I’m right there with you—sometimes it feels like the “recommended” inspection schedules are more about keeping someone’s calendar full than actually protecting your roof. I’ve got a newer flat roof, and unless there’s been a crazy windstorm or I notice something off, I just do a quick check myself. Not saying I’d ignore a leak, but paying for constant inspections when everything looks fine seems overkill. Maybe I’ll regret it if something sneaky pops up, but honestly, most issues I’ve seen are pretty obvious if you’re paying attention.
paying for constant inspections when everything looks fine seems overkill
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve seen a few “everything looks fine” roofs turn into big headaches. Flat roofs especially can hide issues—tiny punctures or clogged drains aren’t always obvious until water’s pooling inside. That said, if you’re comfortable checking things yourself and know what to look for, you’re ahead of most folks. Just don’t skip after a heavy storm or crazy freeze/thaw cycle… that’s when the sneaky stuff tends to show up.
I get the argument for regular checks, but honestly, I can’t justify paying someone every few months unless there’s been a big storm or something looks off. I do my own walkarounds after bad weather—saves money and I catch most stuff. Maybe not perfect, but it works for me so far.
Do you ever worry about missing something small that could turn into a bigger problem later? I get the temptation to just keep an eye on things yourself, but I’ve heard stories where folks thought everything was fine until a slow leak showed up months later. Is your roof flat or sloped? Wonder if that makes a difference for spotting issues.
I get the temptation to just keep an eye on things yourself, but I’ve heard stories where folks thought everything was fine until a slow leak showed up months later.
Man, that hits close to home. I’ve got a flat roof on my shop and figured I’d just eyeball it every now and then—until one spring, I found out “slow leak” actually means “surprise indoor pond.” Flat roofs are sneaky like that. With my old house (pitched roof), at least the leaks usually showed up as a stain on the ceiling, but with the business roof it just pooled up until it found a way in. Now I get someone up there twice a year, even if it feels a bit paranoid. Cheaper than replacing drywall, that’s for sure.
