RoofServ’s 4-Step Hurricane Readiness Roof Inspection Checklist

A simple, ground-level checklist homeowners can perform — no ladder required.

Hurricane season puts tremendous stress on your roof. The good news? There are several important things you can check yourself before storms arrive. This 4-step checklist helps you spot early warning signs and reduce the risk of costly damage.

Video

RoofServ Charleston President Pierce Lee explains what Charleston homeowners should look for to get their roof prepared for storm season:

Step 1: Know When Your Roof Was Last Replaced

If you purchased your home, it’s very common not to know how old your roof is. If possible, try to obtain this information from:

• The previous homeowner
• Home inspection reports
• Permits or local records

Knowing your roof’s age helps you understand when it may be approaching the end of its service life.

General lifespan guidelines:

Shingle roofs:
Begin annual inspections around 15 years
Typical end of life: 20–25 years

Metal roofs:
Often last 30–40 years, depending on material and environment

Understanding where your roof falls in its lifespan allows you to plan ahead instead of reacting to storm damage.

Step 2: Visually Inspect Your Roof From the Ground

Walk around your home and look carefully at the roofline.

Watch for:

• Missing, bent, or lifted shingles or metal panels
• Areas that don’t look flat or flush
• Sagging sections or uneven roof lines

Heat, wind, salt air, and time can cause small areas of uplift that may not look serious — but even minor gaps can allow water to penetrate. Once water reaches the wood beneath the roof, it can cause rot and sagging that often becomes visible from the ground.

Important: Where water can get in, it will — even through very small openings.

Step 3: Inspect the Metal Around Your Chimney (Flashing)

The metal around chimneys is called flashing, and it’s one of the most common sources of roof leaks.

From the ground, look for flashing that:

• Is bent, crooked, or pulled away
• Does not appear sealed tightly against the chimney
• Looks rusted, loose, or uneven

Flashing issues are often simple and cost-effective repairs when caught early — and fixing them now can prevent much larger repair bills later.

Step 4: Check the Underside of Your Roof From the Attic

If you can safely access your attic and insulation isn’t blocking your view, inspect the underside of the roof decking.

Look for:

• Dark stains or discoloration
• Signs of moisture or active leaks
• Mold or mildew

In many cases, roof leaks show up in the attic long before they become visible inside your home. Catching issues early can prevent serious structural damage.

Pay close attention to areas around roof penetrations such as:

• Chimneys
• Skylights
• Exhaust pipes

These are common leak points and are often straightforward repairs for a professional roofer if addressed early.

When in Doubt, Call a Professional

This checklist helps identify warning signs — but if anything looks questionable, it’s best to have a professional inspection. Addressing small issues before hurricane season can save you significant stress and expense later. Get your free inspection from Roofserv here.