What Do Roof Inspectors Actually Look For? The 20-Point Checklist
By Roof Inspection Specialists • La Mirada, CA
Ever wonder what happens during those 90 minutes on your roof? Here is the actual roof inspector checklist Roof Inspection Specialists works through on every La Mirada inspection.
Surface and structure
- Shingle/tile condition, granule loss, cracking, curling
- Lifted, creased or missing pieces
- Sagging or uneven planes (structural flags)
- Moss, algae and debris accumulation
Water management details
- Valley metal condition and debris
- Flashing at chimneys, walls, skylights and every penetration
- Pipe boots — the #1 leak source on aging roofs
- Drip edge presence and condition
- Gutter and drainage performance
Ventilation and attic
- Ridge vent and intake balance (the 1/150 rule)
- Decking condition from below
- Moisture, mold and frost patterns
- Exhaust fan terminations
- Insulation depth
The deliverable
Findings prioritized by urgency with photos, a remaining-life estimate, and clear next steps. That is what separates a professional inspection from a glance and a handshake.
Why It Matters in La Mirada
La Mirada gets relentless Southern California sun, Santa Ana wind events that peel back shingles, and rare but intense winter rain bursts that expose every weak flashing detail on older roofs. An inspection catches the small failures — lifted flashing, cracked boots, clogged valleys — before they become interior damage. At $150 to $400, it is the cheapest roofing decision most homeowners ever make.
What Our Inspections Include
Every Roof Inspection Specialists inspection covers all roof slopes (on foot or by drone), attic decking and ventilation, flashing and penetrations, and gutters and drainage. You get a photo-documented written report within 24 hours — prioritized findings, remaining-life estimate and honest next steps from certified experts with a decade of roofing experience.
Local Context: La Mirada, CA
Planned tract neighborhoods from the 1960s and 70s — Foster Park, Creek Park, Granada Heights — with composition shingle and concrete tile roofs now 25–40 years old, the peak window for inspection-driven maintenance decisions.
Questions About Your Roof?
Call Now — talk to your local licensed expert at (888) 974-0663.
Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sat: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Sun: Closed • Our call representatives are available 24/7 for emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
60–90 minutes on the roof and in the attic, plus report preparation — typically delivered within 24 hours.
A thorough one will — with your permission. Attic access reveals half the roof's story.
Yes — drainage is part of the roof system, and gutter condition often explains water issues blamed on the roof.