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When was the last time you inspected your roof? 

Many homeowners can’t answer that question. We know you have a lot on your plate and it’s easy to forget about roof inspections and maintenance. 

However, it’s recommended that you have your home inspected for damage at least once a year. Ideally, it should be checked for damage before and after the winter season. 

This recommendation is in place to keep you safe and decrease the amount you have to spend on repair. 

No matter what size home you have, there are a lot of items on the roof inspection checklist. It can be overwhelming, but our homeowner’s guide is going to tell you everything you need to know. 

By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident looking for roof problems. Read on for more! 

Safety First

Before ever stepping foot on your roof, it’s crucial that you take safety measures. The goal of a roof inspection is to keep you safe. You don’t want to get hurt checking items on your inspection list. 

You’ll need the right equipment. This includes a sturdy ladder, non-slip shoes, gloves, and eye protection. It’s also best if you have another person with you to hold the ladder and ensure you stay safe. 

Be sure to check the weather conditions as well. If a storm is coming, don’t get on your roof inspection. This will only cause you to rush the inspection, which could lead to you falling and getting hurt or missing damage. 

Your roof could be very slick, especially in the morning if there’s dew, so keep that in mind as well. 

If you have young children, it’s best to have them inside the house while you perform the inspection. You don’t want to get distracted by your children playing in the yard when you’re walking on top of your house. You’ll only increase your chances of getting injured.  

Interior Inspection

Now, you may be wondering why you need to check the interior of your house when you’re doing a routine roof inspection. Well, if there is a puncture or a leak in your roof, it will cause damage to the inside of your home. 

You’ll want to be on the lookout for stains on the walls and peeling paint. These are both signs of water damage. 

Checking the attic can easily slip your mind, but it should be on your checklist. If there are pests, mold, or lots of humidity, then there’s likely an issue with your roof. 

While you’re in the attic, check for light streaming in. This could be an indicator that your roof has a hole, a missing tile, or a shingle.

Exterior View

The thing you’re going to do is step back and look at your roof from a distance. This may mean crossing the street to get a wider view.

From there, you’re going to look for any sagging or uneven areas. You may even be able to see missing tiles or shingles. 

After you’ve done that, you’ll want to get a closer look. 

You’ll want to look for any shingles that are blistered, split, or curled. They will need to be replaced. Make a note of any missing ones as well. 

Look around the skylights, chimneys, and vents for damage or deterioration. 

Another common issue that homeowners deal with is mold and algae buildup. Be mindful of this when you start your inspection. Not only can it make your roof slippery, but it can also cause damage to your roof and compromise it. 

When you’re on your roof, be sure to look for exposed nails. Some may have come loose or popped up. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for any rusted or corroded metal.

Broken seals on shingles are also another common issue that you’ll want to include on your inspection checklist.

Check the Chimney

Not every home has a chimney, but if yours does, you’ll want to examine the brick for any cracks. You should also inspect the chimney cap.

It should be securely in place. If you notice it’s loose, you’ll want to fix it right away.

The reason it’s so important to check your chimney for damage is that it could collapse after lots of wear and tear. This could cause serious injury and more damage to your home. 

Inspect the Gutters

Your gutters are another important item on your checklist.

If your gutters are not in the proper place, if they aren’t functioning properly, or if they’re damaged, you increase the risk of having water damage.

The gutters are in place so that water will drain away from your home. Once you notice a blockage, don’t waste any time getting it cleaned up. 

Keep Records 

On your roof inspection checklist, be sure to include documentation. This is one factor that a lot of homeowners tend to forget.

However, you never know when you’ll need this information in the future. Be sure to take clear photos and videos of any damage.

Keep a record of the date of your observation, any roof maintenance that was performed, and issues that were fixed. 

Roof Inspection Checklist

Keeping a home up and running isn’t always easy. However, with quality professionals by your side, the process becomes a lot less difficult. 

Our professionals already have a roof inspection checklist made and are ready to go.

Now all you have to do is give us a call and schedule your inspection. Our team is also available to share more roof maintenance tips with you and address any concerns you may have.