Ground inspections are particularly valuable after severe weather events to check for storm damage. Instead of climbing up immediately after a storm (when conditions may still be hazardous), you can safely assess visible damage from your yard and determine whether professional help is needed.
Essential Tools for Ground-Level Roof Inspections
You don't need expensive equipment to conduct a practical roof inspection from the ground. Here are the basic tools that will help you get a clear view:
Binoculars: A quality pair of binoculars (10x magnification or higher) allows you to examine shingles, flashing, and other roof components in detail without leaving the ground.
Camera with zoom capability: Your smartphone camera or a digital camera with zoom helps document any concerns you spot for future reference or to share with a roofing professional.
Notepad or phone notes app: Keep track of what you observe, including the location and description of any damage.
Flashlight: Useful for inspecting darker areas, such as eaves and the underside of roof overhangs.
How to Conduct Your Ground-Level Inspection
Start With a Full Perimeter Walk
Begin by walking completely around your home, examining your roof from every angle. Different sides of your roof face different weather exposures, so the south-facing slope may show more sun damage while the north side might have moss or algae growth. Take your time on each side and use your binoculars to scan the entire visible surface.
Check for Missing or Damaged Shingles
Look for these common shingle problems:
Shingles that are cracked, curling, or cupped at the edges
Missing shingles or gaps in your roof coverage
Shingles that appear darker or discolored compared to the surrounding areas
Granule loss (shingles will look worn or have shiny spots where granules are gone)
Loose or lifted shingles that aren't lying flat
Inspect Flashing and Roof Penetrations
Flashing is the metal material installed around chimneys, vents, skylights, and where your roof meets walls. These areas are common leak points, so scrutinize them through your binoculars:
Look for gaps, rust, or missing sections of flashing
Check that flashing appears securely attached and properly sealed
Examine the areas around the roof vents and pipes for cracks or separation
Examine Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutter installation tells an essential story about your roof's condition. From the ground, look for:
Granules accumulating in gutters (a sign of advanced shingle wear)
Sagging or pulling away from the roofline
Water stains or rot on fascia boards behind gutters
Plants or debris buildup that could cause water backup
Look for Signs of Water Damage
Even from the ground, you can spot indicators of roof leaks:
Stains or discoloration on soffits and eaves
Peeling paint on overhangs or exterior walls near the roofline
Visible sagging in the roof deck
Moss or algae growth (dark streaks), which thrives in damp conditions
Best Times to Inspect Your Roof
Schedule ground-level inspections at least twice per year, ideally in spring and fall. These seasonal checks help you prepare for Georgia's hot, humid summers and identify any damage from winter weather. Additionally, inspect after any significant weather event, including:
Severe thunderstorms with high winds
Hail storms
Heavy rain events
Ice storms (though rare in Georgia).
How to Inspect Your Roof Safely From the Ground
Regular roof inspections are essential for maintaining your home's protection, but climbing onto your roof can be dangerous without proper equipment and experience. The good news is that learning how to inspect your roof doesn't require you to scale a ladder or risk a fall.
With the right approach and tools, homeowners across Georgia can conduct thorough visual roof inspections from the safety of solid ground, identifying potential problems before they turn into costly repairs.
Why Ground-Level Inspections Matter
Many homeowners avoid roof inspections altogether because they assume it requires climbing. However, a systematic ground-level inspection can reveal the most common roofing issues without any risk. Georgia's weather patterns, including intense summer heat, occasional hailstorms, and heavy spring rains, can all take a toll on your roof over time. Catching problems early through regular ground inspections helps you address minor issues before they escalate into significant damage.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting for inspections, as the angled sunlight makes it easier to spot irregularities in your roof surface.
When to Call a Professional
While ground-level inspections are valuable, they have limitations. You should contact a professional roofing contractor when:
You spot any of the damage types mentioned above
Your roof is over 15-20 years old (depending on material)
You notice interior signs of leaks, like water stains on ceilings
You cannot get a clear view of certain roof sections from the ground
You want a comprehensive evaluation before buying or selling a home
Protect Your Georgia Home With Regular Roof Inspections
Conducting regular ground-level roof inspections empowers you to catch problems early and maintain your home's most important protective barrier. By dedicating just 30 minutes twice a year to walking around your property with binoculars, you can identify issues that might otherwise go unnoticed until they cause severe damage.
ARAC Roof It Forward offers free video roof inspections throughout Georgia. Our Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractors will safely assess your roof's condition and provide you with a detailed video showing exactly what's happening on your roof. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary inspection and gain peace of mind about your roof's health.