Quarterly checks sound like a lot, but after seeing how fast things can go wrong, I get it. I’m still figuring out what’s “normal” for maintenance—does everyone actually stick to a schedule, or is it more like you just deal with stuff as it comes up? My neighbor swears by spring and fall inspections only, but I’m not sure if that’s enough with all the wild weather swings we get here.
I totally get where you’re coming from—quarterly checks can feel like overkill, but honestly, with the way weather’s been lately, it’s not the worst idea. I’ve seen roofs look fine in spring and then take a beating from a summer hailstorm or heavy winds. Personally, I lean toward at least three times a year, especially after any big storm. Sometimes you catch stuff early that way and save yourself a headache (and a chunk of cash) down the line.
I get the logic behind “at least three times a year,” especially after storms, but I wonder if it’s always necessary for every roof type. Like,
That’s true, but on some flat commercial roofs with good drainage and newer membranes, I’ve seen annual checks work fine unless there’s visible damage or leaks. Maybe it depends more on the age and material? I’d probably do a quick visual walk-around after a storm, but full inspections every few months might be overkill for some setups.“Sometimes you catch stuff early that way and save yourself a headache (and a chunk of cash) down the line.”
I get where you’re coming from—some of these “inspect three times a year” recommendations feel like overkill, especially if you’ve got a newer TPO or EPDM roof and solid drainage. But I’ve seen even the best membranes get chewed up by HVAC guys dragging tools or random debris after a storm. Honestly, I’d say age and material matter a ton, but I’ve also seen folks skip checks for a couple years and then get blindsided by a leak that’s been brewing for months. Quick walk-arounds are great, but sometimes the stuff you can’t see is what bites you. Guess it’s a balance between peace of mind and not wasting time (or money) on unnecessary inspections.
I get the argument for more frequent checks, but honestly, I think a lot of this comes down to common sense and not just following what the roofing companies or insurance folks recommend. I’ve got a 6-year-old EPDM roof on my shop, and I just can’t justify paying someone to come out three times a year when nothing’s changed up there. Like you said, age and material matter a ton—if it’s new and you don’t have a bunch of tree limbs or foot traffic, that’s a different story than some 20-year-old patchwork mess.
Quick walk-arounds are great, but sometimes the stuff you can’t see is what bites you.
Sure, hidden issues happen, but in my experience, most big problems start with something obvious—standing water, visible rips, clogged drains. I do my own walk-around after storms or if I’ve had contractors up there. Maybe I’m rolling the dice, but I’d rather keep an eye out myself than pay for inspections that feel unnecessary. If it starts leaking, then I’ll deal with it...but until then, I’m not shelling out extra cash just for “peace of mind.”
