How to Check Your Roof for Damage: DIY Inspection Guide (2026)

Ground-Level Visual Inspection (The Safe Way)

A thorough ground-level inspection can reveal the majority of visible roof problems. All you need is a pair of binoculars, a camera or smartphone, and 30 to 45 minutes of daylight. Walk the complete perimeter of your home, examining every visible roof surface from multiple angles.

What You Will Need

• Binoculars (8x or 10x magnification is ideal)
• Smartphone or camera for documentation photos
• Notepad or phone for notes
• Flashlight (for attic inspection)
• A clear, dry day with good lighting (morning light is best)

Step 1: Overall Roofline Assessment

Stand back from your home far enough to see the entire roofline from each side. Look for any areas where the roofline sags or dips. A healthy roofline should be straight and level. Sagging indicates structural issues with the decking or rafters beneath and requires immediate professional assessment.

Check that the ridge line (the peak of your roof) is straight and even. A wavy or uneven ridge can indicate settling, framing issues, or failed ridge board. Also look at the fascia boards along the eaves for signs of water damage, rot, or peeling paint, which can indicate water running behind the gutters due to failed drip edges.

Step 2: Surface Material Inspection with Binoculars

Using binoculars, systematically scan every visible roof surface. Work in a pattern, starting from one end and moving across. Here is what to look for based on your roofing material:

Step 3: Flashing and Penetration Check

With your binoculars, carefully examine every point where something penetrates the roof surface or where the roof meets a vertical surface. These are the most common leak points on any roof. Look at:

• Pipe boots/vent flashings: The rubber boots around plumbing vent pipes are the number one leak source on Florida roofs. Look for cracked, split, or deteriorated rubber. In Florida's UV environment, these boots typically fail within 8 to 12 years.
• Chimney flashing: Check for gaps, rust, or separated flashing around chimneys. The sealant at the top edge (counter flashing) often cracks and separates over time.
• Wall flashing: Where the roof meets a vertical wall (common in two-story homes), check for lifted or separated step flashing.
• Skylight flashing: Examine the perimeter of any skylights for gaps, cracked sealant, or visible deterioration.
• Valley flashing: Roof valleys channel water and are high-wear areas. Look for rust, holes, or debris accumulation.

Step 4: Gutter and Drainage Inspection

Your gutters tell a story about your roof's condition. During your ground-level inspection, check:

• Granule accumulation: Some granule loss is normal in the first year after shingle installation. But excessive granules in your gutters, especially on an older roof, indicate advanced shingle degradation. Scoop out a sample and examine it. If the granules are the dominant material in the gutter, your shingles are nearing end of life.
• Gutter condition: Are the gutters pulling away from the fascia? Are there visible holes or rust spots? Are the seams leaking? Failing gutters allow water to run behind the fascia and into the soffit, causing rot that can spread to the roof deck.
• Downspout flow: Verify that all downspouts are connected, pointing away from the foundation, and not clogged. Poor drainage creates moisture problems that affect everything from the foundation to the fascia.
• Drip edge: Check that the drip edge (the metal strip at the roof edge) is intact and properly directing water into the gutter rather than behind it.

For a more comprehensive look at what external signs indicate roof trouble, review our complete guide to roof damage signs.

Attic Inspection: What Your Roof Looks Like from Below

The attic inspection is equally important as the exterior inspection and often reveals problems that are invisible from outside. Many roof leaks are first detected in the attic long before they cause visible ceiling damage. Grab a flashlight, wear long sleeves and pants (attic insulation is itchy), and be careful to step only on the joists or on plywood walkways, never on the insulation or drywall between joists.

Check for Daylight

Turn off your flashlight and let your eyes adjust to the darkness for a full minute. Look up at the underside of the roof deck for any points of daylight coming through. Even tiny pinpoints of light indicate holes in the roofing material or gaps in the deck that will eventually allow water intrusion.

