What Really Happens During Your Roof Inspection
When you call us about your roof, one of the first things we'll suggest is a free inspection. Not because we're trying to sell you something, but because we can't give you honest answers about your roof without actually looking at it. And we mean really looking—not a quick glance from the driveway.
We get asked a lot what happens during these inspections. It's a fair question. You're inviting someone onto your property, onto your roof, and you want to know what to expect. So let's walk through it together—what we look at, why it matters, and how this helps you keep your roof healthy for years to come.
Why We Do 15-Point Inspections
Your roof isn't just shingles. It's a complete system—shingles, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, gutters, and everything that works together to keep water out and your home protected. When one part starts failing, it affects everything else.
That's why we follow a 15-point checklist. It's not arbitrary—these are the fifteen critical areas that determine your roof's health and lifespan. We've learned over nearly two decades what to look for, where problems typically start, and what warning signs mean trouble down the road.
The goal isn't to find problems so we can sell you something. The goal is to give you a clear picture of your roof's condition so you can make informed decisions about your home.
What Happens When We Arrive
When Larkin shows up for your inspection, he'll introduce himself and talk with you first. This conversation matters. We want to hear about what you've noticed—leaks, stains, ice dams, anything that's concerned you. We also want to know how long you've owned the home and when the roof was last replaced or repaired. This context helps us understand what we're looking at.
Then we'll walk around your property together so you can point out anything specific you want us to check. If there's a spot where you've had leaks or ice dam problems, we need to know that going in.
From there, we get to work. Most inspections take 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your roof's size and complexity. We're thorough because details matter.
The 15 Points We Check
Here's what we're looking at during your inspection, and why each point matters.
1. Overall Roof Condition and Age
We start with the big picture. How old is your roof? What type of shingles do you have? Are there obvious signs of aging or damage visible from the ground? This gives us context for everything else we'll find. A 10-year-old roof showing wear needs different attention than a 20-year-old roof showing the same wear.
2. Shingle Condition
We look at your shingles closely—not just for obvious damage like missing tabs, but for the subtle signs of failure. Are shingles curling at the edges? Cupping in the middle? Are they losing granules? Do you see bare spots where the protective coating is gone? These details tell us how much life your roof has left and whether you're looking at repairs or replacement soon.
3. Flashing Around Chimneys, Vents, and Skylights
Flashing is where most leaks start. These are the metal pieces that seal the gaps where your roof meets chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and walls. We check that flashing is properly installed, sealed, and not showing rust or separation. A small gap in flashing causes big problems, so we pay close attention here.
4. Valley Condition
Valleys—where two roof slopes meet—channel a lot of water. They take more abuse than flat sections of roof. We check for worn shingles, damaged valley metal, debris accumulation, and any signs that water isn't flowing properly. Valley problems turn into leaks quickly.
5. Roof Penetrations
Every pipe, vent, or object that penetrates your roof is a potential leak point. We check that penetrations are properly sealed and that the rubber boots or flashing around them aren't cracked, dried out, or separated. These are easy fixes when caught early but cause significant damage when ignored.
6. Soffit and Fascia
The soffit is the underside of your roof overhang, and the fascia is the board that runs along the roof edge. We check these for rot, damage, or paint failure. Damaged soffit and fascia often signal water problems and can indicate issues with your roof edge or gutters.
7. Gutter Condition and Drainage
Gutters protect your roof and foundation by directing water away from your home. We check that gutters are clean, properly attached, not sagging, and that downspouts direct water away from your foundation. We also look for signs of overflow or improper drainage that could be causing problems.
8. Signs of Water Damage or Leaks
We look for any indication that water has infiltrated your roof—stains on wood, water marks, moss or mold growth in unusual places, or areas where shingles show water damage. Even if you haven't noticed interior leaks, these exterior signs tell us water is getting where it shouldn't.
9. Ventilation System
Proper ventilation extends your roof's life and prevents ice dams. We check that you have adequate intake vents at the soffits and exhaust vents at the ridge or gables. We also make sure vents aren't blocked or damaged. Poor ventilation is one of the most common problems we find, and it's fixable.
10. Granule Loss
Asphalt shingles are covered with protective granules. As shingles age, they lose granules—you'll see them in your gutters. We check how much granule loss you're experiencing. Moderate loss is normal aging. Severe loss means your shingles are near end of life and vulnerable to damage.
11. Signs of Moss, Algae, or Mold
Moss and algae don't just look bad—they hold moisture against your shingles and can lift them, creating leak points. We note where growth is occurring and how severe it is. This tells us about moisture patterns on your roof and helps us advise on whether treatment or replacement makes sense.
12. Structural Issues
We look for any signs of sagging, uneven rooflines, or areas that don't look right. These can indicate structural problems with rafters or decking underneath. Structural issues need addressing before we can properly fix roofing problems.
13. Attic Inspection (When Accessible)
If you're comfortable with it and we can safely access your attic, we'll take a look inside. We're checking for water stains on the underside of the roof deck, adequate insulation, proper ventilation, and any signs of moisture problems like mold or frost. What we see in the attic often explains problems we see on the roof.
14. Ice Dam Indicators
Here in Maine, ice dams are a major concern. We look for signs that you've had ice dam problems—water stains at roof edges, damaged shingles near eaves, inadequate ice and water shield, or attic conditions that create the perfect ice dam setup. Understanding your ice dam risk helps us recommend the right solutions.
