Roof Inspections in Coastal North Carolina: What a Professional 52-Point Roof Inspection Should Include

A 52-Point Roof Inspection That Protects Your Home From Storm, Wind, and Water Damage

If you own a home in coastal North Carolina, your roof takes more punishment than most.

Salt air, high winds, heavy rain, tropical storms, and sudden temperature swings all accelerate roof wear. That’s why a professional roof inspection isn’t optional here—it’s risk management.

At Fortitude Roofing, we use a 52-point roof inspection process designed specifically for coastal and storm-prone environments. This inspection goes far beyond a visual walk-around and is built to uncover hidden issues before they become expensive problems.

What Is a Roof Inspection and Why Does It Matter?

A roof inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of your entire roofing system—not just shingles. It identifies:

  • Storm and wind damage
  • Early signs of leaks
  • Installation defects
  • Drainage and ventilation problems
  • Long-term failure risks

In coastal NC, small issues escalate fast. A cracked shingle or failed flashing can turn into interior damage after one major storm.

Our 52-Point Roof Inspection Checklist

Category 1: Roofing Surface – Shingles, Tiles, or Panels

We inspect the primary roofing material for storm impact, aging, and installation defects.

  • Missing shingles
  • Cracked or broken shingles
  • Curling or cupping shingles
  • Granule loss or bare spots
  • Hail impact marks
  • Blistering
  • Loose or popped nails
  • Shingle lifting or wind damage
  • Algae or moss growth
  • Manufacturer defects

Why it matters: Coastal wind uplift and salt exposure shorten material lifespan if issues aren’t caught early.

Category 2: Flashing & Seals (Most Common Leak Source)

Most roof leaks originate here—not in the field of the roof.

  • Chimney flashing
  • Wall step flashing
  • Roof-to-wall transitions
  • Skylight flashing
  • Pipe boot seals
  • Vent stack flashing
  • Nail pops in flashing
  • Rust or corrosion

Why it matters: Flashing failures are a leading cause of interior water damage in coastal homes.

Category 3: Roof Penetrations

Every penetration is a potential failure point.

  • Plumbing vents
  • Furnace or water heater vents
  • Exhaust fans
  • Satellite dish mounts
  • Solar mounts (if present)
  • Sealant integrity

Category 4: Valleys & Ridges

These areas manage water flow and resist wind pressure.

  • Valley shingle condition
  • Ridge cap integrity
  • Water flow channels
  • Signs of leakage or pooling

Category 5: Gutters & Downspouts

A roof system includes proper drainage.

  • Gutter attachment and pitch
  • Debris or blockages
  • Rust or corrosion
  • Downspout condition
  • Splash blocks or extenders
  • Signs of overflow or erosion

Why it matters: Poor drainage causes foundation issues, siding damage, and premature roof failure.

Category 6: Attic & Ventilation

Many roof problems reveal themselves inside first.

  • Attic access and safety
  • Intake vents (soffits)
  • Exhaust vents (ridge, box, turbine)
  • Signs of moisture or mold
  • Proper insulation levels
  • Evidence of ice dams

Category 7: Soffits & Fascia

Critical for airflow and structural protection.

  • Rot or water damage
  • Pest intrusion
  • Paint or finish condition
  • Proper ventilation

Category 8: Storm-Specific Damage Indicators

Especially important after hurricanes or hail events.

  • Hail impact on roofing materials
  • Hail damage to soft metals (gutters, vents)
  • Wind uplift damage
  • Wind-driven rain entry points
  • Downspout dents from hail
  • Siding or trim damage

Why it matters: These indicators are often required for accurate insurance documentation.

Category 9: Chimney & Skylight Areas

High-risk zones for leaks.

  • Chimney brick and mortar condition
  • Skylight seal integrity

How Often Should You Get a Roof Inspection in Coastal NC?

For coastal North Carolina homes, we recommend:

  • Annually for preventative maintenance
  • After major storms or hurricanes
  • Before buying or selling a home
  • If your roof is 8+ years old

Why Homeowners Choose Fortitude Roofing

Our inspections are:

  • Systematic and documented
  • Storm-aware and insurance-ready
  • Performed by trained professionals—not sales reps
  • Focused on long-term protection, not pressure

You’ll receive clear findings, photos, and straightforward recommendations—no guesswork.

Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection Today

If your home is in Wilmington, Jacksonville, New Bern, Topsail Island, Emerald Isle, or anywhere along the North Carolina coast, a proactive roof inspection is one of the smartest investments you can make.

Don’t wait for a leak to tell you there’s a problem.

👉 Schedule your professional 52-point roof inspection with Fortitude Roofing today.
Our team will assess your roof, document any issues, and give you a clear plan to protect your home—before the next storm arrives.