“usually means they haven’t looked close enough.”
That’s spot on. I can’t count how many times I’ve found cracked vent boots or flashing that looked fine from the ground but were shot up close. After any big storm, I always recommend a walk-around—binoculars help if you’re not climbing up. Even then, some stuff hides until you’re right on top of it. Most folks just don’t check unless there’s already a problem, which is risky with flat roofs or older materials.
That makes sense. I just bought my place last year and honestly, I never even thought about checking the roof after storms until a neighbor mentioned it. Is there a certain time of year you find more issues, or is it just after any big weather? I’m in the Midwest, so we get a mix of everything...
Honestly, in the Midwest, it’s kind of a toss-up. Spring and early summer are usually when I see the most issues—hail, heavy rain, and wind can really mess with shingles or flashing. But I’ve also seen ice dams cause leaks in late winter, especially if gutters aren’t clear. Do you know what kind of roof you’ve got? Some materials handle the weather swings better than others...
But I’ve also seen ice dams cause leaks in late winter, especially if gutters aren’t clear.
That’s spot on—ice dams are a sneaky one. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been called out in February or March for mystery leaks, and it turns out to be a ridge of ice pushing water back under the shingles. Usually happens on low-slope roofs or where insulation isn’t great.
Curious, do you have a flat or pitched roof? Flat roofs seem to get overlooked more often, but they’re actually more prone to pooling and slow leaks, especially after a big storm. I’ve seen modified bitumen hold up okay, but seams can still split if there’s a freeze-thaw cycle.
One thing I always tell folks: don’t just check after storms. Sometimes it’s the little stuff—like a cracked vent boot or loose flashing—that causes the biggest headaches down the line. Ever had a small leak turn into a ceiling stain months later? That’s usually how it goes...
What’s your maintenance routine like? Regular walk-arounds, or just when something looks off?
You nailed it about the little stuff causing big headaches. I’ve seen more damage from a $5 cracked vent boot than from a whole missing shingle. I’m with you—waiting for something to look “off” is just asking for trouble, especially on flat roofs. I try to get up there at least twice a year, but honestly, after any weird weather, I’ll do a quick walk just in case. It’s saved me from some nasty surprises more than once. Regular checks might feel like overkill, but it’s way cheaper than dealing with soaked insulation or mold cleanup down the line.
