What does a home inspector check on the roof?
Shingle condition is central, the inspector looks for granule loss, curling, cracking, blistering, and missing pieces, all of which indicate wear and remaining life. Hail bruising and wind lifting are flagged because they may qualify for an insurance claim.
Flashing and penetrations are common leak points. The inspector examines flashing at the chimney, valleys, vents, and skylights, since failures here let water in even when the field of shingles looks fine. Gutters and drainage are reviewed too.
Minnesota weather leaves clues. Ice dam staining at the eaves, storm damage, and deteriorated valleys all matter here. When deep snow, ice, or an unsafe pitch limits direct access, the inspector documents that and may evaluate from a ladder or the ground.
