At a roof inspection, a roofer looks over the roof surface, the edges and flashing, the vents and other openings, and the attic, then documents what condition each is in with photos and notes and tells you what they found. You do not need to climb up there yourself, and you should not; there is a safe version of the same check that you can do from the ground and from inside the attic.
What does an inspector actually look at?
An inspection works through the roof as a system, not just the shingles.
| Area | What is checked | What it can indicate |
|---|---|---|
| Shingles | Cracks, missing pieces, curling, bruising, loss of surface granules | Age, wind or hail damage, or wear |
| Flashing | Metal at chimneys, walls, valleys and around penetrations | Leak risk at joints |
| Vents and penetrations | Pipe boots, roof vents, skylights | Common leak points that fail before shingles do |
| Edges and drip edge | Roof edges, fascia, the metal along the edge | Water getting behind the gutter or into the wood |
| Gutters and downspouts | Dents, sagging, loose sections | Hail evidence and drainage trouble |
| Attic and underside of the deck | Stains, daylight, damp insulation, mold, ventilation | Active or past leaks and moisture problems |
| Soft metals nearby | Dents on vents, gutters, window screens | Often the first visible proof of hail |
Dents on soft metal parts are often the first clue that hail came through, and they help guide where to look closely on the roof itself.
How does an inspector tell old damage from new?
Roofs that have lived through many seasons often carry marks from earlier storms. Our owner has described inspecting older roofs where prior hail damage sits beside fresh damage. A careful inspector looks for the differences, such as weathering on older marks versus the sharper look of recent ones, and notes which is which. Tell the inspector about past storms and repairs you remember.
What does the inspector document?
A thorough inspection usually leaves you with written findings and photographs. These often cover the condition of each slope, the specific problems found, their locations, and the kind of work each one might need. Some inspectors count and mark damage within measured areas on each slope to show how widespread it is, and some use drones or ladder photos. Ask which methods will be used and ask to receive the photos.
What can you check yourself, safely?
You can learn a lot without leaving the ground. Do not climb onto the roof; it is dangerous, and a damaged roof can be weaker than it looks.
- Walk around the house and look at the roof from several sides. Look for missing or lifted shingles, dark patches, sagging lines and debris in the valleys.
- Check the gutters and downspouts for dents, loose sections and an unusual amount of granules, which look like coarse sand.
- Look at soft metals and screens for dents, which can point to hail.
- Go into the attic with a flashlight, if it is safe to do so. Look for water stains, damp insulation, daylight where there should be none, and a musty smell.
- Look at ceilings for new stains or bubbling paint.
- Take dated photos of anything you find.
None of this replaces a professional inspection, but it gives you something specific to point out.
What should you ask before the inspection?
- Will you get on the roof, or inspect from the ground, a ladder or a drone?
- Will I receive written findings and photos afterward?
- Will you separate older damage from recent damage?
- Who will perform the inspection, and are they an employee of the company?
- Does the inspection come with any obligation to sign a contract?
A good company answers these clearly and does not pressure you to sign on the spot.
Is a permit or a city inspection part of this?
Roof replacement may involve a permit depending on where you live, and some cities also inspect the work. Our owner has noted that he pulls permits and that cities sometimes check on roofing jobs. Requirements differ by city and county, so ask your roofer and your local building department what applies to your address.
What happens if two inspections disagree?
It happens. Different people can read the same roof differently, and our crews have gone through second rounds of inspection on some properties. If findings differ, ask each party to explain what they saw and to show photos. A second look is reasonable when something does not add up.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a roof inspection take? It depends on the size and complexity of the roof and how thorough the inspection is. Ask when you schedule how long to expect.
Do I need to be home? Often not for the roof itself, though being present lets you ask questions and see what is found. Attic access usually requires someone to let the inspector in.
Does an inspection mean I have to replace the roof? No. An inspection documents condition. It may show that nothing is needed, that a repair will do, or that replacement is the better route.
Will an inspection tell me whether insurance covers the damage? No. An inspection tells you what condition the roof is in. Coverage is a question for your policy and your insurer.
Should I get a second opinion? Many homeowners do, especially before a major decision. Ask for photos and a written explanation from each inspector so you can compare them fairly.
Who can I call to schedule a roof inspection?
If you want a roofer to take a look and explain what they see, call Total Roof Protection OKC at 405-415-5841. An inspection tells you about the roof. It does not predict, promise or replace any insurance decision.