Roof Inspection in Houston: What Should It Check?

A good roof inspection checks the whole system, not just the shingles: the roof covering, the flashing at every wall, chimney and vent, the edges and gutters, the attic underside, and the ventilation. It should end with a written report that has photos labeled by location and a plain recommendation: leave it, maintain it, repair a named area, or plan for replacement. If a report can't tell you where each problem is, it isn't finished.

On the roof surface

The inspector should walk or closely view each slope (that's their job, not yours) and note:

• Shingle condition: granule loss, curling, cracking, blistering, and hail bruises or wind-creased tabs.
• Missing or loose shingles, especially along ridges and edges where wind gets underneath.
• Ridge caps and hip caps, which take the most wind.
• Fastener problems: nails backing out and lifting shingles.
• Number of layers. This Old House notes that most building codes allow two layers of asphalt shingles, which affects future options.
• Other coverings: for metal, the seams, fasteners and panel ends; for a low-slope porch or addition, the membrane seams, edges and drains.

Flashing and penetrations

Most leaks start where something interrupts the roof. Ask the inspector to look at and photograph:

• step and counter flashing where the roof meets a second-story wall;
• chimney flashing and the chimney itself (TDI's maintenance checklist calls out loose bricks that could fall onto the roof);
• pipe boots around plumbing vents, which crack in sun and heat;
• skylights, attic fans and exhaust vents;
• valleys, where two slopes meet and water concentrates.

Edges, gutters and trees

• Drip edge along the eaves and rakes.
• Fascia and soffit for rot, gaps or pests.
• Gutters, downspouts and where water discharges. TDI's checklist says to keep gutters clean so water doesn't damage the roof.
• Overhanging limbs. TDI recommends removing branches hanging over or near the roof.

In the attic

Much of what decides repair versus replacement shows up from below. Ask for:

• the underside of the decking: dark stains, soft spots, daylight, or mold;
• signs of past or current leaks around vents and chimneys;
• ventilation: whether air can enter at the soffits and leave near the ridge, and whether insulation is blocking the soffit vents;
• bathroom or kitchen fans that vent into the attic instead of outside, which adds moisture in an already humid climate.

The inspector should note any area they couldn't reach. A clear "not inspected" is more useful than a guess.

What the report should give you

• Photos labeled by slope or location, ideally marked on a simple roof diagram.
• Each finding tied to a recommendation and a priority.
• Anything that needs further investigation, such as decking that can only be judged after tear-off.
• If repair or replacement is recommended, an itemized estimate as a separate document from the findings.

Keep the report. It helps with insurance, resale and the next contractor, even if someone else does the work. If work is done inside Houston city limits, the Houston Permitting Center's residential roofing permit requires an inspection, so ask for proof the permit was finaled.

When to schedule one

• Every few years as routine maintenance. TDI recommends hiring a roof inspector every few years to catch problems early.
• After a hailstorm, a tropical storm or a hurricane, even if nothing looks wrong from the ground.
• Before buying a house, or before your insurer's own review. TDI says insurers inspect the roof when you apply and may charge more or decline coverage based on its condition.
• When a ceiling stain appears. Our roof leak repair page explains how leaks are traced.

To request one from a local pro, see our roof inspection service page. If the report points to a choice, read repair or replace.

Common questions

How often should a Houston roof be inspected?

TDI suggests having a roof inspector look at it every few years, plus after any major storm.

Should I go on the roof myself to check it?

No. Look from the ground with binoculars and check the ceilings and attic access from inside. Leave the roof surface to the inspector.

Is a free roof inspection worth it?

It can be, if you get a written report with labeled photos. Be cautious if the "inspection" is mainly a pitch to sign a contract on the spot.

What's the difference between an inspection and an estimate?

An inspection records the roof's condition; an estimate prices specific work. Ask for both as separate documents so you can compare contractors.

We connect Houston homeowners with independent local pros. You confirm the price and schedule directly with them.