How Roofing Pros Evaluate Roof Damage (And What It Means for Your Home)

roofing replacement
June 12, 2025

Whether you’ve just weathered a tough Missouri storm or your roof’s showing signs of wear, knowing what a professional roofer looks for during an inspection can take a lot of the guesswork out of home maintenance. At Horizon Roofing & Exteriors, we’ve walked hundreds of homeowners in St. Charles County, O’Fallon, Wentzville, and beyond through our proven roof evaluation process. Our goal? Make sure small problems don’t turn into big expenses.

Let’s break down what we look for when we evaluate a roof—and why it matters for you.

First Things First: A Detailed Visual Inspection

Every evaluation starts with a top-to-bottom visual inspection of the roof. We don’t just check what you can see from your driveway—we get up close. Our roofing experts look for:

  • Cracked or missing shingles
  • Loose flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights
  • Shingle curling or granule loss
  • Sagging spots or soft areas underfoot

These are all signs that your roof may be compromised. Sometimes damage is obvious, like storm-blown shingles. Other times, wear builds slowly. Either way, we spot it early so you don’t get caught off guard.

roofing

What’s Happening Inside the House Matters Too

A good roof inspection doesn’t stop outside. We always ask about—and look for—interior signs of water damage. That includes:

  • Water stains on ceilings or walls
  • Peeling paint
  • Damp attic insulation
  • Musty odors

These signs usually point to active or past leaks that need to be tracked and sealed up. Left alone, even a tiny leak can lead to mold growth, drywall damage, or worse.

Checking the Vents and Airflow

Good roof health isn’t just about shingles—it’s about what’s going on underneath. Proper roof ventilation helps manage moisture and heat, especially during our humid summers and freezing winters. Our crew checks to make sure air is flowing properly through your attic, vents aren’t blocked, and insulation isn’t trapping heat. Bad ventilation can age your shingles faster, drive up energy bills, and even cause structural rot over time.

Roof Drainage & Gutter Health

If your gutters are clogged or pulling away from the roof, that’s a red flag. Water needs to flow away from your roof—not back under it. We always inspect gutter alignment, downspouts, and signs of water pooling. It’s also common to find debris buildup in valleys or along edges, especially in tree-lined neighborhoods around St. Peters or Cottleville. That kind of blockage can hold moisture and cause rot or mold underneath.
residential roof

Advanced Tools for a Better Diagnosis

Sometimes, the surface doesn’t tell the whole story. That’s why we may use drone footage, thermal cameras, or moisture meters to find hidden trouble spots. Technology helps us spot heat loss, trapped moisture, or small leaks that aren’t visible with the naked eye.

This kind of deeper look gives you peace of mind—and helps us offer real solutions, not just guesswork.

Honest Estimates and Clear Plans

After the inspection, we’ll walk you through everything we found—no pressure, no scare tactics. We’ll talk about:

  • What’s urgent
  • What can wait
  • What it’ll cost

Whether it’s a quick roof repair, a full roof replacement, or just routine roof maintenance, you’ll have a clear plan and upfront pricing. At Horizon, we treat your home like it’s our own.

Why Regular Roof Evaluations Matte

Catching problems early can save you thousands of dollars down the road. It also keeps your home protected, your energy bills stable, and your family safe. Think of it like a checkup for your house—it just makes sense.
We recommend having your roof evaluated at least once a year—or after any major storm. If you live in areas like Lake St. Louis, O’Fallon, or Wentzville, where wind and hail are common, staying ahead of damage is key.

Need a Roof Check? We’ve Got You Covered

At Horizon Roofing & Exteriors, we offer free roof inspections with zero pressure. Just honest advice, friendly service, and expert craftsmanship from a local team that knows Missouri homes.

📞 Call us today or schedule online and we’ll take care of the rest—so you can rest easy under a roof that’s built to last.

🏠 Proudly serving: St. CharlesWentzvilleO’FallonLake St. LouisWeldon SpringCottlevilleDardenne Prairie •  New Melle

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    blog author

    Brian Donohue

    Author

    Brian Donohue is the owner of Horizon Roofing & Exteriors, the leading roofing company in St. Peters, Missouri, dedicated to delivering quality roofing solutions. With a strong background in project management, sales, and customer service, Brian has built a reputation for reliability and excellence in the roofing and construction industry.

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