Philadelphia Edition · June 13, 2026
10-Point Roof Inspection Checklist
A homeowner-friendly walkthrough for spotting early signs of roof trouble before they become emergencies. Designed for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — pay closest attention to items 2 and 5 in this climate.
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1. Walk the perimeter — ground level
Look up at the roof line from each side of the house. Note any obviously curled, lifted, or missing shingles. Photograph anything that looks out of place — date-stamped photos matter if you later file a claim.
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2. Check the gutters and downspouts
A handful of granules after a storm is normal. A thick layer or a gritty pile at downspout outlets is a warning sign — the shingles are aging or have been struck by hail.
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3. Inspect the flashing
Flashing is the metal sealing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and roof-wall junctions. Look for rust streaks, separated joints, or visible gaps. Flashing failures cause more leaks than shingles do.
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4. Examine the ridge and hips
The ridge (top of roof) and hips (angled top edges) take the most wind exposure. Missing ridge caps, exposed nails, or shifted alignment all signal wind damage and a future leak path.
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5. Look for moss, algae, or lichen growth
Dark streaks (often on north-facing slopes) are typically algae and mostly cosmetic. Three-dimensional green growth is moss or lichen — these hold moisture against the shingle and shorten lifespan if left.
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6. Check valleys for debris and wear
Roof valleys (where two slopes meet) handle the most water. Leaves and twigs trapped here cause back-flow and accelerated wear. The valley metal or membrane should be clean and intact.
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7. Inspect attic ventilation
Go into the attic on a sunny day. You should see no daylight through the deck. Check that soffit vents and ridge or gable vents are unblocked — poor attic ventilation cuts roof life nearly in half.
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8. Look for interior signs
In the attic and on top-floor ceilings, look for water stains, dark spots, sagging drywall, or a musty smell. Even faint marks are worth photographing and dating — they help establish a damage timeline.
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9. Check around penetrations
Every pipe, vent, antenna mount, or solar panel attachment is a penetration through the roof — and a leak risk. The boot or seal around each one degrades on a different schedule than the shingles themselves.
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10. Document and date your findings
Whatever you find, photograph it from multiple angles in good light. Note the date on each photo. If you suspect storm damage, file an insurance inquiry before the filing window closes — see our Insurance Claim Guide for the step-by-step process.
This is a self-inspection checklist, not a substitute for a professional roof inspection. If items 1–9 turn up anything you're unsure about, schedule a free professional inspection — most damage is invisible from the ground and only becomes obvious from on top of the roof.
Safety: Do not climb on your roof unless you have proper safety equipment and experience. All ten items in this checklist can be completed from ground level, a ladder, or inside your attic.
Found something you're unsure about?
Schedule a free professional inspection — most damage is invisible from the ground and only becomes obvious from the roof itself.
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