What We Look for During a Shingle Roof Inspection in Tucson & Southern Arizona
Asphalt shingle roofs are common throughout Southern Arizona, but our extreme sun, high temperatures, wind, and monsoon storms can take a toll on them over time. A shingle roof may look relatively normal from the ground while showing signs of deterioration that become more apparent during a professional inspection.
At B&M Roofing, a shingle roof inspection involves evaluating the overall condition of the roofing system—not simply looking for missing shingles. We inspect the shingles, flashing, penetrations, roof edges, visible decking conditions, and other accessible components to help determine the roof’s current condition.
Damaged, Missing, or Displaced Shingles
One of the first things we evaluate is the condition of the shingles themselves. We look throughout the roof for signs such as:
- Missing shingles
- Cracked or damaged shingles
- Lifted or displaced shingles
- Curling or deteriorated shingles
- Areas showing excessive wear
- Wind or storm-related damage
Missing or damaged shingles can leave the roofing system more vulnerable to water intrusion, particularly during Southern Arizona’s monsoon season.
Granule Loss and Shingle Deterioration
We also look closely at the surface condition of the shingles. The protective granules on asphalt shingles help protect the roofing material from UV exposure.
As shingles age, some granule loss is expected. However, excessive degranulation can indicate that the shingles are deteriorating.
During an inspection, we look for shingles that have lost significant granules, exposed areas of the shingle, and other signs that the roofing material may be approaching the end of its serviceable life.
Asphalt shingles are manufactured with protective components designed to help the roofing system withstand weather and UV exposure. Homeowners can learn more about asphalt roofing shingles from GAF.
Shingle Adhesion
Another important part of a shingle roof inspection is checking for signs of adhesion problems.
Shingles are designed to seal together as part of the roofing system. Southern Arizona’s heat, wind, age, and previous installation conditions can affect how well shingles remain sealed.
Loose or poorly adhered shingles can become more susceptible to wind damage and may eventually lift or become displaced during storms.
Flashing and Roof Penetrations
Many roof leaks occur around penetrations and transitions rather than in the middle of the roof.
During our inspection, we evaluate accessible areas around:
- Roof vents
- Plumbing penetrations
- Roof jacks
- Skylights
- Flashing
- Other roof transitions
We look for deteriorated seals, damaged flashing, improper installation, or other visible conditions that could allow moisture into the roofing system.
Decking and Roof Edges
We inspect accessible roof edges and eaves for visible signs of decking deterioration or moisture-related damage.
Because the decking is located underneath the roofing system, not all of it can be evaluated during a standard visual inspection. However, visible deterioration, soft areas, sagging, or damage around accessible edges can provide important information about the overall condition of the roof.
Signs of Previous Repairs
Previous repairs are another important part of our evaluation. Repairs are not automatically a problem, but they can help tell the history of the roof.
We look for previous patches, replaced shingles, sealants, flashing repairs, and other areas where roofing work has been performed. We also evaluate whether those areas appear to be performing properly or show signs of continued deterioration.
Roof Age Matters
The condition of a shingle roof must also be considered alongside its age.
Southern Arizona’s intense UV exposure and high temperatures can be particularly demanding on asphalt roofing products. As shingles age, they may become brittle, loose granules, loose adhesion, or become more susceptible to wind and storm damage.
This is why we do not evaluate a roof based on one damaged shingle alone. We consider the age of the roof, the extent of deterioration, visible damage, previous repairs, and the overall condition of the roofing system.
Why Professional Shingle Roof Inspections Matter
A professional shingle roof inspection can help identify problems before they result in more extensive damage. It can also help determine whether the roof needs maintenance, targeted repairs, continued monitoring, or replacement.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your shingle roof, B&M Roofing provides professional roof inspections throughout Southern Arizona including:
Catalina Foothills, Corona de Tucson, Green Valley, Marana, Mount Lemmon, Oro Valley, Picture Rocks, Saddlebrooke, Sahuarita, Sonoita, Tanque Verde, Tucson, and Vail.
To request a professional roof inspection, visit our inspection request form