If you inspect the surface in warm weather, make the trip early or late in the day to avoid marring the roof with footprints. Most asphalt-based roofs become gooey under midday sun. On more steeply sloped roofs you probably can check the eaves from a ladder. To examine other areas, resort to binoculars. And if your neighbors start laughing as you bring your shingles into focus, tell them you're bird-watching.
Basic inspection points All types of roofing have some common components.
Flashing should lie flat and tuck neatly under roofing and into other adjacent materials. Loose flashing that has pulled away from one of the mating surfaces can cause water to drain directly into the house even if the roofing material is sound. This situation is most likely to occur around chimneys and skylights. Flashed seams, including valleys, should be free of debris. Where you spot a pileup of twigs and leaves, water could be working under the roof.