The full scope of a professional roof inspection — exterior, roof surface, attic — what the documentation includes, and how to read the findings.
Quick answer: a real inspection covers three zones: the ground perimeter (gutters, soft metals, granule evidence), the roof surface (shingle field, flashing, penetrations, ridges, valleys), and ideally the attic (decking moisture, ventilation, daylight at penetrations). It takes 30–60 minutes and produces dated photo documentation you keep. Anything shorter than that is a sales call with a ladder.
Ground: granule accumulation at downspouts, dents in gutters and vents (hail-size evidence), fascia and soffit condition, and drainage patterns. Roof surface: bruising and granule loss across each slope (walked or documented by drone on steep roofs), wind creasing at tabs and edges, every flashing point — chimney, walls, pipe boots, vents — valley wear, ridge and hip caps, and previous repair quality. Attic: water staining on decking and rafters, daylight where there shouldn't be any, insulation condition, and whether ventilation actually moves air.
The inspection's product is documentation: dated photos of every finding, slope-by-slope condition notes, and a clear verdict — sound, repair-scope, or replacement/claim-scope. In hail country this file has a second life: it's the before/after evidence that makes insurance claims clean. Keep every inspection report you ever receive; a documented condition history is the strongest claim position a homeowner can hold.
Honest findings come with photos of your roof (ask to see the damage in the pictures and on the roof edge if reachable), specific locations, and proportionate recommendations — a failed pipe boot is a repair, not a replacement pitch. Red flags: "damage" only they can see, urgency pressure tied to today's signature, and findings that escalate the moment insurance is mentioned. A second inspection is always cheap relative to a roof; on replacement-scope verdicts, get one.
A real one runs 30-60 minutes across ground, roof, and ideally attic. Ten minutes in a driveway is a pitch, not an inspection.
Ideally yes - you’ll see findings in real time, ask questions, and receive the documentation directly. At minimum, require the dated photo report.
Usually, though steep or fragile roofs are legitimately documented by drone. What matters is close-range photo evidence, not the method.
Request a free roof inspection and an independent local roofing professional serving your city will follow up.