Most homes in the Pittsburgh area have asphalt shingle roofs, and most shingle problems start small. A cracked pipe boot, a lifted tab or loose flashing can let water in for months before a stain shows up on a ceiling. An asphalt roof inspection catches those small problems while they are still easy to fix.
Here is what a roofer actually looks at during a roof inspection in Pittsburgh, what the findings usually mean, and when it makes sense to schedule one.
What Does an Asphalt Roof Inspection Include?
A good inspection covers the shingles, the details where the roof meets something else, and the parts of the house that move water off the roof. On a walkable roof the inspector checks the surface by hand. On steep or fragile roofs, close photos do the same job.
The inspector should also look from inside when possible. The attic shows ventilation problems, condensation and early leaks that the shingles will not reveal.
A finished Malick shingle roof, the kind of surface an inspection walks line by line.
Shingle Problems Roofers Look For
Asphalt shingles age in predictable ways. These are the findings that come up most often on Pittsburgh roofs.
Granule loss
Bare patches or heavy granules in the gutters mean the shingles are wearing out and losing their protection from the sun.
Lifted or creased tabs
Wind can break the seal strip and crease a shingle. A creased shingle can let water under it during the next storm.
Cracks and curling
Older shingles dry out, curl at the edges and crack, especially on south and west slopes.
Exposed or popped nails
Nails that back out push up the shingle above them and leave a hole for water.
Flashing, Pipe Boots and Chimneys
Most leaks on shingle roofs start at a detail, not in the middle of a slope. Inspectors check step flashing along walls, the counter flashing on chimneys, valley metal, skylight frames and the rubber boots around plumbing vents.
Pipe boots are a common culprit. The rubber collar cracks after years of sun, and water runs down the pipe into the attic. Replacing a boot is a small repair, but it is easy to miss without someone on the roof.
Chimney flashing is one of the first places an inspector checks on a shingle roof.
Gutters, Edges and Ventilation
At the roof edge, the inspector looks for rotted fascia, missing drip edge and gutters that pull away or overflow onto the shingles. Water that backs up at the edge can soak the decking from below.
Ventilation matters too. An attic without enough intake and exhaust runs hot in summer and wet in winter, and both shorten the life of an asphalt roof.
Roof edges and drip lines get checked for rot and loose metal.
What You Get After the Inspection
A useful inspection ends with clear answers, not a sales pitch. You should know which problems need attention now, which ones can wait and roughly how much life the roof has left. Photos make that easy to follow, because you can see the same cracked boot or lifted shingle the inspector saw.
If repairs are needed, ask for them in writing with a description of each item. If the roof is near the end of its life, a good inspector will say so plainly and explain why, so you can plan instead of reacting to a leak.
Inspecting the Attic Side of the Roof
The underside of the roof tells a lot about the top. From the attic, an inspector looks for daylight around penetrations, water stains on the rafters and sheathing, and soft or darkened areas of decking. A flashlight on a sunny day can reveal small holes that are invisible from outside.
The attic also shows how well the roof is ventilated. Clear soffit vents, a working ridge vent and dry insulation are good signs. Frosted nails, damp insulation or a musty smell in winter point to moisture problems that will shorten the life of the shingles.
Not every home has an easy way into the attic. When it is not accessible, the inspector may check ceilings on the top floor for stains and note that the attic could not be seen.
How Age Changes What an Inspector Looks For
On a roof that is only a few years old, the inspection focuses on installation details and storm damage. Missing starter strips, nails driven through the shingle above the sealant line, poorly sealed pipe boots and loose ridge caps are the problems that show up early.
On a middle aged roof, the focus shifts to wear. Granule loss on the sunny slopes, small cracks, sealant that has stopped holding and flashing that is starting to separate are common findings. Many of these can be repaired to buy more years.
On an older roof, the question becomes how much life is left. Widespread brittleness, curling and repeated leaks usually mean the roof is near the end, and the inspection becomes a planning tool for replacement rather than a list of repairs.
Roof Inspection Versus a Home Inspection
A general home inspection covers the whole house in a few hours, so the roof usually gets a quick look. Many home inspectors check it from the ground, from a ladder at the eaves or with a drone, and they note obvious problems without walking every slope.
A roof inspection by a roofer goes deeper. The roofer walks the roof when it is safe, lifts tabs to check the sealant, looks closely at every flashing detail and can tell the difference between normal wear and a defect that needs repair. If a home inspection report says the roof needs further evaluation, this is the inspection it is asking for.
The two work well together. The home inspector flags concerns, and the roofer confirms what they mean and what fixing them involves.
How to Prepare for a Roof Inspection
A little preparation makes the visit faster and more useful.
- Clear a path to the attic hatch or pull down stairs so the inspector can check the underside of the roof.
- Note any ceiling stains, drips or musty smells and where they show up, especially after rain.
- Gather what you know about the roof, such as its age, past repairs and any paperwork from the installer.
- Move cars, grills and patio furniture away from the walls where a ladder will go up.
- Keep pets inside while the crew is working on the roof.
Inspections and Insurance Claims
After a hail or wind storm, an inspection is often the first step before calling your insurance company. A roofer can tell you whether the damage is real storm damage or ordinary wear, which helps you decide whether a claim makes sense at all.
If you do file, dated photos and a written description of the damage give the adjuster something concrete to review. Insurers also expect owners to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, so having small openings covered or repaired quickly protects you on both fronts.
When to Schedule an Asphalt Roof Inspection
A yearly check is a good habit once a shingle roof is past its first decade. Beyond that, schedule one after a hard wind or hail storm, before buying or selling a home, before winter if you have noticed anything odd, and any time you see a stain on a ceiling.
A written report with photos is worth asking for. It shows exactly what was found and gives you a record if you ever need to file an insurance claim.
Related reading: how often to inspect a roof and asphalt shingles in Pittsburgh.
Asphalt Roof Inspection FAQs
How long does a roof inspection take?
Most shingle roof inspections on a typical home take under an hour, longer if the attic is checked or the roof is large or steep.
Can I inspect my own roof?
You can look from the ground with binoculars and check the attic, but walking a roof is risky. A roofer can safely check flashing and details up close.
What happens if the inspection finds damage?
You get a clear explanation of what was found and whether it needs a repair now, can wait, or points to a replacement.
Is a roof inspection worth it on a newer roof?
Yes, especially after a storm. Small installation or storm problems are easier to fix early, and a record helps with warranty and insurance questions.
Should I get an inspection before selling my house?
Many sellers do. A recent inspection with photos answers buyer questions before they come up and shows that small problems were handled. If the roof needs work, you can decide whether to repair it or adjust the price instead of being surprised during the buyer inspection.
Do I need to be home for a roof inspection?
Not always. The outside of the roof can usually be inspected without you there, and the photos and findings can be shared afterward. Being home helps if the inspector needs attic access or if you want to point out stains and problem areas in person. Ask when you schedule so the visit covers everything you want checked.
Schedule an Asphalt Roof Inspection With Malick Brothers
We will check your shingles, flashing and attic and give you a straight answer about what needs attention and what does not.
Malick Brothers Exteriors is a family owned roofing and exterior contractor at 500 Perry Highway in the North Hills, rated 4.9 on more than 350 Google reviews. Contact us or call (412) 616-0191 to schedule a free inspection and written estimate.
