Roof Inspection Near Me: What a Real Inspection Includes (Photos + Report)
If you searched “roof inspection near me”, you are probably dealing with one of two things. You either want peace of mind before the next storm, or you are seeing warning signs like a ceiling stain, missing shingles, or a suspicious spot around a chimney or skylight. Either way, the quality of the inspection matters.
A real roof inspection is not a quick glance from the driveway. It is a documented evaluation of the full roof system, with photos, measurements, and a written report that tells you exactly what is happening and what to do next.
This guide explains what a professional roof inspection should include for homes in Asheville and Western North Carolina, including Hendersonville, Weaverville, Black Mountain, Arden, Fletcher, Candler, Waynesville, Canton, Swannanoa, Fairview, Leicester, and Mills River.
Ready for a documented inspection now? Schedule a Free Roof Inspection.
What “roof inspection near me” should actually mean
When homeowners search for a roof inspection near me, they usually want one of these outcomes:
Confirm if the roof is leaking or at risk of leaking
Document storm damage for an insurance claim
Decide between roof repair and roof replacement
Understand remaining roof life and maintenance needs
Get a second opinion on a quote
A legitimate inspection should give you clear answers, not vague guesses.
What a real roof inspection includes (Photos + Written Report)
1) A full roof system review, not just shingles
A roof is a system. A real inspection checks the components that cause most leaks and failures:
Shingles or metal panels
Underlayment and water barriers where visible
Flashing at chimneys, sidewalls, skylights, valleys, and roof transitions
Ventilation components, including ridge vents and exhaust vents
Gutters, drip edge, fascia edges, and drainage patterns
If the inspection only focuses on the field shingles and ignores flashing, it is incomplete.
2) Photo documentation of key areas
A high quality inspection includes clear photos of critical zones, including:
Each roof slope and ridge line
Valleys and valley transitions
Chimney step flashing and counterflashing
Plumbing vents and pipe boots
Skylight curbs and flashing details
Roof penetrations like exhaust vents and attic fans
Any damage found, including close ups and context shots
Photos matter because they help you understand the issue, track changes over time, and support insurance discussions when storm damage is involved.
3) Measurements and roof mapping
A real roof inspection should capture:
Roof dimensions and square footage
Pitch and slope changes
Roof complexity, including dormers and valleys
Areas of vulnerability based on design
This is what allows a roofer to write an accurate estimate and explain pricing clearly. If you are comparing bids, accurate measurements are the foundation.
4) Exterior condition notes with specific findings
Instead of generic statements like “roof looks fine,” your report should include specific condition notes such as:
Lifted shingle edges or wind creases
Granule loss patterns and shingle brittleness
Hail bruising indicators on shingles and soft metals
Exposed nail heads or nail pops
Sealant failure at penetrations
Rusting, separation, or movement in flashing lines
Damaged ridge caps or ridge vent gaps
These details determine whether your roof needs a small repair or a bigger plan.
5) Interior and attic evaluation when appropriate
Some of the most important clues are not on the roof surface. A proper inspection may include:
Attic moisture checks for wet decking or damp insulation
Condensation indicators such as frost on nails, rust, or mold spotting
Ventilation balance issues that shorten roof life
Leak tracing to identify the entry point
Many winter “leaks” in North Carolina are actually attic condensation problems. A real inspection distinguishes the two.
6) A written report you can use
At the end, you should receive a clear written report that includes:
Summary of roof condition
Photo set labeled by area
Recommended next steps in priority order
Repair vs replacement guidance when applicable
Maintenance recommendations to extend roof life
If needed, documentation suitable for insurance conversations
This is the difference between a real inspection and a quick opinion.
What your roof inspection report should tell you
A homeowner should walk away knowing:
Is the roof currently leaking, or at risk of leaking soon?
What is the root cause, not just the symptom?
What should be repaired right now?
What can be monitored until later?
How much life is realistically left in the roof?
Whether replacement planning should happen this year or later
What the most cost effective next step is
If the inspection does not answer these, it is not doing its job.
Roof inspection checklist (what we look at)
Here is a simplified version of what a real inspection covers.
Roof surface
Missing, cracked, curled, or lifted shingles
Granule loss and exposed fiberglass matting
Rust, loose fasteners, or seam issues on metal roofing
Learn more about materials:
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Metal Roofing
Leak prone areas
Valleys and valley edges
Pipe boots, vents, and penetrations
Chimney and sidewall flashing
Skylights and roof transitions
If you suspect a leak, start with Roof Repair.
Drainage and edges
Gutter alignment, overflow signs, and downspout performance
Drip edge condition
Fascia or soffit staining
Upgrade options:
Seamless Gutters
Ventilation and attic health
Ridge vent performance
Intake and exhaust balance
Moisture and condensation indicators
If you are planning a replacement, this is the time to correct ventilation issues: Roof Replacement.
When to schedule a roof inspection in North Carolina
The best times to schedule a roof inspection are:
After hail or high wind storms
When you notice a ceiling stain, musty smell, or attic dampness
Before buying or selling a home
Before and after winter in Western NC
When your roof is over 15 years old
When you have had multiple repairs in recent years
If you want the most value, schedule before minor issues become major damage.
Book here: Free Roof Inspection.
Repair vs replacement, and how an inspection guides that decision
An inspection is not just about finding damage. It is about decision making.
Repair is often best when:
Damage is isolated and the roof system is otherwise healthy
The roof is relatively young
Underlayment and decking are sound
Replacement often makes more sense when:
Leaks are recurring or appear in multiple areas
Shingles are brittle, curling, or widely worn
Decking shows soft spots or rot
The roof is near end of expected life
If replacement is on the table, start here: Roof Replacement.
Service areas for roof inspections near you
If you are searching for roof inspection near me in Western NC, we serve:
Asheville, Hendersonville, Weaverville, Black Mountain, Arden, Fletcher, Candler, Waynesville, Canton, Swannanoa, Fairview, Leicester, and Mills River.
Local pages:
Asheville Roofing
Hendersonville Roofing
Weaverville Roofing
Black Mountain Roofing
Arden Roofing
Fletcher Roofing
Candler Roofing
Waynesville Roofing
Canton Roofing
Swannanoa Roofing
Fairview Roofing
Leicester Roofing
Mills River Roofing
Schedule your roof inspection (with photos + report)
If you want a real answer, not a guess, we will inspect your roof system, document the findings with photos, and provide a clear report with next steps.
Book here: Free Roof Inspection
Or call (828) 507-0778.
