Roof and Attic Inspection – Full Overview

By Taylor Home Inspections, LLC
Shining light on your future

When it comes to a home’s roof and attic, most problems do not show up until they have already become expensive. A solid inspection protects your clients from surprises and helps you keep negotiations predictable. Here is exactly what I look for and why it matters.

The Roof: What a Good One Looks Like

A strong roof stands out the moment you see it. The lines are clean. The shingles or panels lay flat. Flashing is installed correctly, not patched together by the last homeowner. In short, a good roof looks like someone cared.

Here are the signs of a roof that still has plenty of life left:

• Tight shingles with even wear
• No curling, cupping, or cracking
• Clean ridges and valleys that shed water correctly
• Solid decking with no flex
• Flashing installed the right way, not improvised
• Vent boots intact and flexible
• Metal fasteners tight and not rusting

When I see these signs, I make sure your clients hear it. A good roof deserves credit. It protects the home, boosts value, and keeps future maintenance predictable.

Signs a Roof Is Nearing Its End

Not every roof that is aging is a crisis, but aging roofs do tell the truth if you know where to look. When I find a roof that is nearing the end of its lifespan, these red flags usually show up:

• Curling tabs or lifting shingles
• Heavy granule loss
• Cracks, brittle shingles, or missing pieces
• Nail pops across multiple slopes
• Rusted metal fasteners or fatigue
• Sealant drying out or failing
• Soft decking or sagging lines
• Patchwork repairs that reveal a larger issue

These conditions do not always mean the roof is leaking, but they do mean it is time to prepare, plan, and negotiate with clarity.

Attic Conditions Tell the Rest of the Story

The attic is where you find the truth behind the roof. A roof can look fine from the outside and still be failing inside. That is why I always check the following:

• Moisture staining
• Ventilation quality
• Insulation depth and coverage
• Roof deck condition
• Signs of past leaks or repairs
• Mold or microbial growth

A healthy attic is dry, solid, and well ventilated. When everything lines up, you know the roof system is working as intended.

Why This Matters to Realtors

A predictable inspection makes your job easier. When you understand both the strengths and weaknesses of a roof, you can:

• Set expectations before the offer
• Calm nervous first time buyers
• Strengthen negotiations with facts
• Recognize when a seller maintained their home
• Prevent last minute inspection panic

Your clients depend on you to guide them through one of the biggest investments of their life. My job is to give you clear and steady information so you can do yours with confidence.

Need an inspection or quick roof opinion

I am always here to help you and your clients make informed decisions.

Jerry Taylor
Taylor Home Inspections, LLC
478-318-5364
taylorhioffice@gmail.com