A lot of homeowners have never had a professional roof inspection. They do not know what we look at, how long it takes, or what they get out of it. Here is exactly what a proper inspection covers.

A proper roof inspection is not a guy standing in your driveway looking up for 30 seconds. It is a systematic evaluation of your entire roofing system, from the shingles on top to the ventilation underneath.

The exterior inspection

Shingle condition. We look at the overall condition of the shingles: granule loss, curling, cracking, blistering, and any areas of damage from wind, hail, or impact. We check for lifted shingle edges that could let wind-driven rain underneath.

Flashing. Every piece of flashing on the roof gets checked. Step flashing at walls, counter flashing at chimneys, valley flashing, and drip edge along the eaves and rakes. We are looking for rust, gaps, lifted sections, failed sealant, and anything that could allow water entry.

Pipe boots and penetrations. Every pipe, vent, and mechanical penetration through the roof is a potential leak point. We check the condition of the rubber boots, the sealant around each penetration, and the flashing collars.

Completed dark standing seam metal roof with pipe boot penetrations overlooking the valley, North Ogden

Ridge and hip caps. The shingles along the ridges and hips are the most exposed to wind and weather. We check for lifted, cracked, or missing ridge caps.

Ventilation components. Ridge vents, box vents, soffit vents, and any other ventilation components are inspected for damage, blockage, or improper installation. Ventilation problems cause some of the most expensive long-term damage to a roof, and they are often invisible from the ground.

Gutters and drainage. We look at the gutter system for damage, clogs, and proper drainage. We also check for excessive granule buildup, which can indicate shingle deterioration.

The structural check

Roofline. We step back and look at the overall roofline from multiple angles. Sagging, waviness, or any visible structural irregularity gets flagged. These can indicate decking damage, rafter problems, or long-term moisture damage.

Fascia and soffit. The wood trim around the edges of the roof is checked for rot, water damage, and paint failure. Soft or deteriorating fascia can indicate water intrusion from above.

The attic inspection

If we can access your attic, this is one of the most valuable parts of the inspection. We look for water stains, mold or mildew, daylight coming through the roof, adequate insulation, and proper ventilation flow. Problems that are invisible from outside are often obvious from the attic.

Not every inspection includes an attic check. Some homes do not have accessible attics, and some homeowners prefer we stay on the exterior. But when we can get in there, it gives us the most complete picture of your roof's condition.

"We do not use the inspection as a sales pitch. If your roof is fine, we are happy to say so and check on it again in a couple years."

What you get from us

After the inspection, we tell you what we found. If everything looks good, we tell you that. If there are issues, we explain what they are, how urgent they are, and what your options look like. We take photos of anything we find and share them with you so you can see exactly what we are talking about.

We do not use the inspection as a sales pitch. If your roof is fine, we are happy to say so and check on it again in a couple years. If it needs attention, we give you the information to make your own decision on your own timeline.