DIY roof inspection: How to check for damage without hiring a professional
Regular roof inspections are the best way to catch damage before it snowballs. Here's how you can do some simple DIY checks before calling the pros.
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Your roof is your home's first and best defense against the elements, but it can take a beating when severe weather strikes. Ideally, you should check your roof for damage after every major storm, especially if it brings significant wind or hail. Even if you don't live in a storm-prone area, regular inspections can help extend your roof's lifespan, prevent leaks, maintain energy efficiency and protect your home's structural integrity.
As Ernest Homer, owner of Homer Inspection Services in Bethlehem, Penn., told Yahoo Local, "ignoring a potential problem can lead to more extensive damage, higher costs and more stress." Here's how you can inspect your roof to potentially avoid those costs.
Inspecting from the ground
A residential roof viewed from the side
Shawn Mery, the owner of Heritage Builders in Little Silver, N.J., cautioned against climbing on your roof and walking around unless the pitch isn't too steep and you use a safety harness. "It only takes one untied shoelace to cause a problem," he said. Instead, you can take a cautious look if you've got a sturdy ladder and don't mind heights.
Many roofing companies and home inspectors rely on technology to get a good look at roofs. "Drones are pretty cheap and easy to use these days," said Homer, who uses them to help see the big picture when he inspects homes. If you don't have access to a good drone for roof inspections , look for other ways you can view your roof without climbing onto it. "You can see much of your roof from the ground if it has a steep pitch," Homer added. "You can also look out a window, if it overlooks a portion of your roof, to get an idea of the shingles' condition."
Walk the perimeter
Mery said the first step — especially after a storm — is to walk around your home. If you see shingles in your yard, call a roofing company.
If branches litter the ground after a storm, check to see if any landed on the roof. Larger limbs can cause shingles (and especially slates) to shift. Homer also suggests preventatively trimming trees to keep their branches off the roof.
Gutters
Older gutters were attached to homes with a spike and ferrule system. Mery said if you see the nails popping out, it could indicate an issue with the roof. Newer gutter systems installed in the last decade have a skirting system covering the nails, but an oddly tilted gutter or one falling off indicates larger roof issues. If you notice dents and dings in your gutters from hail, your shingles may have damage, too, according to Homer.
Shingles
Rooftop under large evergreen tree with light moss cover
Homer said he also looks for advanced wear and tear on shingles, such as missing or thinning granules — small, mineral-based particles embedded in the shingle's surface. They act as a shield against the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation, prevent the asphalt layer beneath from deteriorating and increase its resistance to weathering from rain, hail and wind.
"The thinner the layer, the more quickly a shingle deteriorates," Homer said. "Examine your shingles and also check your gutters to see if they've collected a large number of granules, which may suggest the shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan."
Moss and algae buildup on your roof is also a problem you should look out for. Advanced growth of moss or lichen can attract wildlife and insects that can crawl under the roof and cause damage that leads to leaks, Homer said. Poor roof ventilation traps moisture, creating a hospitable environment for vegetation to grow. Older asphalt shingles that have lost their protective granules can also attract moss.
Read through our guide on how to remove moss from your roof for tips if you spot it.
Flashing
Depending on your roof's pitch, it may be hard to see the flashing. This component shields against water intrusion near vulnerable areas, like chimneys, skylights, vents, the valleys where roof slopes meet and the intersection between the roof and walls. Homer said the average lifespan of flashing is 10-12 years, so inspecting it periodically is a good idea.
Roof attachments
Check solar panels, skylights, antennae or satellite dishes after any storm. Verify the satellite dishes and antenna mounts look secure. Check for debris and loose connections on your solar panels. Look for cracks in the skylight's glass and see if the seals are intact. Issues with any of these attachments could mean a bigger problem with the roof that you can't see, Mery said.
Inspecting from the inside
The interior supports for a roof
Mery said you can tell a lot about your roof's health from the attic, especially if it's unfinished. Poor ventilation can lead to trapped moisture in your attic that creates black circles around the nail holes from your shingles. "The circles indicate that the wood is beginning to rot and fail, so it's probably time to replace the shingles and wood," Mery added.
He also suggests checking the rafters for amber deposits or crystallization. Sometimes, prolonged water exposure, such as a leak from your roof, can break down the wood and create discolored deposits. The wood can also begin to "bleed" sap if the attic is too hot, a telltale sign of insufficient ventilation that leads to issues like shingle lifting, blown-off shingles or granule loss from overheating.
Homer said an easy 'tell' that you have a leaky roof in a finished attic is discoloration on the ceiling or walls. "A leak doesn't typically develop overnight unless there's been a bad storm that rips shingles from the roof," he said. "But if there hasn't been severe weather and you start noticing darker patches on the ceiling, your roof may need attention."
Call the pros
Call a professional roofing company if you've got a complex roof, see severe damage or spot signs you need a roof repair or replacement . Many offer free or reasonably priced storm inspections, and they're best equipped to safely examine your roof to determine what it needs. Also be prepared to ask certain questions to get the best roofer for your needs.
A roof replacement is one of the most expensive improvements you can make to your home and there are many factors that go into it. To get a ballpark idea of what you might have to pay, read through our guide to how much a roof replacement costs .
