A good roof inspection report tells you three things clearly: what condition each part of the roof is in, where the problems are (with photos), and what should be fixed now, soon or later. If yours reads like a list of jargon with no priorities, this guide will help you decode it and decide what to do next.
Holding a report you don't understand, or one that says "recommend roofer evaluation"? Call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045, any hour, or send it to us through our contact page and we'll walk you through it.
The sections of a solid roof inspection report
Property and roof summary
Expect the address, inspection date, weather at the time, who inspected and how the roof was accessed: walked, viewed from a ladder, or viewed by drone. That last detail matters. A report based only on ground or aerial views can't confirm things like soft decking or hail bruising.
The summary should also list the roof covering (architectural shingle, three-tab, metal, tile), the approximate number of layers, pitch and an estimated age or remaining life.
Component-by-component findings
This is the core. A thorough report breaks the roof into parts and rates each:
- Field shingles or panels: granule loss, cracking, curling, hail hits, missing or lifted pieces.
- Ridge and hips: cracked or loose cap shingles.
- Valleys: worn shingles, debris, exposed nails.
- Flashing: at walls, chimneys, skylights and dormers.
- Penetrations: pipe boots, vents, exhaust caps, satellite mounts.
- Edges and gutters: drip edge, fascia, soffit and drainage.
- Attic: stains, daylight, ventilation, insulation, decking condition.
Photos and locations
Every problem listed should have a photo and a location you can find again, such as "north slope, near the bathroom vent." Photos without locations are hard to act on; findings without photos are hard to trust.
Recommendations
The report should end with what to do, ideally in order of urgency, and say plainly whether repair makes sense or replacement is the better path.
Terms you'll see in a roof inspection report
- Granule loss: the colored ceramic granules shedding from shingles, which exposes asphalt to UV. Some loss is normal with age; patches of bare mat are not.
- Bruising or functional hail damage: hail that has fractured the shingle mat, shortening its life even if it doesn't leak yet.
- Cosmetic damage: marks or dents that don't affect how the roof sheds water, most often on metal.
- Unsealed or lifted tabs: shingles whose adhesive strip has let go, usually after wind.
- Nail pops: fasteners backing up through the shingles above them.
- Counterflashing: the metal that covers the top of step flashing where roof meets wall or chimney.
- Deck deflection: sagging between rafters, often from moisture or undersized sheathing.
- Intake and exhaust: the two halves of attic ventilation, typically soffit vents in and ridge or box vents out.
Turning findings into repair priorities
Not everything on a report is urgent. Sorting it into three groups keeps you from either ignoring a real problem or paying for work that can wait.
Fix now
Active leaks, missing shingles, open flashing, exposed deck, cracked pipe boots and anything letting water in. These get worse every time it rains, and water damage inside costs far more than the roof repair.
Fix this season
Lifted shingles, nail pops, worn sealant, minor flashing gaps and clogged valleys or gutters. They aren't leaking yet but are next in line, especially ahead of spring hail and storm season.
Plan for
General aging, widespread granule loss, curling or a roof nearing the end of its life. This is replacement planning: getting estimates, checking insurance and choosing materials without the pressure of an emergency. Our guide to roof repair versus replacement helps with that call.
When storm damage changes the order
If the report notes fresh hail or wind damage, talk to your insurer promptly. Policies generally require timely reporting, and a report with dated photos is useful evidence. Our insurance claims help page explains how we work with homeowners through that process.
Red flags in a report
- No photos, or photos with no locations.
- No mention of the attic, with no explanation why.
- A replacement recommendation with no specific findings to support it.
- Vague phrases like "general wear noted" repeated for every component.
- No statement of how the roof was accessed.
If you see these, ask the inspector for clarification or get a second look. Knowing how long roofs typically last here also gives useful context; see roof lifespan in North Texas.
What to expect from a Cannon Roofing report
Our roof inspection service is hands-on wherever the roof can be walked safely, and it includes the attic. We explain what each finding means in plain English and give you a clear recommendation on whether repair or replacement makes more sense. The inspection and estimate come at no charge. Cannon Roofing has served Decatur, Wise County and North Texas since 1994, and every employee holds the Technician Seal of Safety.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a roof inspection report good for?
It reflects the roof on the day it was inspected. One significant hail or wind storm can make it out of date, so get a fresh inspection after major weather or before a sale.
Can I use a roofer's report for an insurance claim?
It can support your claim with photos and descriptions, but the insurer will usually send its own adjuster. Having your roofer present for that visit can help both sides see the same damage.
Should I get a second opinion on a report?
If the recommendation is a full replacement and the evidence seems thin, a second inspection is reasonable. Ask both inspectors to show you photos of the same areas.
Want a roof inspection report you can actually act on? Call Cannon Roofing first at (940) 627-1045. We answer 24/7 and will schedule an inspector to your home in Decatur, Bridgeport, Paradise or anywhere nearby. You can also request a visit through our contact form.