How to Inspect Your Roof for Damage

Regular roof inspections catch small problems before they become expensive repairs. You should inspect your roof twice a year (spring and fall) and after any major storm. Much of this inspection can be done safely from the ground and inside the attic.

Part 1: Ground-Level Exterior Inspection

Walk around your home with binoculars and check for:

• Missing shingles: Look for gaps in the shingle pattern or exposed underlayment/deck
• Curling or buckling: Shingle edges lifting up (curling) or bubbling in the middle (buckling)
• Granule loss: Bare spots where granules have worn away, or excessive granules in gutters
• Sagging: Any dip or curve in the roofline that should be straight
• Damaged flashing: Bent, rusted, or separated metal around chimneys, vents, and walls
• Damaged gutters: Sagging, pulling away, or overflowing gutters indicate drainage issues
• Moss or algae: Green growth indicates moisture retention that can damage shingles
• Damaged vent boots: Cracked rubber around plumbing vent pipes

Part 2: Attic Inspection

An attic inspection reveals problems invisible from outside. Use a flashlight and check for:

• Daylight through the deck: Any visible light means there are gaps in the roof covering
• Water stains: Brown or dark marks on rafters, sheathing, or insulation
• Wet or compressed insulation: Indicates active or recent water intrusion
• Mold or mildew: Fuzzy growth on wood surfaces signals chronic moisture
• Sagging sheathing: Plywood that dips between rafters may be water-damaged
• Adequate ventilation: Check that soffit and ridge/exhaust vents are open and unblocked

Part 3: Storm Damage Inspection

Hail Damage Signs

• Random dents or bruises on shingles (feel soft like a bruised apple)
• Circular areas of missing granules
• Cracked or fractured shingles
• Dents on metal flashing, vents, or gutters
• Dents on AC unit, mailbox, or car (confirms hail size)

Wind Damage Signs

• Shingles missing in a pattern (usually along edges and corners first)
• Lifted or creased shingle tabs
• Exposed nail heads where shingles were blown back
• Debris impact marks from blown branches

DIY Inspection Checklist

When to Call a Professional

• You suspect storm damage and plan to file an insurance claim — a professional inspection creates documentation for your insurance claim
• You see active leaking or multiple problem areas
• The roof is too steep to safely inspect from the roof surface
• The roof is over 15 years old and you need an honest condition assessment
• You are buying or selling a home and need an expert evaluation

Find a qualified inspector using our contractor selection guide. To understand whether you need repairs or a full replacement, see our repair vs replacement comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I inspect my roof?

Twice a year (spring and fall) plus after any major weather event. Spring inspections catch winter damage; fall inspections prepare for winter. Storm inspections should happen within 24–48 hours of the event.

Is it safe to walk on my roof?

Walking on asphalt shingles is safe on pitches under 6/12 with proper footwear (rubber-soled shoes). Steeper pitches require safety equipment. Never walk on a wet, icy, or frost-covered roof. Never walk on tile, slate, or aged/brittle shingles — they will crack. When in doubt, inspect from the ground with binoculars or hire a professional.

What does normal wear look like versus damage?

Normal wear is gradual and uniform: slight granule thinning, minor curling at edges after 15+ years. Damage is sudden and localized: missing shingles, cracked shingles, dents from hail, or lifted tabs from wind. Storm damage occurs in random patterns across the roof, while wear is consistent.