A thorough roof inspection checklist covers shingle condition, flashing, decking, gutters, ventilation, and the attic interior. Our free inspections in Detroit cover all six areas, with a written report explaining exactly what we found.
Shingle Condition
We check for curling, cracking, missing shingles, and granule loss across every slope, not just the street-facing side most homeowners can see from the ground.
Flashing Around Penetrations
Chimneys, vent pipes, and skylights are the most common leak sources on any roof. We check that flashing is intact, properly sealed, and not just old caulk covering a gap.
Roof Decking
From the attic side, we look for staining, soft spots, or sagging in the decking, which points to a leak that has already been active for some time, even without visible ceiling damage yet.
Gutters and Downspouts
Granule buildup, sagging sections, and improper drainage all get noted. Gutters that pull away from the fascia are often an early sign of water damage at the roof edge.
Attic Ventilation
Poor ventilation traps heat and moisture, which shortens shingle life and contributes to ice dams in winter. We check soffit and ridge vents for proper airflow.
Attic Interior
Daylight through the decking, mold, or insulation that is wet or compressed all get documented, along with photos, in your inspection report.
What You Get After the Inspection
You receive a plain-language written report, not a sales script. If everything checks out, we tell you that too – a free inspection is genuinely free, with no obligation to book work.
How Often Should You Get One
We recommend a free inspection once a year for roofs over 10 years old, and after any major storm regardless of age. Younger roofs in good condition can typically go longer between checks.
Signs an Inspection Should Happen Sooner
Visible granules in the gutters, a new ceiling stain, or missing shingles after high wind are all reasons to move an inspection up rather than waiting for the next scheduled check.
How Long an Inspection Takes
Most inspections take 30-45 minutes on-site, covering the roof exterior, attic interior, and gutters. You will typically have your written report within a day.
Do You Need to Be Home?
Being home is helpful so we can walk you through attic access and answer questions in person, but it is not strictly required if the roof exterior is what needs checking.
What Happens If Problems Are Found
If the inspection turns up something urgent, like active water intrusion, we flag it as a priority and explain your options immediately rather than waiting for a follow-up call. For anything non-urgent, you get the full written report to review on your own timeline with no pressure to decide on the spot.
Why a Written Report Matters
Verbal summaries are easy to forget or misremember later. Our written reports include photos of anything flagged, so you have a clear record if you decide to get a second opinion, need documentation for an insurance claim, or simply want to revisit the findings in six months before your next check.
A Standard You Can Count On
Every inspection follows the same six-point checklist regardless of which technician visits your home, so you get consistent, comparable results whether this is your first inspection or your fifth with us.
Inspections Before Buying or Selling a Home
Beyond routine maintenance, our inspection checklist is also useful during a real estate transaction. Buyers get an independent, roofer’s-eye view beyond what a general home inspector typically covers, and sellers get a chance to address issues before they show up as a negotiating point.
If Something Urgent Turns Up
Should an inspection reveal an active leak or storm damage needing immediate attention, we can move straight into emergency roofing response rather than waiting for a separate appointment.
Schedule your free inspection or see our full roof inspection page. Already know you need work done? Visit roofing services for the full list of what we offer.