Annual Roof Maintenance Checklist

Q: How often should a homeowner inspect their roof?

Inspect your roof twice per year: once in spring to assess any winter damage, and once in fall before winter conditions arrive. Also inspect after any major storm event. Most of this inspection can be done from the ground with binoculars or from the attic. Professional inspections every 3 years (more often once the roof is 15+ years old) provide more detailed assessment.

Q: What should I look for when inspecting my roof?

From the ground: missing, cracked, curled, or discolored shingles; dark staining patterns suggesting algae; sagging or wavy areas; damaged or missing ridge caps; gutters that appear to be pulling away. From the attic: water stains on the deck, daylight visible through the deck, soft or spongy deck areas, mold or discoloration, and signs of pest activity.

Q: What maintenance tasks can a homeowner do vs. hire out?

Homeowner-appropriate tasks: cleaning gutters (safely, from a ladder), clearing debris from the ground using a rake or blower, applying moss treatment from the ground or a ladder, and monitoring from the attic. Leave to professionals: any work requiring walking on the roof, flashing repairs, shingle replacement, and anything on steep (7:12+) pitches.

Spring Inspection Checklist

After winter: check for damage from ice, snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, and wind events.

Walk the perimeter of the home and look up at the roof from the ground — use binoculars for a closer view
Look for missing, cracked, curled, or displaced shingles
Check ridge caps for missing or loose sections
Look for visible sagging or uneven areas in the roof plane
Inspect gutters: clean out spring debris, check for loose hangers, and look for granule accumulation in downspout areas (sign of shingle wear)
Check fascia and soffit for peeling paint, soft spots, or signs of rot
Inspect the attic for new water stains, mold, or moisture on the deck

Fall Inspection Checklist

Before winter: prepare for cold weather, snow loads, and ice conditions.

Clean gutters thoroughly after leaf fall is complete — critical for preventing ice dam conditions
Trim overhanging tree branches that could shed debris or fail under ice/snow loads
Check and clean all valley areas for debris accumulation
Inspect chimney flashing and sealant — particularly important before freeze-thaw cycles
Check pipe boots and vent flashing seals for cracks
Ensure attic insulation has not compressed or shifted to block soffit vents
Look for missing caulk or sealant at any penetration point

After Storm Inspection

Inspect from the ground for visibly missing or displaced shingles
Check gutters for hail dents (circular impact marks) — a good proxy indicator for shingle hail damage not visible from the ground
Look for debris on the roof that could hold moisture
Check inside the attic for any new water staining after the first rain following the storm
If you suspect storm damage, call a roofer for a proper inspection before filing any insurance claim

Tasks to Leave to Professionals

Any work that requires walking on the roof surface
Shingle replacement or repair
Flashing repairs around chimneys, skylights, and vents
Anything above a walkable pitch (typically above 6:12)
Inspections on roofs older than 15 years — a professional can identify issues you cannot see from the ground or attic

Professional Inspection Schedule

Roofs under 10 years old: Professional inspection every 3-5 years unless a specific concern arises
Roofs 10-15 years old: Professional inspection every 2-3 years
Roofs 15+ years old: Annual professional inspection to stay ahead of developing issues
After any storm event: Professional inspection if you suspect damage

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a homeowner inspect their roof?

Twice per year: spring and fall. Also after any major storm. Professional inspection every 3 years for newer roofs; annually for roofs 15+ years old.

What should I look for when inspecting my roof?

From the ground: missing, cracked, or curled shingles; dark staining; sagging areas. From the attic: water stains, daylight, soft deck spots, mold, pest activity.

What maintenance tasks can a homeowner do vs. hire out?

Homeowners can clean gutters, clear ground-level debris, and apply moss treatment. Leave roof walking, flashing repairs, shingle replacement, and steep pitch work to licensed contractors.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

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This page is for general informational purposes only. Do not access a roof without proper safety equipment and training. Maintenance needs vary by roof age, material, climate, and surrounding environment. Consult a licensed roofing contractor for professional inspection and assessment.