Be methodical. Scan every section of the roof deck from one end of the attic to the other. Pay special attention to areas around penetrations (vent pipes, exhaust fans) and where the roof meets vertical structures. If you see daylight, mark the location with a piece of tape or take a photo and note the approximate position relative to your attic layout.

Look for Water Stains

Turn your flashlight back on and examine the underside of the roof deck for water stains. These appear as dark spots, rings, or streaks on the plywood or decking boards. Water stains indicate past or ongoing leaks. Important things to note:

• Fresh stains (dark, damp): An active leak that needs immediate attention. Note the location carefully.
• Old stains (dry, lighter colored): May indicate a past leak that was repaired, or a leak that only occurs during heavy rain or wind-driven rain. Monitor these areas.
• Stain location vs. leak source: Water travels along rafters and decking before dripping, so the stain location may not be directly below the actual leak point. The true source could be several feet upslope from where you see the stain.

Inspect for Mold and Mildew

Florida's humidity makes attics prime territory for mold growth. Examine the underside of the roof deck, rafters, and any exposed wood for:

• Black or dark green spots: Often indicate black mold, which thrives in warm, damp environments. This is a health concern as well as a structural one.
• White, fuzzy growth: White mold is common in Florida attics and indicates excessive moisture from either leaks or poor ventilation.
• Musty odor: Even before you see mold, a strong musty smell in the attic indicates moisture problems that need to be addressed.

Mold in the attic is almost always caused by one of two things: a roof leak allowing water in, or poor ventilation trapping moisture. If you find mold, you need to identify and fix the source before the mold can be effectively remediated.

Check Decking Condition

While in the attic, press on the underside of the roof deck in various locations. The wood should feel solid and unyielding. If you find areas that feel soft, spongy, or that flex noticeably under pressure, the decking has been compromised by water damage or rot. These areas will need replacement during your next roof project.

Also look for signs of sagging between rafters. If the decking dips visibly between support points, it has been weakened and may not be safely supporting the weight of the roofing material above it.

Evaluate Ventilation

While you are in the attic, assess the ventilation system. Proper attic ventilation is critical for Florida homes and directly impacts roof lifespan. Check for:

• Soffit vents: Are they present, open, and unblocked by insulation? Insulation baffles should be installed to maintain airflow from the soffits even with blown-in insulation.
• Ridge or exhaust vents: Is there a ridge vent, turbine vent, or power vent providing exhaust airflow at or near the peak of the attic?
• Temperature and humidity: A well-ventilated Florida attic should not feel dramatically hotter than the outdoor air temperature. If it feels like a furnace up there (well above 130 degrees in summer), ventilation is inadequate.
• Bathroom/kitchen exhaust fans: Verify that these vent to the exterior, not into the attic space. Exhausting moist air into the attic is a common code violation that promotes mold and accelerates roof deck deterioration.

Post-Storm Inspection Checklist for Florida Homeowners

After any tropical storm, hurricane, severe thunderstorm, or high-wind event in Pinellas County, perform this targeted inspection within 24 to 48 hours (once conditions are safe). Post-storm damage that goes undetected can worsen rapidly and may affect your ability to file an insurance claim within the required timeframe.

After major storms, do not wait weeks or months to inspect and report damage. Florida insurance policies have claim filing deadlines, and delayed reporting can complicate or jeopardize your claim. Document everything with photos that include timestamps. For more information about what constitutes reportable damage, see our roof damage signs guide.

Documenting Roof Damage for Insurance Claims

Proper documentation can make the difference between a smooth insurance claim and a denied or undervalued one. Florida insurance companies are notoriously thorough in their claim evaluations, so your documentation needs to be equally thorough.

