Most roof problems in New Mexico are visible from the driveway if you know where to look. This is the pre-inspection I ask homeowners to do before I show up.
Stand 25–40 ft off each wall. Scan slowly across the field, then along the eave, then up the rake.
Silhouette against the sky reveals lift. Sun highlights curl. Missing tabs show dark rectangles.
Ridge caps should sit flat. Waves or gaps mean wind lift or bad install.
Dark streaks in valleys = asphalt wearing thin. Common on 15+ year NM shingle roofs.
Chimney, skylights, vents. Look for rust, lifted metal, or visible caulk failure.
Granule piles at splash blocks = shingle wear. Sagging gutters = fascia rot underneath.
For safety concerns and initial screening, yes. But hidden hail bruises, soft decking, and flashing failures need an on-roof inspection to confirm.
Twice a year in NM — March (post-winter) and October (post-monsoon). Plus after any storm with 1" hail or 60 mph gusts.
Only if you have fall protection, a stable ladder tie-off, and the pitch is under 6/12. Roof falls send 500,000 Americans to the ER annually. It's not worth it.
Free NM walk-around, no sales pitch. If you want it in writing, reports start at $149.