Ontario Homeowner Roof Inspection Checklist — ROOFNOW™ (2025 Edition)

This engineering-based checklist helps Ontario homeowners inspect their roof safely from the ground, identify early warning signs, diagnose winter damage, and understand attic moisture behaviour. No climbing required. Fully designed for Ontario weather conditions.

1. Before You Inspect — Safety First

• Do not climb on a wet, icy, or snow-covered roof
• Stay off steep slopes
• Inspect from ground level using binoculars or phone zoom
• Use caution when entering the attic
• Wear a mask if attic ventilation is poor

2. Exterior Roof Surface Checklist

• Curled or deformed shingles
• Missing shingles from past windstorms
• Lifted shingles along edges
• Uneven or wavy rooflines (possible decking problem)
• Dark stains indicating moisture or algae
• Exposed fasteners (for metal roofs)
• Rust on metal panels or screws
• Loose or cracked ridge caps
• Granules collecting at the base of downspouts

3. Granule Loss Checklist

• Granules found in gutters
• Granules on driveway or ground
• Bald spots visible on shingles
• Shiny fiberglass showing through
• Discoloration patches from UV exposure

4. Roof Edge & Eaves Checklist

• Shingles not sealed at eaves
• Lifted or flapping shingles at rakes
• Ice dam staining from previous winters
• Gutters sagging or pulling away
• Soffits loose, blocked, or crushed by insulation
• Drip marks or streaking beneath eaves

5. Valley Inspection Checklist

• Valley flashing exposed, cracked, or misaligned
• Shingles slipping inside valley
• Debris buildup slowing water flow
• Interior stains near valley areas
• History of ice buildup in valleys

6. Flashing (Leak Source) Checklist

• Chimney flashing separated or rusting
• Skylight flashing lifting or cracked
• Wall step-flashing visible or displaced
• Plumbing vent flashing cracked or brittle
• Nail pops around flashing areas
• Sealants dried, cracked, or missing

7. Gutters & Water Flow Checklist

• Downspouts flowing properly
• Gutters not overflowing in rain
• Ice buildup or gutter freeze last winter
• Granules accumulating in gutters
• Water marks on siding
• Proper gutter pitch (no pooling)

8. Attic Inspection Checklist

• Frost on roof nails (winter indicator)
• Wet or damp insulation
• Mold patches on underside of roof deck
• Musty smell inside attic
• Dark moisture stains on plywood/OSB
• Dripping during thaw days
• Warm spots indicating heat escape
• Air leaks from bathroom/kitchen fan exhaust
• Soffits blocked by insulation
• No baffles installed to guide airflow

9. Winter Roof Failure Checklist (Ontario-Specific)

• Ice dams formed last winter
• Large icicles repeatedly forming
• Sudden roof snow slides (metal roofs)
• Attic frost formation
• High heating bills from attic heat loss
• Creaking or popping noises during cold snaps

10. Structural Warning Signs

• Sagging roof deck visible from the ground
• Drooping ceilings inside the home
• Cracks in ceiling or wall joints
• Uneven ridgeline when viewed from the street
• Sticky doors (frame shift from structural movement)

11. Leak Detection Checklist

• Yellow or brown ceiling stains
• Drips during heavy rain
• Drips during warm days (attic frost melt)
• Water marks around chimneys
• Leaks near bathroom fans
• Mold on drywall or insulation

12. Roof Age & Condition Checklist

• Asphalt roof older than 10–12 years
• Asphalt brittle, cracking, curling
• Metal roof older than 15 years (exposed fastener)
• Multiple patch repairs visible
• Soft spots or sagging detected from attic