What Happens During a Roof Inspection?

What happens during a roof inspection?

Published October 13, 2026 · John Beal, Owner, John Beal Roofing

A good roof inspection checks four things: your shingles, the flashing around chimneys and vents, your gutters, and the attic for signs of leaks. Then you get honest answers, not a sales pitch.

Plenty of homeowners put off a roof inspection because they're not sure what it involves, or they're worried it's just a way to get a salesman in the door. A good inspection is neither mysterious nor pushy. It's a careful look at four parts of your roof, followed by a straight explanation of what was found.

1. Your shingles

This is what most people picture. The inspector gets up on the roof, when it's safe, and looks across every slope. Missing shingles, cracked or creased ones from wind, curling or cupped edges, bald spots where the granules have washed away, and the bruises and dents hail leaves behind. It's not just about finding damage. It's about reading the overall age and condition of the roof.

2. The flashing around chimneys and vents

Flashing is the metal that seals the joints where your roof meets something else: chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, walls and valleys. These joints are where most leaks start, so a good inspector looks at each one closely. Cracked, rusted, loose or badly installed flashing, and caulk being used where metal should be, all get noted.

3. Your gutters

Gutters tell you a lot about a roof. A gutter full of shingle granules means the shingles are wearing down. Dents in gutters and downspouts can point to hail. Gutters pulling away or soft fascia behind them mean water hasn't been draining the way it should.

4. The attic, for signs of leaks

This is the part a lot of inspections skip, and it's one of the most important. From inside the attic, you can see water stains on the underside of the roof deck, damp or matted insulation, daylight where it shouldn't be, and signs of poor ventilation like heat buildup or frost on the nails. Many leaks show up here long before they show up on your ceiling.

Then you get honest answers, not a sales pitch

A good inspection ends with you understanding your roof. You should see what the inspector saw, with photos, and hear plainly what needs to be fixed now, what can wait, and what's fine. Sometimes the answer is that your roof is in good shape. An inspector who never says that isn't really inspecting.

When it's worth scheduling one

After a major hail or wind storm, when you spot a leak or missing shingles, before you buy or sell a house, or when your roof is getting up there in years and you'd like to know where it stands.

Our inspection is free

We're family-run, we've been inspecting Midwest roofs since 1947, and our inspection doesn't cost you anything. We'll check all four, show you what we found, and tell you straight. Call any time. We answer 24/7.

What John says in the video

Transcript: What happens during a roof inspection? A good one checks four things: your shingles, the flashing around chimneys and vents, your gutters, and the attic for signs of leaks. Then you get honest answers, not a sales pitch. Call me. 1-800-JOHN-BEAL.

Frequently asked questions

What does a roof inspector look for?

Damaged, missing, curling or worn shingles, cracked or loose flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights, gutter condition, and signs of leaks, heat or moisture in the attic.

Why does a roof inspection include the attic?

Because many leaks and ventilation problems show up inside before they show up outside. Water stains, damp insulation and frost on the nails all tell part of the story.

How do I know if a roof inspection is honest?

You should see what the inspector saw, ideally with photos, and get a clear explanation of what needs fixing now, what can wait, and what is fine.

When should I get my roof inspected?

After a big hail or wind storm, when you notice a leak or missing shingles, before buying or selling a house, and any time you are wondering how much life your roof has left.

Is John Beal Roofing's inspection free?

Yes. Our roof inspection is free. Call 1-800-JOHN-BEAL to schedule.