How to Read a Roof Inspection Photo Report
How to read the photos in a roof inspection report: hail hits, test squares, chalk marks, pipe boots, flashing, granule loss, and what's serious.
The short answer: Start with the overview shots so you know which slope each close-up shows. Chalk circles mark individual hits, chalked boxes are test squares where hits are counted, and common findings include cracked pipe boots, loose flashing and granule loss. Isolated issues are usually repairs; damage on every slope points bigger.
In this guide 9 sections
After a roof inspection, you'll usually end up with a stack of photos: close-ups of shingles, circles in chalk, pipe boots, flashing, a few wide shots of the roof. It's a lot of gray and brown, and if you've never been on a roof, it can be hard to tell what you're looking at.
This guide walks through how to read a roof inspection photo report: what the common photos show, what the markings mean, and which findings are worth worrying about.
How a Photo Report Is Usually Organized
Most reports move from big picture to small details:
- Overview shots of each side of the house and each roof slope, so you know where everything is
- Close-ups of specific findings, often labeled by slope or area (front slope, back slope, north-facing, above the garage)
- Soft metals and accessories: vents, pipe boots, flashing, gutters
- The attic, if there was a leak or a stain to trace
- A summary of what was found and what it means
Start with the overview shots. Knowing which slope a close-up came from makes everything else easier to follow.
What the Common Photos Show
Hail hits
Hail damage on shingles shows up as dark spots where granules were knocked off, sometimes with a soft, bruised feel. Inspectors usually circle each hit in chalk so it's easy to see in the photo. You may also see a test square: a marked-off area, often 10 feet by 10 feet, where every hit is counted. The count helps show how widespread the damage is.
Wind damage
Look for creased shingles (a straight line across the tab where it bent back in the wind), missing tabs, or shingles that have lost their seal and lift up easily.
Granule loss and wear
Bald, shiny or exposed patches on shingles, or granules piled in gutters, point to age and sun wear. Widespread granule loss usually means the roof is near the end of its life.
Pipe boots
The rubber collar around plumbing vents cracks and pulls away over time. A photo of a cracked or split collar, or sealant smeared around the pipe, is one of the most common findings and a common source of leaks. In Oklahoma, pipe boots often fail long before the shingles do.
Flashing
Photos at chimneys, walls, skylights and valleys show the metal that seals those joints. Rust, gaps, loose pieces or heavy sealant doing the job flashing should do are all worth noting.
Decking
Decking problems often show up in attic photos: dark stains, delaminated plywood or wet spots on the underside of the roof. On the roof, they show up as soft or uneven areas.
Gutters and soft metals
Dents in gutters, downspouts and vents help show hail size and direction. They're also evidence adjusters look at.
Prior repairs
Mismatched shingles, patches and roofing cement in odd places tell the history of the roof, and sometimes where a past repair didn't hold.
What the Markings Mean
| Marking | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Chalk circle | A specific hit or damaged spot |
| Chalked box with a number | A test square and the number of hits counted in it |
| Arrow | Direction of wind or slope, or where to look |
| Slope label (N, S, E, W, front, back) | Which part of the roof the photo shows |
| Tape measure or coin in frame | Scale, so you can judge the size of a hit or gap |
Separating Serious From Minor
Not every photo is a problem. As you read, sort findings into three groups:
- Fine for now: normal wear for the roof's age, small cosmetic marks
- Fix soon: a cracked pipe boot, loose flashing, a few lifted shingles. These are usually repairs.
- Bigger picture: hail hits on every slope, widespread granule loss, soft decking in several areas. These can point to an insurance claim or a replacement.
The summary should tie the photos to a recommendation: nothing, a repair, a claim or a replacement. If it doesn't, ask.
Questions to Ask About Your Report
- Which photos matter most, and why?
- Is this storm damage or normal wear?
- Which slope is this on?
- What happens if this isn't fixed this year?
- Which findings are in the quote, and which aren't?
At RainTech, we go through the photos with you in person after the inspection, so you don't have to decode them alone. Our guide on what to expect during a free inspection explains how that works.
What to Do With Your Report
- Keep it. Save it with your home records. It's a useful baseline if a storm hits later.
- Share it with your insurer if there's storm damage and you decide to file.
- Use it to compare quotes. Every item in a quote should trace back to something in the photos.
- Hand it to buyers if you're selling. A documented roof answers a lot of questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Inspection Reports
What does a chalk circle on a roof photo mean?
It marks a specific hit or damaged spot, usually from hail, so it's easy to see in the photo.
What is a test square on a roof?
A marked-off area, often 10 feet by 10 feet, where the inspector counts every hail hit. It helps show how widespread the damage is.
How do I know if a finding is serious?
Isolated issues like a cracked pipe boot are usually repairs. Damage on every slope, widespread granule loss or soft decking in several places points to bigger problems. The report summary should explain which is which.
Should I keep my roof inspection report?
Yes. It documents your roof's condition and is useful for future claims, repairs and selling.
Get a Report You Can Actually Read
A free RainTech inspection includes photos of every finding and a walkthrough of what they mean, with a straight answer at the end. Book a free inspection, or learn more on our roof inspection page.
Related Reading
- What to Expect During a Free Roof Inspection
- How to Identify Hail Damage on Your Roof
- Pipe Boot and Roof Penetration Repair
Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection →
Sources and disclaimer. Information in this article comes from public sources such as the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board, Oklahoma statutes and manufacturer certification programs, plus RainTech’s own experience. It was current as of October 14, 2026; laws, insurance rules, manufacturer terms and prices change. This article is general information, not legal, insurance, tax or financial advice.
