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This print-friendly DIY roof inspection checklist walks you through every part of a residential roof system: shingle condition (cracks, lifted tabs, granule loss), flashing integrity (sealant, rust, separation), valleys, ridge and gable vents, gutter and downspout flow, attic moisture and insulation, and visible deck condition from inside the attic. Done twice a year (spring and fall), this 30-minute walkthrough catches 80% of issues before they become $5,000 leaks.
A roof inspection twice a year and after every major storm catches the small problems while they are still small. Most of it can be done from the ground with binoculars and from inside the attic with a torch — neither needs you on the roof.
From the ground
Missing, lifted, cracked or curling shingles, particularly along rakes and ridges.
Granule loss — bare dark patches on the shingle, and granules collecting in the gutter.
Sagging along the ridge or between rafters, which is a structural sign, not a covering one.
Flashing at chimneys, walls and skylights: lifted, rusted, or sealed with a smear of cement.
Gutters: sagging, separating at joints, or full.
Anything growing on the roof — moss, lichen or a tree branch resting on it.
From inside the attic
Daylight through the deck anywhere other than the vents.
Water stains on the underside of the sheathing or down the rafters.
Damp, compressed or discoloured insulation.
Mould or a musty smell, both of which mean moisture is not leaving.
Frost on the underside of the deck in winter, which means warm moist air is reaching it.
Blocked soffit vents — look along the eaves for daylight.
After a storm
Hail: look for dark bruise marks where granules have been knocked off, and check soft metals — gutters, vents, flashing — for dents, which is often the clearest evidence.
Wind: check the rakes and ridge first, which is where lifting starts.
Debris impact, especially from branches.
Photograph everything before any repair. An insurance claim depends on it.
When to call someone
Any active leak, any sag, any missing flashing, or anything you would need to walk the roof to see properly. A professional inspection is cheap next to the damage a missed leak does to a ceiling, and it produces the written report an insurer will want if a claim follows.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a roof be inspected?
Twice a year, and after every major storm. Most of it can be done from the ground with binoculars and from inside the attic with a torch.
What are the signs of hail damage on a roof?
Dark bruise marks where granules have been knocked off the shingle, and dents in soft metals — gutters, vents and flashing — which are often the clearest evidence an adjuster will look for.
What should I look for in the attic?
Daylight through the deck, water stains on the sheathing or rafters, damp or compressed insulation, mould or a musty smell, winter frost on the underside of the deck, and blocked soffit vents.
Should I photograph damage before repairing it?
Always, and before any temporary repair. An insurance claim depends on documentation of the damage as found.