Photo Documentation Best Practices

• Enable timestamps: Make sure your camera or phone displays the date and time on each photo. This establishes when the damage was observed.
• Take wide and close-up shots: For each area of damage, take a wide shot showing the general location on the roof and a close-up showing the specific damage detail. The wide shot provides context while the close-up shows severity.
• Photograph from multiple angles: Capture each damage area from at least two different angles to provide a complete picture.
• Include reference points: Include identifiable features (chimney, vent pipe, roof edge) in your photos so the damage location can be pinpointed on the roof.
• Document undamaged areas too: Photographs of areas that were NOT damaged help establish the overall roof condition and contrast with the damaged sections.
• Photograph interior damage: If water intrusion has caused ceiling stains, wall damage, or attic moisture, photograph all interior evidence as well.
• Save originals: Do not edit or filter your photos. Insurance adjusters need to see unaltered images. Save the originals in multiple locations (phone, cloud backup, computer).

Written Documentation

In addition to photos, create a written record that includes:

• Date and time of the storm or event that caused the damage
• Date and time of your inspection
• Description of each area of damage (location, type, approximate size)
• Weather conditions at the time of the event (wind speed, hail reports, rainfall)
• Any temporary measures you took to prevent further damage (tarping, etc.)
• Contact information for any witnesses or neighbors who experienced similar damage

This documentation becomes invaluable if your claim is disputed or if you need to support your case during the adjustment process. Keep all records organized in a dedicated folder, both digitally and in hard copy.

Drone Inspection: A Safer Alternative for Detailed Views

Consumer drones have made detailed roof inspection accessible to homeowners who want close-up views without the risk of climbing. A drone equipped with a decent camera can capture detailed images of every roof surface, flashing point, and penetration.

Benefits of Drone Inspection

• Safety: No ladder climbing or roof walking required. Eliminates fall risk entirely.
• Coverage: Access views of areas that are impossible or dangerous to reach on foot, including steep slopes, high peaks, and areas behind dormers.
• Detail: Modern drone cameras capture high-resolution images that reveal cracked tiles, missing granules, rust spots, and other details that may be hard to see from the ground even with binoculars.
• Documentation: Drone photos and video provide excellent insurance documentation with clear, unobstructed views of the roof condition.
• Repeatability: You can fly the same flight path before and after storms to create comparison images that clearly show new damage.

Drone Inspection Tips for Florida

• Fly in the morning before winds pick up and thunderstorms develop.
• Check FAA restrictions. Parts of Pinellas County near St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Albert Whitted Airport have drone altitude restrictions. Use the FAA B4UFLY app to verify your location.
• Fly at multiple altitudes: high for overall views, low for detail shots.
• Capture both photos and video for thorough documentation.
• Be mindful of neighbors and do not fly over other people's property.

Many professional roofing contractors in Pinellas County now use drones as part of their standard inspection process. If you do not own a drone, your roofer may include drone inspection as part of their assessment. For more on what professional inspections cover, see our complete roof inspection guide.

Seasonal Roof Inspection Schedule for Florida

Regular inspections on a seasonal schedule catch problems early and keep your roof in the best possible condition between professional assessments. Here is the recommended inspection schedule for Pinellas County homeowners.

The two most critical inspections are the spring preparation (before rainy season) and the fall assessment (after hurricane season). These bookend the most destructive weather period for Pinellas County roofs and give you the information needed to make timely repair or replacement decisions.

When to Call a Professional Roof Inspector

DIY inspections are valuable for ongoing monitoring, but there are situations where a professional inspection is necessary. Licensed roofing contractors have the training, experience, and equipment to identify problems that homeowners simply cannot see from the ground or attic.

