Comprehensive Roof Inspection & Condition Assessment
Run a professional, repeatable roof walkthrough from attic to ridge cap. This free checklist walks you through shingles, flashing, valleys, penetrations, gutters, and storm damage — then grades the roof GOOD / FAIR / POOR and points you to repair or replace. Print it or download it and fill it out on site.
Asphalt shingle life is typically 20–30 years; this flags overdue roofs.
This result is free — the next steps are for pros
1. Attic & Interior (Start Inside)
- Check attic for daylight, water stains, or streaking on roof sheathing/rafters
- Verify roof sheathing (decking) is dry, firm, and free of rot or sagging
- Inspect for evidence of active or past leaks: staining, mold, warped wood
- Confirm soffit vents and ridge vent are clear and unobstructed
- Check insulation is not blocking eave-to-ridge airflow
- No active leaks found — note any old staining for monitoring
- Check for signs of rodents/pests nesting in insulation
2. Shingle Surface (Outside)
- Document shingle age, brand, and approximate condition (% of life used)
- Scan for missing, cracked, curled, or blistering shingles across all faces
- Look for granule loss: check gutters/downspouts for excessive shingle grit
- Check exposed fasteners or nail pops (corrosion risk)
- Inspect for algae, moss, or lichen growth and ask about cleaning history
- DAMAGE FOUND: photograph every damaged area and tag for scope/pricing
- Shingle finish appears reasonable for a ~15-year-old roof — confirm wear at hips/valleys
3. Flashing, Valleys & Penetrations
- Inspect valley flashing: should be smooth, continuous, free of rust and damage
- Check step/counter flashing around chimneys and side walls
- Examine pipe boot flanges (plumbing stacks, vent pipes) for cracking or curling
- Verify skylight flashing and curb seals — a top leak source
- Check drip edge and rake edges are secure and rust-free
- Look for rusted, loose, or missing flashing fasteners
4. Gutters, Soffits & Fascia
- Check gutters are attached tightly with no sagging or pull-away
- Clear gutters: note if clogged with granules (sign of shingle wear)
- Inspect soffit and fascia boards for rot, peeling paint, or water damage
- Verify downspouts extend away and drain properly
5. Weather & Storm Assessment
- Document any recent hail, wind, or storm events and severity
- No recent hail recorded — still scan for wind-scattered debris or lifted tabs
- Check ridge caps and hip shingles for wind lift or separation
- Confirm no broken or displaced ridge cap on any roof plane
- Note tree overhang or debris that could damage the roof surface
6. Prior Work & Overall Recommendation
- DOCUMENTED PRIOR REPAIRS: note locations of patches, re-flashing, or partial re-roofs
- Assess overall field of remaining life: GOOD / FAIR / POOR and why
- Identify any deferred maintenance items (caulking, loose flashing)
- Provide a clear recommendation: repair vs. longer-term monitoring
- Record photos of all findings and leave a dated summary with the homeowner
This checklist is a professional inspection aid, not a certified structural or insurance evaluation. Conditions vary — defer final judgment to a licensed roofing contractor and document everything with dated photos.
What a proper roof inspection actually covers
- Start inside, not on the roof. The attic tells you more about a roof than the shingles do — stains, daylight, and blocked vents are the first signals.
- Flashing is the #1 leak source — around chimneys, valleys, skylights, and pipe boots. If the shingles look fine but water gets in, flashing is the suspect.
- Granules in the gutter mean the shingles are aging. Heavy granule loss is a wear indicator that counts against remaining life.
- Photograph everything. A dated photo of every damaged area turns an opinion into a documented, professional assessment — and protects you if the client disputes it later.
Pair this condition report with a measured square count from RoofHQ and you can go from walkthrough to a complete, quote-ready proposal in one pass.
Stop calculating by hand. Automate every estimate.
RoofHQ runs these numbers — plus full material orders, branded proposals, and deposits — automatically from one address.