Roof Inspection Checklist: What a Pro Checks

By the Orlando Roof Inspection team · Updated October 2026 · 8 min read

A professional roof inspection checks eight things: the roof covering, flashing, underlayment, decking, penetrations, gutters and drainage, attic ventilation, and the roof structure. The inspector then documents everything in a written report with photos, an estimate of remaining roof life, and a clear repair-or-replace recommendation. Here's the full checklist, the different inspection types, and what you can safely check yourself from the ground.

1. The full inspection checklist

A thorough inspection works through the whole roof system, not just the shingles. Here's what a licensed inspector looks at and what they're looking for.

Sources: ServiceTitan & NRCIA inspection checklists; industry report guides.

2. Types of roof inspection

Not every roof is inspected the same way. The three common methods:

• Visual (walk-on) inspection. The standard approach for accessible shingle roofs, done on the roof and from the attic.
• Drone inspection. Safer and faster for steep, tile, or multi-story roofs, with high-resolution photos of every plane. See our drone roof inspection page.
• Infrared (thermal) inspection. A thermal camera finds trapped moisture and hidden leaks that a visual check can miss.

3. What's in the report

A good inspection ends with a written report you can actually use. It should include:

• A plain-English summary of overall roof condition.
• Each finding with its location, severity, and a dated photo.
• An estimate of remaining roof life.
• A clear repair, maintenance, or replacement recommendation.
• The inspector's name, the date, and the weather conditions.
• Completed insurance forms when you need them (4-point or wind mitigation).

See a sample roof inspection report to know what to expect.

4. What you can check yourself (from the ground)

You can do a useful pre-check without climbing — and you shouldn't climb, because roof falls are a leading cause of injury. From the ground and the attic:

• Scan each roof plane for curling, missing, or dark worn shingles.
• Check gutters and downspouts for granule buildup.
• Look along the ridgeline for sagging or waviness.
• In the attic, look for daylight, stains, damp insulation, or a musty smell.
• Check upstairs ceilings and walls for water stains.

If you spot daylight, sagging, or several issues at once, bring in a licensed inspector. More warning signs are in our signs you need a new roof guide.

5. When to get a roof inspection

• Every 2–3 years for most homes, and yearly for older or tile roofs.
• After any major storm, hail, or high-wind event.
• Before you buy or sell a home.
• When your insurer asks, or before a policy renewal on an older roof.

Sources

• ServiceTitan — Roofing Inspection Checklist
• NRCIA — Roof Inspection Checklist (PDF)
• InterNACHI — Roof life-expectancy reference