How to Inspect Roof Shingles

A roof is one of those things you don’t think about until it fails. And by the time you notice water stains on your ceiling, the damage has already been happening for a while. Shingles deteriorate from sun, wind, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles. They curl, crack, blow off, and lose their protective granules. A yearly inspection catches problems while they’re still cheap to fix.

Why This Matters

Your roof protects everything underneath it—insulation, drywall, framing, your stuff, your family. When shingles fail:

• Water infiltration – Gets into the structure and causes rot
• Insulation damage – Wet insulation doesn’t work and grows mold
• Ceiling and wall damage – Stains, drywall failure, paint damage
• Structural rot – Framing members decay when exposed to moisture
• Pest entry – Gaps let insects and animals in
• Higher energy bills – Damaged roofs leak conditioned air

A few damaged shingles are a quick repair. A neglected roof is a $10,000+ replacement.

The Safe Way to Inspect

From the Ground (Start Here)

You can see a lot without climbing anything:

1. Walk around your house with binoculars
2. Look at each roof plane from multiple angles
3. Get distance so you can see the overall roof surface
4. Note any obvious problems

From a Ladder

If you’re comfortable on a ladder:

1. Set up on stable, level ground
2. Climb only as high as is safe
3. Look at the lower portion of the roof
4. Don’t step onto the roof unless you’re experienced

Never Climb on the Roof

If you want a close inspection of the entire roof, hire a professional. Walking on shingles can damage them, and falls from roofs are a leading cause of home injury.

What to Look For

Missing Shingles

The most obvious problem:

1. Look for gaps where shingles should be
2. Check valleys and ridges carefully
3. Note any shingles that look out of place
4. Missing shingles = direct path for water

Curling and Buckling

Shingles that are lifting at the edges:

1. Curling: Edges turn up or down
2. Buckling: Shingle appears wavy or lifted in the middle
3. Indicates aging, inadequate ventilation, or defective installation
4. Curled shingles are vulnerable to wind damage

Cracked or Torn Shingles

1. Look for visible cracks running through shingles
2. Tears at the edges or corners
3. Can result from wind damage or thermal stress
4. Cracks provide entry points for water

Granule Loss

Asphalt shingles have ceramic granules that protect them from UV:

1. Look for bald spots where granules are missing
2. Check gutters for excessive granule accumulation
3. Dark patches may indicate granule loss
4. Granule loss accelerates shingle aging

Blistering

Small bubbles or raised areas on shingles:

1. Caused by moisture trapped during manufacturing
2. Blisters eventually pop and leave pits
3. Not always a defect, but indicates potential problems

Algae and Moss Growth

1. Dark streaks are usually algae (not harmful but ugly)
2. Moss holds moisture against shingles
3. Can lift shingles and cause damage
4. More common in shaded areas

Flashing Problems

Metal strips around penetrations:

1. Check around chimneys, vents, and skylights
2. Look for lifted, rusted, or missing flashing
3. Flashing failures cause most roof leaks

Valley Deterioration

Where two roof planes meet:

1. Valleys channel lots of water
2. Look for worn or damaged shingles in valleys
3. Check for debris accumulation
4. Valley problems quickly become major leaks

Ridge and Hip Damage

At the peak of the roof:

1. Ridge caps can blow off in high winds
2. Look for missing or damaged pieces
3. Hip shingles get similar exposure

Interior Signs of Roof Problems

Check inside too:

Attic

1. Look for daylight through the roof boards
2. Check for water stains on rafters and sheathing
3. Look for mold or dark patches
4. Feel for dampness

Ceilings and Walls

1. Brown stains indicate water intrusion
2. Bubbling or peeling paint
3. Soft or sagging drywall
4. Musty odors

Common Problem Areas

• Around chimneys: Flashing often fails first
• Around vents and pipes: Another flashing point
• Valleys: Heavy water flow
• Eaves and rakes: Edge exposure
• Low-slope sections: Drain more slowly
• Tree-covered areas: Debris and shade accelerate aging

Age Matters

Know when your roof was installed:

• Asphalt shingles: 20-30 year lifespan
• Architectural shingles: 25-30 years
• Metal roofing: 40-70 years
• Clay or concrete tile: 50+ years
• Wood shake: 20-40 years

If your roof is approaching end-of-life, even a good inspection doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start planning for replacement.

DIY vs. Call a Pro

DIY: Ground-level inspection, binocular survey, ladder inspection of lower areas.

Call a pro: Full roof inspection, any roof work, or if you see multiple problems. Professional roofers can safely access the entire roof and spot issues you might miss. Find a roofing contractor →

How Often to Inspect

• Visual inspection: Once a year minimum
• After major storms: Check for wind and hail damage
• After tree work: Look for debris damage
• If you see interior water stains: Immediately

The Bottom Line

Your roof is the single most important barrier protecting your home from the elements. It deteriorates slowly, then fails quickly. Spend thirty minutes once a year looking for missing shingles, curling, granule loss, and flashing problems. Catch issues early and you’ll get the full life out of your roof. Ignore them and you’ll be replacing it far sooner than you planned.