15. Overall Safety and Code Compliance
We check that your roof meets current building codes and is installed safely. This includes proper fastening patterns, appropriate materials for Maine's climate, and any safety concerns that need addressing. We also note if previous work was done incorrectly—this helps explain why you might be having problems.
What We Do With What We Find
After the inspection, we sit down with you and talk through what we found. We'll show you photos of any concerns and explain what they mean in plain language. No jargon, no scare tactics—just honest information about your roof's condition.
We'll tell you what needs attention immediately, what can wait, and what you should plan for down the road. If repairs make sense, we'll explain what those involve. If your roof is near end of life, we'll be honest about that too. And if your roof is in good shape, we'll tell you that and give you guidance on how to keep it that way.
Using what we find, we'll put together a written report you can review. If work is needed, we'll create a detailed estimate that breaks down exactly what we're recommending and why. No pressure, no rush—you take the time you need to decide what makes sense for your home.
Why This Approach Matters
We could do a quick walk-around and give you a number. Some contractors do. But that doesn't serve you well. Quick inspections miss things. They don't give you the complete picture you need to make good decisions.
Our 15-point inspection takes longer, but it catches problems early when they're easier and cheaper to fix. It helps you avoid emergency repairs by identifying issues before they become urgent. And it gives you a baseline understanding of your roof's condition so you can plan appropriately.
This thoroughness extends your roof's lifespan because small issues get addressed before they cause bigger damage. It saves you money in the long run because prevention is always cheaper than major repairs. And it gives you peace of mind because you know exactly what's going on with your roof.
What This Inspection Costs You
Nothing. The inspection is free with no obligation. We're not trying to trick you into buying something. We genuinely believe you should know your roof's condition, and we're happy to provide that information whether you decide to work with us or not.
What it costs you is about an hour of your time. You don't need to be home the whole time—just at the beginning so we can talk and at the end so we can walk you through what we found. Some homeowners like to be around during the inspection and ask questions as we work. That's fine too.
Common Questions About Roof Inspections
Do you actually get on the roof?
Yes, when it's safe to do so. We need to be on the roof to see things clearly and check details you can't assess from the ground. However, if conditions aren't safe—roof is too steep, weather is poor, ice is present—we'll use binoculars and do what we can from ladders and the ground. We won't risk safety for an inspection.
Will you damage my roof during the inspection?
No. We're careful and experienced. We know how to walk on roofs without causing damage. We avoid stepping on vulnerable areas, we don't pry up shingles unnecessarily, and we treat your roof with respect. If your roof is so fragile that an inspection would damage it, that's something you need to know anyway—and we'll tell you.
How long does it take?
Most inspections take 45 minutes to an hour. Larger or more complex roofs might take longer. We're thorough but efficient—we're not here to disrupt your whole day.
Do I need to be home?
We need you there at the start so we can talk about what you've noticed and what concerns you have. And we need you at the end so we can walk through what we found. You don't need to stay for the inspection itself if you don't want to, though you're welcome to.
What if you find problems?
We'll explain what we found, what it means, and what your options are. If it's urgent, we'll tell you that honestly. If it can wait, we'll tell you that too. We'll give you a written report and, if work is needed, a detailed estimate. There's no pressure to decide immediately—you take the time you need.
What if my roof is fine?
Then we'll tell you that. We'll also give you guidance on what to watch for and when to have another inspection. Roofs in good condition still benefit from periodic checks—catching small issues early keeps them in good condition longer.
How often should I get my roof inspected?
We recommend professional inspections every 3-5 years for roofs in good condition, more frequently for older roofs or after major storms. Between professional inspections, you should do visual checks from the ground—look for missing shingles, sagging, or obvious damage.
When You Should Schedule an Inspection
You don't need to wait for obvious problems to schedule an inspection. In fact, it's better if you don't. Here are times when an inspection makes sense:
When you're buying a home—even if you had a home inspection, a roofing specialist sees things general inspectors miss. When your roof is approaching 15-20 years old—this gives you time to plan for replacement before emergency situations. After major storms—high winds and hail can cause damage that isn't immediately obvious. If you notice anything concerning—stains, missing shingles, leaks, ice dams, anything that doesn't look right. Before selling your home—addressing issues before listing saves problems during negotiations. Every 3-5 years as preventive maintenance—catching small problems prevents big ones.
What Makes Our Inspections Different
We're not interested in selling you work you don't need. We're interested in giving you accurate information about your roof so you can make informed decisions. That's the difference between being a neighbor who happens to know roofing and being a roofing company that treats you like a transaction.
We take time to explain things clearly. We answer your questions without making you feel like you should have known the answers. We show you what we found and why it matters. And we're honest about what's urgent and what can wait—because we're not trying to create false emergencies.
This approach comes from nearly two decades of working in this community. We're not storm-chasers who'll be gone next month. We're Kayla and Larkin. We live here. Our kids go to school here. We see our customers at the grocery store. Our reputation matters to us—not just as a business, but as members of this community.
Let's Take a Look at Your Roof
If you're wondering about your roof's condition, the best thing you can do is have it inspected. Not someday when you get around to it—now, while problems are still small and manageable.
We'd be happy to come take a look. There's no charge, no obligation, and no pressure. Just a thorough inspection and honest answers about what's going on up there.
Call us at (207) 200-1053 or reach out through our website. We'll find a time that works for you, come out and do a complete 15-point inspection, and give you a clear picture of your roof's health. Whether you need immediate attention, should plan for work down the road, or your roof is in great shape—we'll tell you the truth. That's what neighbors do.
