Inspection Insight PICS: Roofs

Ever wonder what really goes into a roof inspection or what’s considered “normal” versus “a red flag”? At Arrow Home Inspections, we go straight to the point by climbing onto the roof whenever it’s safe to do so (which not all inspectors do). With over 3,000 inspections under our belt, we've seen the good, the bad, and the downright ugly when it comes to roofing.

The roof is your home’s first line of defense, and during an inspection, we assess key components like shingles, flashing, chimneys, vents, gutters, and drainage. We look for wear, damage, or poor installation that can lead to leaks, energy loss, or even structural issues. We also evaluate if the roofing materials match the pitch (or slope) of the roof—because the wrong material in the wrong place can lead to big problems.

Below, you’ll find a gallery of real inspection photos with notes explaining what’s right—and what’s not so right—based on actual findings from our reports. These examples will help you understand what we look for and why it matters.

• Missing or damaged shingles that expose your home to water.
   
• Improper flashing around chimneys, skylights, or plumbing vents (one of the top causes of leaks).
   
• Granular loss on asphalt shingles, signaling aging and potential need for replacement.
   
• Moss and algae growth that trap moisture and shorten a roof’s lifespan.
   
• Soft spots or sagging areas that may point to hidden damage or rot.
   
• Blocked gutters and downspouts that can redirect water toward your foundation.
   
• Short or improperly vented chimneys, which can impact airflow and safety.
   

Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious, this gallery will give you a visual crash course in roofing do’s and don’ts—straight from the field.

👉 Explore our roofing photo gallery and learn what to watch for in your own inspection report. Our inspectors provide comprehensive and detailed reports covering every aspect of your home, from the foundation to the roof and everything in between.

It might just look like a stack of bricks or a piece of metal on your roof—but your chimney plays a much bigger role than most homeowners realize. Whether it’s venting your fireplace, furnace, water heater, or all three, a chimney is part of your home’s critical ventilation and safety system.

At Arrow Home Inspections, we’ve inspected thousands of chimneys—from traditional brick stacks to modern PVC venting systems—and we know where the common issues hide. From cracked crowns and rusted flashing to missing caps or poor drafting, even small chimney problems can lead to water damage, heat loss, or dangerous back-drafting of gases like carbon monoxide.

This gallery highlights real-world examples of what’s right—and what’s wrong—based on our findings in the field. You'll learn how to spot signs of deterioration, understand why chimney height matters, and see how a missing $50 chimney cap can lead to thousands in repairs.

• Cracked or spalling bricks due to moisture damage or freeze-thaw cycles
   
• Missing or deteriorated chimney caps and crowns, allowing water and animals in
   
• Rusted or improperly installed flashing that causes roof leaks
   
• Chimneys that are too short to vent properly or meet code
   
• Improper shared venting setups between appliances, risking airflow problems
   
• Blocked or poorly sloped PVC exhaust pipes on newer systems
   

And don’t forget: newer homes may not have a chimney at all, but instead use direct vent or PVC exhaust systems. We check those, too for proper slope, clearance, and integrity.

👉 View our chimney photo gallery. Use these images to better understand your inspection report—and what to do next.