Written by Tim Gaughan, Urban Edge. Published September 17, 2026.
A useful roof inspection report shows photos of every slope and every flashing detail, says what condition each is in, and ends with a plain recommendation: leave it, repair it, or plan to replace it. If a report has no photos, or only says "roof needs replacing," it is a sales pitch, not an inspection.
What should be in it
- Photos of each roof slope, labeled, so you can see the shingle wear yourself.
- Every flashing detail: chimney, skylights, walls, valleys, vent pipe boots and the drip edge.
- The attic, if it can be reached: stains, daylight, damp insulation, and whether the vents are working.
- The decking: soft spots, sag, or delamination at the eaves.
- Gutters and the roof edge: whether water is backing up behind the gutter.
- Moss and debris, and whether they are holding water.
- A recommendation with the reason for it, and what can wait.
What our free inspection includes
We walk the roof when it is safe to, check the attic where there is access, photograph what we find, and send you the photos with a written summary. You get a straight answer on repair or replacement, and a written price if you want one. There is no charge for the inspection.
Red flags in a report
- No photos, or photos that could be any roof.
- "Storm damage" claims with no specific damage shown.
- A recommendation to replace with no mention of the decking, flashing or attic.
- Pressure to sign the same day.
Using the report
Keep it. It is a record of the roof's condition on a date, useful for insurance questions, for selling the house, and for comparing bids, because every roofer should be pricing the same problems. If the report finds gutter trouble at the roof edge, our gutters site covers what to do about it.
Our work is covered by a 2-year workmanship warranty, in writing.
Book a free roof inspection or call Tim, (503) 597-8520.