Before you start any roof inspection, let’s establish the ground rules: safety comes first, and there are specific things to look for each season. A systematic approach to checking your roof twice yearly can catch minor problems before they become expensive disasters. With proper planning and attention to detail, you’ll spot issues early and keep your home protected year-round.

Safety First: Essential Preparation

Before climbing any ladder or stepping onto a roof, check weather conditions. Never inspect roofs during wet, windy, or icy conditions. Wear rubber-soled shoes with good tread, and always use a sturdy extension ladder with someone else present.

For steep roofs or homes over one story, consider using binoculars from the ground for initial assessments. Many roof problems are visible from ground level, and this eliminates safety risks.

Keep a notepad and camera handy to document any issues you discover. Photos help when discussing problems with contractors and provide reference points for future inspections.

Spring Inspection: Post-Winter Recovery

Look for loose, cracked, or missing shingles that may have been damaged by ice, snow, or winter storms. Pay special attention to shingles on south and west-facing slopes, which experience the most thermal expansion and contraction.

Inspect gutters and downspouts for damage from ice buildup or falling branches. Clear any remaining debris from fall that might block proper drainage during spring rains.

Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for cracks or separation. Winter freeze-thaw cycles often create gaps in these critical waterproof barriers. Inspect rubber boots around vent pipes, which commonly fail after 5-7 years.

Look for sagging areas along the roofline that might indicate structural damage from snow loads. Walk around your home’s perimeter and examine fascia boards and soffits for water damage or pest intrusion.

Summer Inspection: Heat and Storm Preparation

Hot summer sun accelerates shingle aging. Look for curling edges, granule loss, or cracking that indicates shingles are approaching replacement time. Check for algae or moss growth, especially on north-facing slopes that receive less direct sunlight.

Ensure soffit vents are clear of debris and attic vents are functioning properly. Poor ventilation causes excessive heat buildup that can damage shingles and increase cooling costs.

Trim branches that hang within 6 feet of your roof. Summer storms can bring these down onto your roof, causing significant damage. Clear any debris from valleys where two roof planes meet.

Fall Inspection: Winter Preparation

Clean gutters thoroughly and check for proper drainage flow. Ensure downspouts direct water at least 6 feet from your home’s foundation to prevent basement flooding and foundation damage.

After summer storms, check for loose or damaged shingles, dented gutters, or damaged flashing. Look for granules in gutters, which indicate hail damage that might not be immediately visible.

Inspect all roof penetrations including vents, chimneys, and satellite dishes. Ensure mounting hardware is tight and weatherproofing remains intact.

Winter Inspection: Indoor Focus

Since climbing on roofs during winter is dangerous, focus on indoor signs of problems. Look for water stains, mold growth, or ice buildup in the attic, which indicate ventilation problems or roof leaks.

Watch for water stains on ceilings or walls, especially around chimneys and in top-floor rooms. Monitor ice dam formation along roof edges – thick ice dams suggest ventilation or insulation problems.

Documentation and Professional Help

Maintain a simple log of inspection dates and findings. Take photos of any problems you discover, including wide shots and close-ups of specific damage.

Contact roofing contractors for missing shingles, significant leaks, or structural sagging. Get professional inspections every 3-5 years, or after severe storms.

Simple Maintenance That Extends Roof Life

Keep gutters clean and flowing freely. This single maintenance task prevents many roof problems and extends overall roof life significantly.

Address small problems immediately. A $20 tube of roofing cement can prevent a $200 repair if applied promptly to minor flashing gaps or loose shingles.

Regular seasonal inspections, combined with prompt attention to minor problems, can extend your roof’s life by 5-10 years and prevent costly emergency repairs.