Before hiring a roofing contractor, it helps to understand what a quality roof inspection should actually include. Many roofing companies offer free inspections, but not every inspection is the same. Some inspections are rushed, while others may overlook important issues—either unintentionally or because the roofer prefers certain types of jobs they feel more comfortable completing.
A qualified and experienced roofing contractor will take a comprehensive approach, carefully assessing all aspects of your roof and exterior, not just the obvious problem areas. Missing key details during an inspection can lead to incorrect recommendations, denied insurance claims, or costly repairs down the road.
At Douglas Construction, based in Buford, Georgia, we believe homeowners deserve a thorough and honest assessment of their roof’s condition. If you live in North Georgia or the Greater Metro Atlanta area, we want to help you understand exactly what to expect from a high-quality roof inspection performed by a qualified, experienced roofing contractor.
Whether you’re in Buford or elsewhere across Georgia, shingle roofing is the most common roofing material for homes. A quality roof inspection should always start with a close evaluation of the shingles. Your roofer should check for cracked, broken, curling, blistered, or missing shingles, along with signs of granule loss. Left unaddressed, these issues can allow water intrusion and significantly reduce the overall lifespan of your roof.
Beyond visible damage, your roofer should also assess the remaining life of the shingles. In Georgia’s climate, where heat, humidity, storms, and UV exposure take a toll, there’s always the potential for shingles to age faster than expected. Understanding whether your roof has years of service left or is nearing the end of its lifespan allows you to plan ahead and avoid unexpected repairs or replacement.
Any opening in the roof is a potential entry point for water. A quality inspection includes checking all roof penetrations such as plumbing vents, exhaust vents, and other protrusions to ensure they are properly sealed and protected.
Your roofer should look for staining, deteriorated seals, rust, or soft areas around penetrations that indicate water intrusion beneath the roofing system.
Flashing is one of the most critical components of your roof and one of the most commonly overlooked during poor inspections.
Areas where the roof meets a wall are highly vulnerable to leaks. Properly installed and intact flashing is essential to direct water away from these transitions in the roofing system.
Pipe boots and flashing around penetrations should be inspected for cracks, deterioration, or hail impact, which are common causes of roof leaks.
Chimneys may require multiple layers of flashing. Your roofer should inspect step flashing, counter flashing, and sealant conditions to ensure water is not entering around the chimney base.
Dormers create additional roof-to-wall intersections and these areas must be flashed correctly to prevent water intrusion, especially during heavy rain.
Flashing joints and seams should be checked for separation, corrosion, or failed sealant that could allow moisture into the roofing system.
The chimney cap and crown play an important role in protecting the chimney structure. During an inspection, the roofer should check for cracks, deterioration, missing components, or signs that water is entering the chimney system, which can lead to interior damage and masonry deterioration.
Masonry caulking around chimneys, walls, and penetrations should be inspected for cracking, shrinking, or separation. Failed caulking is a common but often missed source of water intrusion that can affect both the roof and interior of the home.
An experienced roofer knows to check for pump jack holes, which are small openings left behind from construction equipment used during the original build or potentially during previous roofing work. If these holes are not properly sealed, they can allow water to penetrate the roof decking and lead to hidden damage over time.
Roof ventilation is critical for preventing moisture buildup and excessive heat in the attic. A quality inspection includes checking intake and exhaust ventilation to ensure proper airflow. Poor ventilation can lead to higher energy bills, premature shingle failure, mold growth, and decking damage.
Storm damage is a leading reason homeowners in Georgia have their roofs inspected, especially following strong winds or hailstorms that often occur during seasonal weather events.
Shingles that have blown off leave sections of the roof exposed, increasing the risk of immediate leaks and water damage to the roof decking if the issue is not addressed promptly.
Shingles that have moved out of position often point to wind damage or improper fastening from previous roofing work.
Lifted, creased, or torn shingles are common indicators of wind damage and may qualify your roof for insurance coverage for either a roof repair or a full roof replacement.
Hail can impact shingles by bruising the surface, knocking loose protective granules, and weakening the overall roofing system, even when the damage is not easily visible from the ground. An experienced roofing contractor knows how to spot these less obvious signs during a proper roof inspection.
A professional roof inspection should always come with clear documentation. At Douglas Construction, we provide visual inspection reports that include high-quality photos, detailed notes, and markups that clearly explain our findings. These reports are easy for homeowners to understand and are also extremely helpful when filing an insurance claim.
After your roof inspection, most roofing contractors typically provide a free, no-obligation estimate outlining repair or replacement options based on the roof’s condition. A trustworthy contractor will explain recommendations honestly and help you make an informed decision without pressure.
If you’re a homeowner near Buford, Georgia, or anywhere in North Georgia, a quality roof inspection can help protect your home, your investment, and your peace of mind. Douglas Construction provides free roof inspections for homeowners across North Georgia, and we can accommodate homeowners quickly in cities including Buford, Dacula, Lawrenceville, Grayson, Gainesville, Cumming, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Roswell, Alpharetta, and Dawsonville. As an experienced local roofing contractor, we are committed to thorough inspections, clear communication, and high-quality workmanship. Contact us today to schedule your roof inspection and know exactly where your roof stands.
Call us at 833-895-7663 or complete our online form, and a team member will be in touch within 24 hours.
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