two light checks (spring and fall) with a careful eye beats one big annual deep dive in my book
I’m kinda in the same boat. I used to think once a year was enough, but then last fall I found out the hard way that it’s not. My place isn’t huge, but after a windy week, I noticed some pooling water up there—turns out a bunch of leaves had clogged the drain. If I’d waited for my “annual” check, I’d probably be dealing with water stains on my ceiling by now.
Honestly, it doesn’t take long to just poke around up there, especially if you’re not hauling tools or anything. I get not wanting to stomp all over the plants or mess with the membrane, but a quick look in spring and fall seems like cheap insurance. Plus, I swear weeds grow overnight...one minute it’s all sedum, next thing you know there’s a dandelion army setting up camp.
Anyway, I’d rather catch stuff early than pay for repairs later. Just my experience—guess it depends how much you trust your luck (I don’t).
a quick look in spring and fall seems like cheap insurance
That’s pretty much my approach too. I used to just do one big check, but after a squirrel chewed through a vent last spring, I realized twice a year is safer. Doesn’t take much time, and it’s saved me headaches.