What Happens During a Professional Roof Inspection Process and 3 Easy Checks You Can Do at Home

Whether it’s been a rough Wisconsin winter or just a few years since your last check-up, your roof could be hiding issues that you won’t see until it’s too late. A professional roof inspection helps catch small problems before they become expensive repairs. And it’s not just for storm damage. Even in calm weather, an inspection can help you stay ahead of leaks, sagging, or shingle failures, all while protecting your insurance and warranty coverage.

We will walk you through the professional roof inspection process and give you a few safe, helpful ways to check your roof on your own.

Why Get a Roof Inspection Even Without a Storm?

Homeowners often wait for a hailstorm to think about their roof, but regular inspections are a smart part of home maintenance:

• Catch early signs of damage before they escalate

• Maintain insurance eligibility and preserve your roof warranty

• Spot aging-related vulnerabilities before leaks develop

• Prep your home for sale or resolve issues before appraisal

• Address problems that could lead to discoloration and reduction of curb appeal

• Identify concerns if you’re considering solar

  
  

What Happens During a Professional Roof Inspection Process?

Our certified and experienced team at Sun Vault Roofing performs a comprehensive, technical evaluation of your roof system:

Exterior Roof Inspection:

• Look for missing, curling, or cracked shingles

• Assess flashing around chimneys, skylights, solar tubes, and roof penetrations

• Inspect vents, pipe boots, and seals

• Examine fascia, soffits, and gutters

• Evaluate for signs of hail or wind damage

  
  

Interior & Attic Inspection:

• Look for water stains, moisture buildup, mold, or daylight through decking

• Evaluate attic ventilation and insulation levels

• Identify mold risks or improper venting

  
  

Structural Evaluation:

• Check for signs of sagging, decking softness, or movement

• Spot potential installation issues or manufacturer defects

  
  

Solar Readiness Check (if applicable):

• Assess whether roof obstructions (e.g., pipes, vents, satellite dishes) are moveable

• Determine ideal solar array locations based on roof shape and irradiance

• Inspect and photograph electrical equipment, e.g., meter, panels, generator

• Verify attic access and assess routing options

• Evaluate load capacity for solar systems (if going with heavier conventional panels)

If flashing or vents are not thoroughly inspected, you can end up in a situation where the flashing fails earlier than the roof, and the repairs stick out because shingle colors don’t match due to sun bleaching. At Sun Vault Roofing we inspect vents and flashing during every roof inspection.

3 Easy Roof Checks You Can Do at Home

Many roof issues can be identified from the ground or inside your home, without the need to climb a ladder:

1. Look for visible signs from the ground:

   • Missing shingles

   • Algae or moss buildup

   • Debris like twigs, leaves, or branches after storms

2. Check your gutters and downspouts:

   • Excessive granules from asphalt shingles near downspout exits may signal material breakdown

   • Gutters or downspouts clogged by debris are a risk to your home. Clean them! Especially before winter.

3. Inspect your attic or ceilings indoors:

   • Stains, wet spots, or musty smells may signal roof leaks or condensation

     
     

These quick checks can help you catch potential issues early. For a deeper dive into what warning signs to look for, check out our blog on roof damage signs and how to spot trouble early.

(Left) - Example inspection finding: Cracked shingle with portion missing, likely letting water intrude. (Middle) - Example where the leaf accumulation is so great that a tree is growing on the roof. Don't let your roof become like this! (Right) - Example of algae/moss. This can hold water against the shingles and can hasten deterioration. Also reduces curb appeal as it’s usually visible from the ground.

Ladder Safety Basics (If You Decide to Climb)

We recommend that homeowners stay safely on the ground and leave the roof climbing to professionals. More than 500,000 people in the US annually are treated for ladder-related injuries according to the CDC, and 97% of ladder injuries treated in the emergency department happen at home. But if you do choose to use a ladder, follow all safety precautions, including:

• Do not climb in wet, icy, or windy conditions

• Inspect the ladder for structural damage before use

• Place on level ground, avoid soft soil or slopes. Use levelers or a board if needed.

• Avoid power lines or electrical wires

• Keep three points of contact (two feet and one hand)

• Don’t lean or overreach, reposition instead. Keep your belt buckle between the rails

• Use the 4-to-1 rule (1 foot out for every 4 feet up)

• Do not stand on or above the top 3 rungs

• Use a spotter and ask someone to hold the base for added stability

• Keep hands clear of rungs during extension and retraction

• If you’re unsure or your roof is steep, call a professional. Your safety is most important.

When Should You Schedule a Professional Inspection?

Roof inspections are recommended if:

• You’ve recently experienced hail, wind, or extreme weather

• You notice any of the DIY warning signs above

• Your roof is 10+ years old, even without visible issues

• You’re preparing to sell your home

• You’re considering solar roofing upgrades

  
  

Sun Vault Roofing provides thorough, documented roof inspections for homeowners across Wisconsin. If we find a problem, we walk you through the next steps; no pressure, no obligation.

📞 Call 608-608-1082 or book a free inspection today.