A Ground-Level Roof Inspection Checklist for Homeowners

A homeowner's roof check should document visible changes from safe ground-level locations and accessible indoor areas. It does not replace a professional inspection of concealed or out-of-view details.

Outside: compare the same views

GAF's ground-level inspection guide provides a starting point for observations without walking the roof. Use zoomed photographs rather than climbing for a closer view.

• Look for visibly missing, displaced, or irregular roofing.
• Note changes around roof edges, visible flashing, and penetrations.
• Record hanging gutters or debris visible from below.
• Photograph branches or objects resting on the roof.
• Mark any area hidden by the viewing angle as unobserved.

Inside: record symptoms and timing

From ordinary accessible areas, note new ceiling stains, peeling finishes, or active drips. Record the date, room, recent weather, and whether the area changed. Do not enter an unsafe attic or disturb electrical equipment near water.

For example, a dated photo showing that a stain expanded after rain is more useful than an undated close-up with no location. Keep a wide room photo and a closer symptom photo together.

Turn observations into an inspection request

Send the contractor the photo locations and questions. Ask which surfaces and details the professional inspection covers, what remains concealed, and which findings need action. An unchanged appearance from the street cannot establish that hidden flashing or decking is sound.

Keep the inspection report and completion evidence in the same home-maintenance folder. Our warning-sign guide explains how to discuss findings without treating every symptom as an automatic replacement decision. Request a roof assessment when changes need investigation.