What Your Roofing Contractor Should Check Before Installing A New Roof
Not every roof inspection covers the same ground. A quick walk across the shingles can miss things that only show up once someone's actually in the attic, checking airflow and moisture instead of just looking for obvious damage.
If you're comparing bids from a roofing contractor in Sonoma County, that difference is worth understanding before you sign anything. Here's what a complete inspection should include, from the basics to the one area that's easy for any inspection to leave out.
Key Takeaways
A real roof inspection covers the whole system: decking, flashing, valleys, skylights, chimneys, and gutters.
A thorough inspection happens before you ever get a quote.
Attic ventilation is one of the most commonly overlooked parts of a basic inspection, even though it directly affects moisture control and energy performance lof your entire home.
Poor attic airflow can shorten the life of your roof structure and, depending on the manufacturer, affect your warranty coverage.
If a previous inspection or quote never mentioned ventilation, that's worth asking about, or getting a second opinion on, before you commit.
The Standard Roof Inspection Checklist
Before Amy's puts together a quote for a new roof, the inspection typically covers:
Decking: the wood layer underneath your shingles. Soft spots, staining, or rot here usually mean more than a simple re-roof.
Flashing: the metal strips that seal joints around chimneys, skylights, and valleys. Cracked or rusted flashing is a common source of leaks.
Valleys: where two roof slopes meet. Valleys carry more water than any other part of the roof, so they wear faster and deserve a close look.
Skylights: flashing inspection around every skylight is standard with every bid, since this is one of the more leak-prone spots on a roof.
Chimneys: same idea. Chimney flashing gets checked and, if needed, replaced as part of a standard inspection.
Gutters: clogged or damaged gutters can send water back up under your shingles instead of away from your home.
You can see each of these from a ladder or a walk across the roof. The next one takes going inside.
The Roof Vent Inspection Step Many Quotes Leave Out
Here's the one most homeowners never think to ask about: attic ventilation.
The area under your roof, typically an attic space, needs a path for air to move: in through intake vents near the eaves (the roof's low edge) and out through exhaust vents near the ridge or peak. When that path is blocked, undersized, or was never balanced correctly to begin with, heat and moisture build up in the attic instead of escaping.
Ordinary household moisture from showers, cooking, and laundry can condense on the underside of the roof deck, which over time contributes to mold, wood rot, or damaged insulation if your attic is not properly ventilated.
Checking this means going into the attic, which a quick roof-only estimate often skips entirely. That's why Amy's includes an attic and ventilation check FREE as a standard part of every roof inspection, before you ever see a number. If there's a ventilation problem, it shows up in your inspection before any work begins.
Why a Thorough Inspection Matters Long-Term
Skipping the ventilation check can shorten how long your new roof actually lasts.
Shingle manufacturers build their products to perform with a certain amount of airflow moving underneath them. Your manufacturer’s warranties would likely not cover roof replacement if it’s required due to insufficient ventilation. Amy's is a GAF Certified Roofing Contractor and factors proper attic airflow into every roof inspection and installation.
The same airflow affects your energy bills too. A hot, poorly ventilated attic radiates heat down into your living space, so your air conditioner works harder through a Sonoma County summer. It’s a bit like the hot attic is a heating blanket on your house.
The effects show up later: a shorter roof lifespan, a higher cooling bill, or in the most unfortunate cases health effects of mold growth.
What to Look for in a Roofing Contractor in Sonoma County
When you're comparing bids from more than one roofer, a few questions can tell you a lot about how thorough the inspection actually was:
Did they go into the attic, or just walk the roof?
Does the quote mention ventilation anywhere?
Was flashing checked around every skylight and chimney?
Was the roof's structural condition addressed before you got a price?
If the answer to more than one of these is no, it's worth getting a second opinion before you sign anything. A rushed inspection can miss the kind of issue that turns into a change order once the crew has already started.
Amy's Roofing & Solar is a woman-owned, locally rooted company serving homeowners across Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties. Every roof inspection covers decking, flashing, valleys, skylights, chimneys, gutters, and attic ventilation before you receive a proposal. If you're also considering solar, working with one contractor for both keeps the roof and the warranty conversation in one place.
Your Next Steps
Ask about the attic, not just the roof. When you get a quote, ask directly whether ventilation was checked.
Get a second opinion if anything feels rushed. A proper roof is arguably the most important component to keep your home safe. Any Sales/Estimator should have time for your questions.
Schedule a full inspection with Amy's. Serving Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties, every inspection covers the roofing system from the decking to the attic before you see a quote.
Safety note: Skip the DIY roof walk if you're not experienced with ladder and roof safety. A trained inspector can check decking, flashing, and attic ventilation more safely, and more thoroughly, than a homeowner working alone.
Schedule Your Roof Inspection Today
Whether you're planning a full roof replacement or want a second opinion from another roofing contractor in Sonoma County, Amy's Roofing & Solar provides complete inspections across Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties, including the attic ventilation check a quick estimate can miss. You'll know what your roof needs before any work begins.
Call: (707) 981-9801
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a full roof inspection take?
It depends on your roof's size and complexity, including how many skylights, chimneys, and valleys need a closer look. A thorough inspection that includes the attic and ventilation check usually takes longer than a quick walk-around. Ask your contractor what their process includes so you know what to expect.
Do I need to be home during the inspection?
It's not required, but it helps. If the inspector finds something in the attic or on the roof, being there means you can see it and ask questions directly instead of hearing about it secondhand.
How do I know if my attic has a ventilation problem?
Common signs include a noticeably hot attic in summer, condensation or a musty smell, or visible mold on the underside of the roof deck. Some of these signs aren't visible without going into the attic, which is why this step belongs in a full inspection rather than a quick estimate.
Can poor attic ventilation affect my roof's warranty?
It can. Many shingle manufacturers include ventilation requirements in their warranty terms, and inadequate airflow can be a factor if a claim comes up later. It's worth asking any contractor how they check for this before your new roof goes on.
Should I get a second opinion if my last roof quote didn't mention ventilation?
Yes. If a previous inspection didn't cover your attic or ventilation at all, that's a reasonable thing to ask about, or to have a second roofing contractor in Sonoma, Napa or Marin County take a look at, before you sign anything.
What areas does Amy's Roofing & Solar serve?
Amy's serves homeowners across Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties, including Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Novato, and San Rafael, among other North Bay communities.
How much does a roof inspection cost?
That depends on your roof's size, pitch, and features like skylights or chimneys. Contact Amy's directly for details on scheduling an inspection for your specific home.
What if my house doesn’t have an attic space? What do I do about ventilation?
If you live in an Eichler or if you don't have a vented attic, you can manage moisture by opening windows, turning on vent fans, or adding a dehumidifier. We often recommend a dehumidifier to remove moisture without having to exhaust conditioned (heated or cooled) air from your home.
