Most homeowners schedule a roof inspection not because something is visibly wrong, but because enough time has passed that it makes sense to have someone take a look.
- Maybe it’s been five or ten years since the last one.
- Maybe the house was just purchased.
- Maybe a neighbor had roofing work done and it prompted the thought.
Whatever the reason, a routine inspection on a roof with no known problems tends to produce a consistent set of findings — some reassuring, some worth monitoring, and occasionally one or two things worth addressing sooner rather than later.
Here is what a roofer is looking at during a standard inspection, and what they typically find.
The Roof Surface
The most visible part of any inspection is the roof surface itself. On an asphalt shingle roof, which covers the majority of Staten Island and New York City homes, a roofer checks the shingles for several specific conditions. On flat roofs — which are also common on Staten Island properties — the focus shifts to the membrane, looking for blistering, cracking, ponding areas, and separation at edges or seams.
For asphalt shingle roofs, the most common findings include:
- Granule Loss — Asphalt shingles carry a granule coating that protects the underlying material from UV exposure. As shingles age, those granules wear off — showing up as buildup in gutters or visibly bare patches on individual shingles. Some granule loss on an older roof is expected. Significant or accelerating loss signals that the shingles are approaching the end of their useful life.
- Curling or Lifting Shingles — Shingles that curl at the edges or lift away from the roof deck no longer lie flat and no longer seal the way they should. Wind and water get underneath them. On a routine inspection of a roof in generally good condition, a roofer might find one or two shingles beginning to lift — minor enough to address with a repair before they develop further.
- Cracked or Missing Shingles — Individual cracked or missing shingles are common on roofs that have been through several New York winters and summers. A few missing shingles don’t indicate a failing roof. They indicate spots that need attention before they create a pathway for water.
- Moss or Algae Growth — Dark streaking or visible moss on shingles is common in shaded areas. Moss holds moisture against the shingle surface and accelerates wear over time. A roofer notes its presence and extent and recommends cleaning or treatment if it’s significant.
Most shingle roofs in good condition produce findings in this category — minor wear that’s easy to address early and inexpensive to correct when caught at the right time.
The Flashing
Flashing is the metal material installed at every transition point on the roof — around chimneys, skylights, vents, and along roof edges and valleys. It’s one of the most common sources of roofing problems, which is why a roofer looks at it carefully during any inspection.
On a routine inspection of a well-maintained roof, a roofer checks whether the flashing still lies flat and whether sealant around flashing penetrations remains intact. Flashing doing its job properly looks unremarkable.
Flashing beginning to fail shows lifting at the edges, visible gaps, or cracked and deteriorated sealant — all of which a repair can address before they produce a leak. Chimneys get particular attention, since the intersection of brick, mortar, and roofing material creates multiple potential failure points. The roofer looks at both the flashing around the chimney base and the condition of the mortar and brick themselves.
The Gutters and Drainage
Gutters are part of the roofing system, and a roofer doing a thorough inspection looks at them as part of the overall picture. On a routine inspection, the findings typically include:
- Debris Accumulation — Leaves, twigs, and compacted debris are common, particularly on properties with nearby trees. Clogged gutters back water up against the roof edge rather than directing it away.
- Granule Buildup — Granules collecting in gutters tell the roofer how much wear is occurring on the shingles above.
- Sagging or Pulling Away — Gutters that have started to sag or separate from the fascia board no longer drain properly. This is a common finding on older homes and is straightforward to correct.
- Downspout Direction — A roofer checks that downspouts direct water away from the foundation rather than pooling against it.
Clean, properly attached gutters with functional downspouts get a passing grade. Issues found here are almost always minor on a routine inspection.
The Attic
A roofer doing a thorough inspection often spends time in the attic, which reveals things about the roof’s condition that aren’t visible from outside. The attic is where the underside of the roof deck is visible, and where early signs of moisture intrusion show up before they’re apparent inside the living space.
On a routine inspection with no known leaks, the attic findings typically cover three things. Ventilation — whether ridge vents, soffit vents, and other components are clear and functioning — gets checked first, since poor ventilation leads to heat and moisture buildup that accelerates shingle wear from the underside. Insulation condition gets noted if it appears wet, compressed, or disturbed, since those conditions point to moisture moving through the roof above.
Any visible daylight coming through the roof deck, or staining on the decking or rafters from past moisture, gets flagged. Old dry staining may indicate a previous leak that was repaired. Active staining suggests moisture is still finding a way in.
What a Routine Inspection Usually Concludes
On a roof in generally good condition, a routine inspection produces a mix of findings. Some things are fine and need no attention. A few minor items — a lifting shingle, some granule accumulation in the gutters, flashing sealant beginning to crack — are worth addressing in the near term. The roofer also gives the homeowner an honest read on where the roof sits in its overall lifespan, which helps with planning ahead.
The value of inspecting on a schedule rather than waiting for a problem is exactly that — small, inexpensive findings get addressed before they become large, expensive ones.
Christian Construction provides roof inspections throughout Staten Island, Brooklyn, and parts of New Jersey. To schedule an inspection or get an estimate for any roofing work, call 718-447-6475 or reach out through the contact form on the website.
