The Arizona Homeowner's Roof Inspection Checklist (Free PDF Inside)

Two 15-minute roof checks a year, one in March before monsoon prep and one in October after the storms, will catch 90% of problems before they get expensive. Here is the same checklist our inspection crews use, broken into ground, attic and roof sections.

From the ground (5 minutes, no ladder)

• Walk every elevation and look for slipped, cracked or missing tiles
• Check the eave line for exposed black underlayment instead of metal drip edge
• Inspect gutters and downspouts for granule buildup, sag or rust
• Look at every wall flashing junction, siding to roof, chimney to roof
• Scan satellite mounts, solar penetrations and skylights from the ground

In the attic (5 minutes, flashlight)

• Check the underside of the deck for dark water staining
• Feel insulation around vents and pipes for moisture
• Look for pinpoints of daylight at ridge, eaves and rake edges
• Listen for active drips during the next monsoon (have someone spray the roof with a hose if dry)
• Inspect for rodent droppings near soffit and ridge vents

On the roof, only if safe (10 minutes)

• Walk the ridge and look for cracked mortar or lifted ridge tiles
• Inspect every valley for debris and bare underlayment
• Check every pipe boot for cracking, they always fail first
• Look at flashing around chimneys, walls and HVAC curbs
• Examine field tiles for hairline cracks (flashlight at a low angle helps)
• Probe sealant with a fingernail, if it crumbles, it's done
• Check around skylights for failed gaskets or curb flashing
• Look at fascia and eave wood for water staining or rot
• Re-secure any tile that rocks when stepped on
• Clean debris out of valleys and around roof vents

What to do with your findings

Anything you find in the 'ground' or 'attic' sections, call a roofer. Most are simple repairs. If you found multiple issues or you're in year 18+ of your underlayment, request a full professional roof inspection.