Residential Roof Inspection Checklist

There’s more to a roof inspection than taking a peek at your gutters and shingles.
When a professional roofing contractor conducts a residential roofing inspection, they thoroughly inspect both the interior and exterior of your home’s roof, looking for issues and signs of problems that could lead to damage and costly repairs down the road if left unresolved.

We’ve created this residential roof inspection checklist and guide to explain exactly what happens during a roof inspection—and why you should schedule one for your house.

The Benefits of Professional Inspections for Residential Roofs

As your roof ages, it is more vulnerable and susceptible to damage—and a damaged roof is a danger to your home and family. By having your roof inspected on a regular basis, you are more likely to catch potential problems early and prevent them from escalating into something more serious.

Additionally, when you find issues, you can get them repaired, which will help extend the lifespan of your roof.
It’s also important to consider that many types of damage are not visible from a quick glance. Just because your roof is aesthetically pleasing doesn’t mean there isn’t rot, moisture, or cracks hiding under the surface.
To protect your family and belongings, schedule regular roof inspections for your home.

When to Schedule a Roof Inspection for Your Home

Arrange for a professional roof inspection at least once a year (ideally twice a year). Residential roofs are designed to last from 20 to 50 years, depending on the type of roof, location, environmental conditions, maintenance schedule, and installation quality. Scheduling routine roof inspections and keeping up with maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of your roof.

The best time of year to get a roof inspection is during the spring and autumn months, right before summer (hail, wind) and winter (snow, ice) storm season. The roofer can ensure your roof is well-prepared to protect your home and family from the harsher weather.

Residential Roof Inspection Checklist: Interior & Exterior

Our residential roof inspection checklists are divided into two categories: interior and exterior. It’s essential to inspect both the interior walls, ceiling, attic, and vents as well as the roof itself on the exterior of your home.

These checklists are not exhaustive, and an experienced roofing contractor will not follow them to the letter. However, they are a guide for what to expect during a routine roofing inspection.

Interior Residential Roof Inspection Checklist

Your roofing contractor will inspect the interior of your roof and house for signs of damage:

• Water spots (dark stains or circles)
• Signs of mold, condensation, or wet insulation
• Sagging decking in the attic
• Obstructions in attic intake ventilation
• Light coming in through the attic rafters
• Leaks around vents, chimneys, and other penetrations to the outside
• Improper exhaust fan ventilation in bathrooms and the kitchen

Exterior Residential Roof Inspection Checklist

Experienced roofing contractors will view your roof from the ground and climb atop the roof to look for problems with a variety of roof components:

• Loose, missing, blistered, curled, or split shingles
• Loose or exposed nails
• Cracks or other damage on the chimney
• Sagging in the ridges
• Clogged gutters and downspouts
• Signs of animal intrusion, like nests or chewed shingles
• Moss
• A large amount of debris
• Damaged eaves or gutters
• Sagging roofline

Professional vs. DIY Residential Roof Inspections

While conducting a roof inspection by yourself is tempting, DIY-ing anything relating to a roof can be dangerous. Additionally, it’s much easier to skip over problem areas when you don’t have roofing experience. Experienced roofers know what to look for, are better at identifying potential problems, and can help you determine your next steps.

Roof inspections are important for the safety of your home and family, so it’s always a good idea to find a professional roofing contractor in your area and schedule an inspection.

Contact the Chicago Residential Roofing Experts at Champion Roofing

At Champion Roofing, we are a recognized leader in the Chicago roofing industry. Our professional roofing contractors offer a range of services for homeowners, including roof inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement—all featuring the high-quality work that comes with 30 years of experience serving residents in the Chicago area.

Our roofing team is ready to guide you through your project every step of the way. Whether you need to schedule a roof inspection, repair damaged shingles, or replace your roof entirely, we are here to help.

Contact us today to get a free quote. Your roof is worth the investment.