On the roof
- Shingle wear: lost granules, curling or cupped edges, cracks and bare spots
- How many layers are already on the house, checked at the edge
- Soft spots underfoot that point to wet or rotted decking
- Flashing at chimneys, sidewalls, skylights and plumbing vents
- Valleys, where two slopes meet and water runs heaviest
- The eaves, where ice dams form in Hampden County winters
In the attic
The attic often tells more than the roof. On older Springfield, Chicopee and Westfield houses, the inspector looks for water stains on rafters and roof boards, daylight around the chimney, mold or dark staining from condensation, and frost on nail tips in cold weather.
They will also note how the attic is vented and insulated. Poor airflow is one of the main reasons roofs here age early. See attic ventilation with a new roof.
Around the house
- Gutters and downspouts, and whether a drip edge is present
- Peeling paint or stains on fascia and soffits
- Interior ceiling stains below the roof
- Access for a dumpster and material delivery
Reading the result
If the shingles are near the end of their life, the attic shows moisture, or there are already two layers, the write-up will usually point toward a full tear-off and replacement. Use our signs your roof needs replacing guide and questions to ask a roofer to work through it.
Want a contractor to look at your roof? One call connects you with a participating local roofer.
Call (888) 292-4916Questions homeowners ask
How long does an inspection take?
Usually under an hour for a typical single-family house, a bit longer if the attic is hard to reach.
Can a roof be inspected in winter?
Yes, from the attic and the ground in most cases. Snow cover can hide shingle wear, so some roofers come back for a closer look on a clear day.
Will the inspector go on a steep or slate roof?
Not always. Some use binoculars, a ladder at the eaves or a camera on a pole for steep or fragile roofs.