Call a Professional When:

• You find active leaks. A professional can trace the leak to its actual source (which is often not where the water appears inside) and recommend the appropriate repair.
• You see multiple signs of damage. If your self-inspection reveals problems in several areas, a professional assessment provides the full picture of whether repair or replacement makes more sense. Our repair vs. replace guide can help you prepare for that conversation.
• Your roof is over 10 years old. Annual professional inspections become increasingly important as roofs age. The inspector can assess remaining useful life and help you plan ahead.
• A major storm has hit. Even if you do not see obvious damage from the ground, a professional may identify hidden issues that could lead to future problems or qualify for an insurance claim.
• Your insurance company requests it. Many Florida carriers require professional roof inspections at certain roof ages. Only use inspectors approved by or acceptable to your insurance company.
• You are buying or selling a home. A pre-purchase or pre-sale roof inspection protects both parties and can influence the transaction price by thousands of dollars.
• You see daylight in the attic. This indicates holes in the roofing system that require professional evaluation and repair.
• You find mold in the attic. A professional can determine whether the mold is from a roof leak, ventilation issue, or another source, and recommend the appropriate remedy.
• You notice a sagging roofline. Sagging indicates structural problems that go beyond the roofing material and require expert assessment.

What to Expect from a Professional Inspection

A professional roof inspection in Pinellas County typically costs $200 to $400 and includes:

• Complete exterior roof surface examination (often including roof access)
• Flashing and penetration assessment
• Attic inspection for leaks, ventilation, and insulation
• Gutter and drainage evaluation
• Written report with photos documenting conditions found
• Estimated remaining useful life
• Recommendations for repairs or replacement
• Cost estimates for recommended work

Many reputable Pinellas County roofing contractors offer free inspections, particularly after storms. However, understand that a free inspection from a roofing company is a sales opportunity. For a truly unbiased assessment, consider hiring an independent inspector who does not also sell roofing services. Learn what a thorough inspection covers in our detailed roof inspection guide.

Material-Specific Inspection Tips for Florida Roofs

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Focus on granule loss, curling, and buckling. Run your hand through the gutter debris to check for excessive granules. Look for shingles that appear darker or shinier than the rest, which indicates they have lost their protective granule coating. Check the south and west-facing slopes first, as these receive the most UV exposure and deteriorate fastest.

Tile Roofs

Never walk on tile to inspect it. Use binoculars and look for cracked, chipped, or shifted tiles. Check the mortar at ridges and hips for crumbling or gaps. Look under the eave edges for deteriorated underlayment (it may be visible as black or brown material hanging below the tile edge). Tile roofs often look fine from outside while the underlayment beneath has failed, so the attic inspection is especially important for tile roofs.

Metal Roofs

Check for rust, especially at fastener points, seams, and cut edges. Look for dents from hail or debris impact. Examine the seams for any separation or lifting. On exposed fastener metal roofs (like 5V crimp), check for loose, backed-out, or missing screws, and inspect the rubber washers around each screw for deterioration. In coastal Pinellas County, pay extra attention to any white, powdery residue on aluminum components, which indicates oxidation from salt exposure.

Flat Roofs

If safely accessible, check for ponding water, which should drain within 48 hours after rain. Look for blisters, bubbles, or wrinkles in the membrane. Inspect seams for peeling or separation. Check around all penetrations and edge details for gaps or deteriorated sealant. Flat roofs in Florida are particularly vulnerable to UV damage, so look for areas where the membrane appears chalky, thin, or brittle.

Common DIY Inspection Mistakes to Avoid

• Only checking after storms: Regular seasonal inspections catch gradual deterioration that storm-focused inspections miss. Some of the most important damage is slow and cumulative.
• Skipping the attic: The attic reveals problems weeks or months before they become visible outside or on the ceiling. Make it part of every inspection.
• Ignoring gutters: Gutters are a diagnostic tool. Excessive granules, debris from deteriorating materials, and overflow patterns all tell you about your roof's health.
• Walking on tile roofs: This causes more damage than it identifies. Tile inspections should always be done from the ground, attic, or by drone.
• Not documenting findings: Without photos and notes, you cannot track changes over time or provide evidence for insurance claims. Always document.
• Delaying action on findings: A small problem spotted today becomes a big problem if ignored. Act on inspection findings promptly, even if that action is just scheduling a professional follow-up.
• Inspecting in poor conditions: Wet surfaces, high winds, or poor lighting lead to missed observations and safety risks. Wait for a clear, dry morning.

Frequently Asked Questions