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.
Age is one signal only. Product, installation, ventilation, weather, and maintenance can materially change service life.
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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
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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.
Once someone climbs on that roof, don't leave the safety paperwork behind — generate an OSHA safety checklist with the correct fall-protection trigger for your state or province, in about 20 seconds.
Turn these findings into a professional proposal.
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