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.