Roof flashing / missing or damaged shingles — flashing

Use only checks that match the exact appliance or system and its official guide.

1. Check 1

   From the ground or another stable location, photograph the roof slope, eaves, ridge, wall intersections, and any visible roof penetrations. Do not climb, lift shingles, pull flashing, or use a ladder to extend the inspection.

   Expected result: Record missing, lifted, torn, cracked, or wind-shifted shingles; exposed underlayment or metal; loose-looking flashing; displaced ridge material; and debris or impact marks.

   Next step: Send the photos and the affected slope or roof feature to a qualified roofer for a safe close inspection.

   Stop if: Stop if the only way to see the area is to climb, stand below falling material, or approach during wind, rain, snow, ice, or other slippery conditions.

   Why this matters

   Why: A visible covering defect can expose the water-shedding layers, but the photo cannot show whether the underlayment, flashing laps, or roof deck below are damaged.

2. Check 2

   Use the exterior photo and the building layout to identify nearby roof-wall intersections, valleys, eaves, gutters, chimneys, vents, skylights, and other penetrations without removing any roof or wall material.

   Expected result: Note whether the suspected damage is at a wall junction, where runoff enters a gutter, around a penetration, in a valley, or near an eave; also note gutter overflow, a missing diverter, streaks, or water directed toward the wall.

   Next step: Tell the roofer the exact feature and direction of water flow so the inspection can follow the drainage path rather than replacing a random visible shingle.

   Stop if: Do not pry siding, cut housewrap, remove a vent or chimney cover, or reach behind flashing to confirm the detail.

   Why this matters

   Why: A roof-wall intersection or penetration is a high-risk water-management detail. Missing or inadequate step or kick-out flashing can let runoff enter the wall cavity or travel behind the roof covering.

3. Check 3

   Record when water appears and compare it with rain direction, wind, snow or ice conditions, gutter overflow, and the location of an interior stain. Inspect only already accessible ceiling, attic, or upper-wall surfaces; do not enter a confined or unsafe space.

   Expected result: The symptom may occur only during wind-driven rain, after snow or ice buildup, whenever water enters a valley or penetration, or long after the roof surface looks dry. The interior stain may be offset from the exterior feature.

   Next step: Photograph the interior evidence, protect belongings from active drips without climbing, and request prompt service when moisture is recurring or spreading.

   Stop if: Stop if the area is wet near electricity, the ceiling is sagging, the attic or crawlspace is unsafe, or investigation would disturb insulation, mold, or damaged structure.

   Why this matters

   Why: Timing and location narrow the likely drainage path, but an intermittent or offset leak still requires a roof-assembly inspection. Water entering the assembly can damage insulation and framing before a large interior drip appears.

4. Check 4

   From safe, accessible locations, look for secondary effects: ceiling or wall staining, damp insulation, musty odor, peeling interior finish, swollen sheathing visible at an existing opening, or water collecting near electrical equipment.

   Expected result: Note whether the effect is new, enlarging, soft, odorous, moldy, or associated with a sagging ceiling, exposed wiring, or active dripping.

   Next step: Keep people and belongings clear, stop using affected electrical equipment if it is safe to do so, and arrange qualified roofing or building-envelope assessment.

   Stop if: Stop immediately for a sagging ceiling, exposed or wet electrical parts, structural movement, extensive mold, contaminated water, or any need to open the assembly.

   Why this matters

   Why: Secondary effects raise the possibility that water has reached the roof deck, insulation, wall cavity, or framing rather than remaining a shingle-only defect. A normal interior view does not rule out concealed water entry.

5. Check 5

   Before ordering material or accepting a surface patch, collect the roof covering type, approximate age, prior repair history, affected roof feature, leak timing, photos, and any accessible manufacturer or installation information.

   Expected result: The roof may have matching shingles available, a discontinued covering, multiple repair layers, or a flashing detail that must be integrated with underlayment and wall drainage layers.

   Next step: Give the record to a qualified roofer and ask for the diagnosed water path, the condition below the covering, and the proposed flashing and shingle scope before work begins.

   Stop if: Do not cut, nail, seal, or install roofing materials yourself when the repair requires roof access, removal of integrated layers, or an uncertain compatibility decision.

   Why this matters

   Why: Material appearance alone does not establish compatibility, and a shingle replacement cannot correct missing step flashing, a failed diverter, damaged underlayment, or a compromised roof deck.