Summary
18 items · 20 to 45 minutes
What you need before you start
You do not need to climb onto the roof to run a useful inspection. A pair of binoculars (7x to 10x magnification is enough), a flashlight for attic work, and a notepad to record what you find are the main tools. Choose a dry, overcast day if possible: direct sun on a light-colored roof creates glare that makes damage harder to see.
Walk the full perimeter of your home so you view each roof plane from multiple angles. A single vantage point misses low-slope sections and areas hidden behind dormers or chimneys.
Binoculars
Allow close examination of shingles, flashing, and ridge details from safe ground level.
Flashlight
Needed for the attic interior check to spot stains, gaps, and soft spots on the roof deck.
Notepad or phone
Record problem areas by location so you have a reference when speaking with a contractor.
Short step ladder
Allows a closer look inside gutters at the eave line without getting onto the roof.
This inspection fits naturally into a quarterly maintenance routine. See the seasonal home maintenance checklist for where roof checks slot into the broader calendar.
Ground-level and attic checklist
Work through each group below in order: roof surface first, then the edges and attachments, then the interior. Mark any item that shows a problem so you have a clear record if you call a contractor.
Roof surface
Ridge, valleys, and hips
Flashing and penetrations
Gutters and fascia
Attic interior check
When to call a professional immediately
If you observe sagging anywhere along the roof structure, large areas of missing or severely damaged shingles, or active water intrusion in the attic, contact a licensed roofer rather than waiting for your next scheduled inspection. Delays with structural or active-leak issues typically lead to more extensive damage. Check whether your homeowner's insurance policy covers the type of damage you have found; coverage terms vary, and documenting damage promptly matters for any claim. For general guidance on what home insurance typically covers, see the insurance and credit hub.
Reading what you find
A handful of missing granules in the gutters after a storm is normal on an aging asphalt roof. Widespread granule loss, bare patches, or shingles that have curled at the edges or lifted at the corners point to a roof that is nearing the end of its service life.
Flashing failures around chimneys, skylights, and pipe boots are one of the most common sources of interior leaks. If ground-level inspection shows rust, gaps, or caulk that has pulled away from a flashing joint, have a licensed roofer look at it before the next heavy rain. Water that gets past flashing can travel along rafters before appearing as a stain on a ceiling, making the source hard to trace later. The water damage warning signs guide covers what those interior symptoms look like.
Sagging along the ridge line or between rafters visible from ground level is a structural concern. Do not walk on a roof that shows any sign of sagging, and contact a licensed contractor promptly. Permit requirements and local building codes govern roof replacement work in most jurisdictions; verify what applies in your area before any repair beyond minor patching.
Once you have finished the roof, the attic is the logical next step. Attic insulation basics explains what to look for while you are up there. If winter is approaching, pair your findings with the weatherproofing walkthrough to address gaps before cold weather arrives.
Stay off the roof during your inspection
Walking on a damaged or wet roof risks personal injury and can worsen existing damage. This checklist is designed to be completed from the ground and from inside the attic. If you need a close-up evaluation of a specific area, hire a licensed roofing contractor who has the proper equipment and insurance.