A roof inspection is exactly what it sounds like — a trained roofer going over your roof and attic to find small problems while they're still small. Think of it like an oil change: a modest, occasional habit that quietly saves you from the big, expensive failure down the road. In Maine, where every winter tests the roof, it's one of the smartest low-cost things a homeowner can do. Here's what actually happens, and what the roofer is looking for.
What a contractor checks
The inspection, point by point
- The shingle field — curling, cupping, cracked or missing shingles, and bald spots where the granules have worn away.
- Flashing and penetrations — the metal around chimneys, vents, and skylights, where most leaks actually start.
- Valleys and eaves — the valleys carry the most water; the eaves are where ice dams form. Both get extra attention in Maine.
- Gutters and drainage — whether water is actually getting off and away from the roof, and how much granule loss is showing up.
- The attic, from inside — daylight through the deck, water stains, damp insulation, frost, and mold you'd never see from outside.
- Ventilation and insulation — whether intake and exhaust are present, balanced, and unblocked, since airflow drives so much of a roof's lifespan.
At the end, you should get a straight assessment of the roof's condition, an estimate of how much life it has left, and any problems ranked by urgency — so you know whether you're looking at a small repair, a bigger fix, or planning ahead for replacement. If the inspection turns up wear, our guide to the signs your roof needs replacing walks through what those findings mean.
Due for a check-up?
A free, thorough inspection from a 25-year Maine roofer — roof and attic both — with an honest report at the end. No pressure to do anything you don't need.
When to have your roof inspected
Good times to schedule one
- Once a year, ideally in fall before winter sets in.
- After a major storm — a strong nor'easter, wind, or hail — even with no obvious damage.
- Before buying or selling a home, so the roof's condition is a known quantity.
- When the roof passes 15–20 years, to plan ahead rather than react to a leak.
The whole point is to trade a small, planned cost now for a much larger, unplanned one later. Catching a lifted piece of flashing this fall is a quick fix; discovering it in February as a ceiling stain is a much bigger project.
"Had them out for a routine look after a rough winter. They found a small flashing issue near the chimney, fixed it same visit, and told me the rest of the roof was solid for years. Appreciated the honesty."
Related Maine roofing guides
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get my roof inspected?
Once a year is a good baseline, ideally in the fall before winter. It's also smart to have the roof checked after any major storm and once it passes about 15 to 20 years of age, so you can plan ahead rather than react to a leak.
What does a roofer look for during an inspection?
The condition of the shingles, the flashing around chimneys and vents, the valleys and eaves, the gutters, and, from inside, the attic for leaks, moisture, and ventilation problems. The goal is to catch small issues before they become leaks.
Do I need an inspection after a storm even if I see no damage?
Yes, it's worth it. Wind and hail can lift or crack shingles and loosen flashing in ways that aren't visible from the ground. Catching that damage early, and documenting it, can matter for both repairs and any insurance claim.
Is a roof inspection worth the cost?
For most homeowners, yes. It's a small, occasional expense that catches minor problems while they're cheap to fix, before they turn into interior leaks and rotted decking. Many roofers will assess an accessible roof at no charge as part of an estimate.
This article is general guidance for Maine homeowners. Every roof, attic, and home is different, so treat this as background and get a professional assessment for your specific situation.