Caught a segment on local news yesterday about this family whose roof flashing hadn't been checked in years. Apparently, water seeped in slowly over time, and they ended up with major mold issues and structural damage...yikes. Made me realize I've never even thought about checking mine regularly. Wondering if this is something most homeowners actually do or if it's just one of those things you kinda ignore until there's a problem?
It's definitely common for homeowners to overlook roof flashing—it's not exactly something most people think about regularly. But I'd gently challenge the idea that it's okay to just wait until there's an obvious issue. Flashing is actually designed as a preventative measure, redirecting water away from vulnerable areas like chimneys, vents, and roof valleys. By the time you notice water stains or mold inside, you're usually looking at significant damage that's already happened behind the scenes.
In my experience, scheduling a quick visual inspection at least once a year—or after major storms—can save you from some pretty hefty repair bills down the line. It's not complicated either; often, just checking for loose or rusted flashing and resealing joints can make a big difference. If heights aren't your thing (totally understandable), having a professional do a quick check-up every couple of years is worth the peace of mind.
I get it though...roof maintenance isn't exactly exciting weekend fun. Still, it's one of those small tasks that pays off big in the long run.
"By the time you notice water stains or mold inside, you're usually looking at significant damage that's already happened behind the scenes."
Yeah, learned this one the hard way myself. Last spring, after a big storm, I figured everything was fine since nothing obvious showed up inside. Fast forward a few months and I'm staring at a hefty repair bill because water had been sneaking in around some worn flashing near our chimney. Lesson learned—now I do quick checks after storms... heights still make me nervous though, haha.
