You’ve scheduled a professional roof inspection. Great. But what actually happens when the inspector shows up? Do they just climb around for 15 minutes, snap a few photos, and send you a bill?
Not even close.
A real professional roof inspection is methodical. It’s thorough. It’s designed to catch problems before they become expensive disasters. But most homeowners have no idea what inspectors are actually looking for or why it matters. So let’s outline what happens during a professional roof inspection, step by step.
Before They Even Climb Up
A good roof inspection starts before anyone touches your roof. The inspector will look at your property from the ground. They’re checking the overall condition from a distance, looking for obvious problems like sagging, missing sections, visible damage, or debris accumulation.
They’ll ask you questions too, such as:
- When was the roof installed?
- Have you had leaks?
- Any major storms?
- Have you noticed anything that concerns you?
This conversation gives context. A roof that’s 25 years old needs different scrutiny than one that’s 5 years old.
The Exterior Roof Inspection Process
Now comes the part where the inspector actually gets up on your roof. They’re not just wandering around. They’re conducting a systematic examination of specific areas.
Shingles or tiles. The inspector checks for missing, cracked, curled, or damaged shingles. They look for granule loss (bald spots where the protective coating has worn away) and check for signs of algae or moss growth. They will examine edges and corners where damage often starts.
Flashing. This is the metal or rubber material that seals joints and penetrations. Flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and where roof planes meet is critical. Bad flashing is one of the most common leak sources. The inspector checks for cracks, separation, rust, or improper installation.
Gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters cause water backup which damages your roof and fascia. The inspector checks for debris, proper slope, damage, and whether water is flowing where it should.
Roof structure. From the surface, the inspector can spot sagging or uneven areas that signal structural problems. They might press areas gently to check for soft spots indicating rot or water damage.
Vents and penetrations. Every pipe, vent, or chimney that goes through your roof is a potential leak point. The inspector examines how these are sealed and flashed.
Interior Roof Inspection: What Happens Inside Your Home
A thorough inspection includes checking your attic or crawl space. Why? Because that’s where you see the real evidence of roof problems.
The inspector looks for water stains on decking or framing. They check insulation for dampness or mold and look for signs of past leaks that might not be obvious from above. They examine ventilation to see if it’s adequate. Poor ventilation causes problems that show up as ice dams in winter or premature shingle failure.
This interior check often reveals problems that wouldn’t be visible from a rooftop inspection alone. A roof that looks fine from above might have sustained water damage that’s visible from inside.
What’s Included in a Professional Roof Inspection Report
After the inspection, you get a report. A real inspection report isn’t vague. It includes:
A summary of the roof’s overall condition. Is it in good shape? Fair? Poor?
Specific problems identified. Not “some shingles are damaged” but “5 damaged shingles on the west-facing slope, 3 missing shingles on the north slope, flashing separation around the chimney on the eastern side.”
Estimates of the roof’s remaining lifespan. Based on age, condition, and materials.
Recommended repairs. What needs to happen now? What can wait? What’s preventative maintenance?
Photographic evidence. A good inspector documents problems with photos so you can see exactly what they’re talking about. Plus cost estimates, for repairs or replacement if needed.
Why This Matters for Minnesota & Wisconsin Homeowners
Understanding what happens during a professional roof inspection helps you understand why you need one. Your roof is literally all that stands between your home and the elements. A small problem you miss today becomes a big problem by next winter.
At Krumm Exteriors, we recommend roof inspections at least once a year. We recommend them after severe weather like hail or heavy storms. And we absolutely recommend them before buying or selling a property. If you’ve noticed leaks, missing shingles, cracked tiles, or any other signs of damage, an inspection is the first step.
What You Should Expect From a Professional Inspector
A real professional will take time. They won’t rush through it. They’ll explain what they’re finding as they go. They’ll answer your questions. They won’t try to sell you unnecessary work, but they will be honest about what needs attention.
Krumm Exteriors has been inspecting Wisconsin roofs for 27 years. We understand the unique challenges posed by Wisconsin weather and know what holds up and what doesn’t in our climate. We know what to look for.
More importantly, we’ll give you a straight answer about your roof’s condition and what you actually need to do about it.
Schedule Your Professional Inspection Today
If it’s been more than a year since your last roof inspection, or if you’ve never had one, now is the time. Don’t wait for a leak to develop. Don’t wait for water damage to appear inside your home. Get ahead of problems with a professional inspection.
Contact Krumm Exteriors or call us to schedule your roof inspection. We’ll give you the honest assessment you need to make smart decisions about your roof’s future.