What’s Included in a Roof Inspection Report

A solid roof inspection report does more than outline visible issues. It explains the roof’s condition, flags risks, and recommends clear actions. With section-by-section evaluations, repair advice, cost estimates, and visual evidence, these reports help us act fast and wisely.

Key Takeaways

Each report features an executive summary, site-specific findings, and actionable repair advice.
It records signs of exterior damage, structural concerns, drainage inefficiencies, and interior water intrusion.
Photos and diagrams simplify how we assess each problem and pinpoint its location.
Residential reports tend to focus on immediate repair needs, while commercial reports include added detail like building codes and equipment layouts.
Well-prepared reports rank issues by urgency and offer detailed proof that supports insurance claims or property transactions.

What You’ll Learn From a Roof Inspection Report

Right at the top, every solid roof inspection report starts with an executive summary. This gives you a quick look at what’s working, what’s not, and what needs immediate attention. It’s written in plain English, so you don’t have to decode roofing terms to know where things stand.

You’ll see the findings broken down by area or system—like the north slope, rear entry, or specific components like flashing, membrane seams, or vents. This helps pinpoint not just what’s wrong, but exactly where it is.

Photos and diagrams highlight problem spots. Depending on the inspection scope, you might also see thermal imaging, especially in commercial roof reports.

Expect clear recommendations too. For each issue, inspectors will often note what type of repair is needed, whether it’s urgent, and a general cost range. These cost bands aren’t bids, but they give you a solid starting point.

This approach works for all properties. Whether it’s a residential roofing check before listing your home, or a commercial roof inspection for lease negotiations, the end goal is the same: clarity, documentation, and action steps.

Breaking It Down: What Each Section of the Report Covers

Core areas covered usually include:

Exterior conditions: Are shingles missing? Is the membrane worn or cracked? Are flashings loose or sealants failing? These get documented with location and comments.
Structural elements: Inspectors check for sagging, signs of rot or weakened decking, and evaluate ventilation design for proper airflow.
Drainage system: Poor drainage leads to big problems. The report notes clogs, improper pitch, corrosion, or evidence of pooling near scuppers or downspouts.
Interior signs of damage: Moist spots on insulation, ceiling stains, or attic mold? Expect photos and notes with those findings.
Penetration points: Vents, chimneys, HVAC curbs, and skylights get checked closely. Improper flashing or sealing here causes leaks more often than not.
Commercial-specific items: These often include equipment mounts, code compliance issues, and things like rooftop unit stability.

You may see technical notes like: “Membrane seams separating at west parapet – estimated deterioration due to UV and age; recommend patch and monitor quarterly.” That’s a solid example of how detailed these reports get.

For more guidance on spotting issues early, take a look at this guide to finding hidden roof damage.

Major Differences Between Residential and Commercial Roof Inspections

Residential and commercial roof inspections share a common goal—evaluating the roof’s condition—but they do diverge in key ways.

Commercial inspections, especially for flat or low-slope roofs, often involve moisture scans, core sampling, and mechanical system checks. Drainage, weight loads, and warranty life span tie directly into property budgets and compliance.

Residential inspections lean more on visual assessment. We focus on shingles, underlayment, flashing at intrusion points, attic health, and damage from storms or age.

Another big difference: documentation. A flat roof retail property might get CAD-style diagrams showing equipment placement and water flow. Meanwhile, a homeowner might want clear photos of missing shingles or ridge vent gaps for insurance.

If you’re preparing for a residential claim or sale, this list of roof maintenance tips can also help protect your checklist and timeline.

How to Read and Apply the Findings

Most reports prioritize findings based on urgency. That means you’ll see labels like “immediate,” “within 12 months,” or “monitor going forward.” Use that timeline to build the right repair plan.

Cost estimates, if included, help ballpark what a fix might run, but they’re not quotes. When comparing reports and estimates, match the repair description—same damage, same material, same solution.

Photos help here. Cross-check each with its location and comment to better visualize where the issue sits.

Keep your report handy. It’s useful for everything from insurance claims to home sale disclosures or warranty disputes. It’s also a smart way to validate a roof inspection checklist or compare contractor estimates down the line.

What a Quality Inspection Report Should (and Shouldn’t) Include

You want your report to work hard for you. A quality one includes:

Organized sections by system or area
High-res photos for every issue flagged
Both today’s problems and future risks
Notes on weather impact like ice or UV wear

On the flip side, watch for vague comments like “general wear” with no photo, or reports missing attic, drainage, or structural notes.

Before hiring, ask your inspector questions such as:

Is this issue urgent or something to monitor?
Can you show me on the roof or in a photo?
Does this affect my warranty or code compliance?

When reading your report, review it alongside the tips in this leak prevention guide for extra clarity.

When and Why to Get One (and What It’s Worth)

For homeowners, schedule an inspection:

During home sale prep or purchase
After storms or water issues
Every 1–2 years for upkeep

For commercial building owners:

Annually to plan maintenance budgets
After heavy weather or before major upgrades
When documenting conditions for warranty claims

Inspections don’t cost much—usually between $250 and $500—but they can save you thousands by preventing damage or catching small issues before they grow.

If you haven’t had yours done recently, here’s how often you should inspect your roof to stay ahead.

What Sets RayPro’s Reports Apart

We don’t cut corners on inspections, and we don’t fill reports with fluff. Whether we’re scanning a multi-family flat roof or a single-family home, we document exactly what we see—curb integrity, flashing gaps, seam lifts, and drainage problems.

We keep our reporting clear and structured—not riddled with “maybes” or generalizations. Every issue gets a plain description, a location marker, and, when needed, a specific call to action.

Need repairs? We lay out options, not sales pitches. You can move forward on your terms.

If you’re unsure whether your roof may need work soon, this article on signs you might need a new roof is a smart next read—or reach out for a roof repair assessment today.

It all starts with the right inspection. And the right team. We’re here when you need us.