6 Steps for a Safe Roof Inspection Without Leaving the Ground

Use binoculars (8x or 10x) to inspect from ground level Walk around your house and look for missing or lifted shingles, cracked flashing, and sagging spots. Focus on valleys, edges, and around chimneys.

Check gutters for asphalt shingle granules Granules in the gutters mean the roof is shedding its coating. This is a clear sign of wear.

Look for ice dams and water stains on exterior walls Ice dams hanging off eaves or water stains on walls indicate potential leaks. These are visible from the ground.

Inspect the attic for daylight, stains, or damp insulation Go inside and look for daylight through the roof deck, dark stains, or damp insulation. Water often shows up far from the actual leak.

Use a pole with a phone camera or a drone as alternatives If you lack binoculars, a pole-mounted phone camera works. A drone with a decent camera gives a full view without risking your neck.

Call a pro if you see anything suspicious You don’t need to be on the roof to know it’s time for a repair. Winter damage isn’t worth a broken leg.