Roof Inspection Checklist [Thorough Homeowners Guide]

Spring cleaning season is very much upon us, a time of year when homeowners perform a thorough cleaning and inspection of their properties. While a majority of American homeowners say they perform an annual spring cleaning, 33% of them say that they neglect to inspect their roofs.

While it can be easy to overlook a roof, the reality is that it is perhaps the most important feature of a home. A roof provides protection from the elements, enhances energy efficiency, boosts property value, and more. Which is why having a roof inspection checklist handy is also important!

That’s why performing regular roof inspections is so important. In this blog post, we will share a practical roof inspection checklist that you can follow. This includes checking shingles for damage, ensuring gutters are clear, checking the interior of your home for leaks and mold, checking the flashing for leaks, and more.

We will also highlight how frequently you should inspect your roof and the factors that determine the most suitable timeframe for inspections. Let’s get started.

A Handy Roof Inspection Checklist For Homeowners

Inspect Shingles for Damage

The first step when inspecting your roof is to perform a visual check of the shingles from the ground. If you spot any instances of missing shingles, cracks, curling, or missing granules, you should schedule roof repairs without delay.

It’s also beneficial to use a ladder to get closer to the shingles. We recommend that you use a buddy system whereby a friend holds the ladder while you inspect the shingles, given the importance of safety.

If you notice any damage to your roof’s shingles, it’s useful to take photographs that you can show to your roofing contractor or insurance company.

Check That Gutters Are Clear

Gutters and downspouts play a vital role in protecting your home, yet they often don’t receive much attention from homeowners. Your home’s gutters and downspouts should be clear of debris and water should be able to flow through them without issue.

Debris such as twigs, leaves, and dirt can clog up your home’s gutters and downspouts, which can result in water damage to your property. If you do spot any clogs or debris, it’s important to clear these right away. It’s recommended that you set a regular timetable for inspecting and cleaning out your home’s gutters and downspouts.

Inspect Your Home for Leaks and Mold

Next, take the time to inspect your property from the interior, checking for any water stains or the presence of mold or mildew. If any of these are present, it’s important to find the source of the issue.

The above issues could be a sign of a leaking roof. If left unaddressed, a leaking roof can cause significant damage to your home and its contents.

If you do spot any leaks during your roof inspection, we recommend that you mark the area and contact a roofing contractor to perform repairs without delay.

Check the Flashing for Leaks

When we speak of roof flashing, we are referring to the thin and flat material used to prevent water from entering the openings and cracks of a roof. Roof flashing is placed underneath the shingles and works to redirect water to another location.

Some of the areas of the roof that require flashing include the side and front walls, valleys, roof protrusions (such as vents and skylights), and roof edges.

During your inspection, we recommend that you check the flashing for any leaks. Should you notice any water stains in your home, particularly near the chimney, it is possible that your roof’s flashing is damaged and repairs are required.

Look Out for Other Signs of Damage

During your roof inspection, it’s beneficial to take a look around your property for any other signs of roof damage. This can include pieces of debris that may have fallen from the roof.

We recommend that you do this regularly, especially after periods of bad weather. High winds, heavy rain, and hailstones can cause damage to your roof and result in shingles and other materials being knocked off.

When Should You Inspect a Roof?

As noted in the introduction, spring cleaning season is upon us. This is the perfect time to inspect your roof. We recommend that you perform a general inspection of your roof after every period of severe weather and then at least once per year outside of this.

It’s beneficial to schedule a professional inspection from a roofing expert every two to three years, or immediately if you suspect any damage. There are a number of factors that affect just how frequently you should inspect your roof.

For example, the type of roofing material you have plays a big role. Certain types of roofing materials are more durable than others and have a long lifespan. An asphalt shingle roof, with a lifespan of between 15 and 30 years, should be inspected more frequently than a slate roof, which has a much longer lifespan.

Other factors here include the age of the roof, your local climate and weather, and the amount of tree cover on your property. Homes with a lot of tree cover should inspect their roofs more frequently, given that there is a risk of branches falling and causing damage to the roof.

Get Your Roof Inspected By The Pros Today

Regular roof inspections are the cornerstone of a long-lasting and trouble-free roofing system. As we’ve explored in this article, these inspections can uncover hidden issues, prevent costly repairs, and extend the life of your roof. Don’t wait until a minor problem turns into a major headache.

Schedule a professional roof inspection today and ensure your home or business remains safe and protected from the elements. For expert roof inspections and comprehensive roofing services, contact Avenue Roofing. Let us be your trusted partner in maintaining the integrity of your roof for years to come. Don’t delay; safeguard your investment today!