Annual Roof Inspection Checklist for New Jersey Homeowners

The best time to find a roof problem is before it becomes a roof emergency. An annual inspection takes less than an hour and can save you thousands in water damage, mold remediation, and premature replacement.

When to Inspect

The ideal times for a roof inspection in New Jersey are:

• Spring: After winter's abuse — ice, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles
• Fall: Before winter arrives, so you can address any issues before snow and ice

Ground-Level Inspection (Safe for Homeowners)

Start from the ground with binoculars before anyone gets on the roof.

Shingles

• Are any shingles missing or visibly displaced?
• Do any shingles appear curled, buckled, or cracked?
• Is there significant color variation suggesting UV degradation?
• Are shingles laying flat or are edges lifting?

Roof Structure

• Does the roofline appear straight and level?
• Any visible sagging between rafters?
• Are ridge caps (at the peak) intact?

Gutters and Drainage

• Are gutters attached securely to the fascia?
• Any visible sagging in gutter runs?
• Do downspouts extend away from the foundation?
• Any rust or holes visible?

Chimneys and Penetrations

• Does the chimney appear plumb (vertical)?
• Any visible crumbling mortar or spalling brick from the ground?
• Chimney cap in place?

Attic Inspection (Do This Year-Round)

Your attic tells you things the roof surface hides.

• Any daylight visible through the roof deck?
• Water stains on rafters or sheathing?
• Signs of mold or mildew (dark spotting)?
• Is insulation dry and intact?
• Is the attic ventilation clear (ridge vents, soffit vents)?

Gutter Cleaning and Inspection

• Clean gutters of all debris (at least twice yearly)
• Flush downspouts with water to confirm they're clear
• Check end caps and miters for leaks
• Look for paint peeling on fascia below gutters (indicates overflow)

When to Call a Professional

If you find any of the following, call a licensed roofing contractor:

• Missing or severely damaged shingles
• Any signs of active or past leakage in the attic
• Sagging in the roof deck
• Compromised flashing around chimneys or skylights
• Granule accumulation in gutters from an aging roof

Free Annual Inspections from Exterior LLC

At Exterior LLC, we offer free annual roof inspections for NJ homeowners. Our experienced crews will go on the roof, document everything with photos, and give you an honest assessment — no pressure, no scare tactics.

Call us to schedule your inspection today.