof penetrations
- Overall roof structure, checked from accessible hatches, doors or stairs
- Attic insulation and ventilation
What each part tells you
- Shingles. Curling, cracking, missing pieces and heavy granule loss suggest age or damage. Granules in the gutters are one clue. See our guide to the signs you need a new roof.
- Flashing. Chimneys, valleys, skylights and wall joints are common leak points. See chimney flashing repair and skylight leak repair.
- Vents and penetrations. Cracked or lifted vent boots and seals can let water in.
- Gutters. Clogged or loose gutters hold water against the roof edge.
- Attic. Staining, damp insulation or poor airflow point to leaks or ventilation problems. See our guide to attic ventilation in Indiana.
- Storm damage. After hail or wind, damage can be hard to see from the ground. See our hail damage repair page.
What you should get in writing
A good inspection ends with more than a verbal “looks fine.” Ask for:
- Photos of problem areas, labeled by location
- A written summary of what was found, and how urgent each item is
- A clear recommendation: repair, replace or monitor, and why. Our repair vs replacement guide explains the trade-offs.
- A written estimate for any work, itemized. See how to read a roofing estimate.
When to schedule an inspection
- After a major hailstorm or windstorm
- When you buy a home, or before you sell. See do you need a new roof before selling.
- When you see stains, missing shingles or granules in the gutters
- As routine maintenance. See our roof maintenance page.
Be careful with free inspections after storms
Storm chasers often knock on doors after a storm. Check a contractor’s local address, insurance and references before letting anyone on your roof. Read our guide on storm chaser roofing scams in Indiana.
For what we do on a typical inspection, see our roof inspection page, or contact us.
Sources
Roof inspection questions
How long does a roof inspection take?
It depends on the size and complexity of the roof, but a typical residential inspection takes well under a day. Ask your roofer for an estimate.
What should I get after an inspection?
Photos, a written summary of findings, a clear recommendation and, if work is needed, an itemized written estimate.
Related:
Roof trouble in Indianapolis? Get a written estimate.
Serving homeowners across Marion County and the suburbs since 2019. No contracts, no pressure.
R&R Roofing
Roofing contractor serving Indianapolis, Indiana and the surrounding suburbs.
(317) 555-0142
123 Main Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
License #RR-2019-4821, fully insured
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