Published 2026-08-22 · Last reviewed 2026-08-22 · Virginia Roofing Services editorial team
From the ground
You can do this part yourself, safely, with binoculars.
- Missing, lifted, curled or creased shingles
- Sagging roof planes or ridge lines
- Damaged or detached gutters and downspouts
- Debris, moss or vegetation on the roof
- Damaged or missing flashing visible at chimneys and walls
In the attic
Often more informative than the roof surface.
- Daylight visible through the deck
- Water staining on rafters or sheathing
- Damp or compressed insulation
- Mould or musty odour
- Blocked soffit vents
- Bath or dryer ducts terminating in the attic
What a contractor should add
A professional assessment goes beyond what you can see.
- Roof-level inspection of field, valleys and penetrations
- Flashing condition at all transitions
- Fastener condition on metal roofs
- Drainage assessment on low-slope areas
- Written report with dated photographs
- Estimated remaining service life and prioritised recommendations