I get the logic behind yearly checks, but honestly, if you’re using higher-quality or green roofing materials, you might not need to climb up there so often. My metal roof with recycled content has barely needed attention in five years, even after a couple of nasty storms. Sometimes I think folks overdo it with inspections—especially if their roof isn’t the typical asphalt shingle that gets beat up by every hailstorm. Not saying skip maintenance, but material choice makes a huge difference.
That’s interesting—makes me wonder if I’m being a bit too cautious. I’ve got a composite shingle roof (not the cheapest, but definitely not metal), and I’ve been following the “inspect every year” advice pretty religiously. But honestly, after two years, all I’ve found is a couple of leaves in the gutters and some bird stuff. No missing shingles or leaks, even after a rough winter.
I do get nervous about skipping checks, though. Is there any risk of missing something small that could turn into a bigger problem later? Or is that mostly an issue with older roofs or cheaper materials? I guess my main worry is water damage sneaking up on me.
Also, does anyone know if warranties require proof of regular inspections? I read somewhere that some companies might deny claims if you can’t show maintenance records... Not sure if that’s just scare tactics from contractors or a real thing.
I get the whole “inspect every year” thing, but honestly, I think it can be overkill—especially if your roof’s only a couple years old and you’re not seeing any issues. Composite shingles are pretty sturdy unless you’re in some wild weather zone. I skipped a year (okay, maybe two) and nothing catastrophic happened... just more bird gifts. As for warranties, mine didn’t ask for inspection records, just proof of purchase and install. But yeah, contractors love to toss that line around.
Composite shingles are pretty sturdy unless you’re in some wild weather zone. I skipped a year (okay, maybe two) and nothing catastrophic happened... just more bird gifts.
Yeah, I hear you. I’m in the same boat—my roof’s only about five years old, and honestly, I haven’t done the “annual inspection” thing every single year either. I get why people say to do it, but if you’re not seeing leaks, missing shingles, or anything weird after a storm, it feels like overkill. Especially with composite shingles. They’re tougher than folks give them credit for.
I do think it depends a lot on where you live, though. My cousin’s place in Oklahoma gets hammered by hail every spring, so he’s up there checking for dings and cracks way more often than I am. Here in the Pacific Northwest, it’s mostly moss and the occasional squirrel party. I just keep an eye out for anything obvious when I’m cleaning gutters or trimming branches.
Warranties are a weird one. Mine also didn’t ask for inspection records—just proof of install and purchase like you said. But I’ve heard some manufacturers can get picky if you ever need to make a claim. Maybe it’s more of a CYA thing for contractors? They want to cover themselves if something goes wrong down the line.
Honestly, as long as you’re not ignoring clear problems, skipping a year or two probably isn’t going to doom your roof. Just don’t let it go a decade without at least glancing up there. Bird “gifts” are about the worst I’ve had too... well, that and one time a raccoon tried to move in under a loose shingle. That was fun.
Anyway, sounds like you’re doing fine. Sometimes common sense beats rigid schedules.
I get where you’re coming from—sometimes it feels like the “annual inspection” thing is just another box to check for the sake of it. I mean, if you’re not seeing leaks, missing shingles, or the telltale signs of raccoon squatters (been there, patched that), it’s easy to let it slide a year or two. Composite shingles really do take a beating and keep on going, unless you’re in one of those places where hailstones are basically golf balls with an attitude.
That said, I’ve seen some wild stuff after storms—shingles that looked fine from the ground but had little cracks or granule loss when you got up close. Sometimes the damage is sneaky, especially after hail or high winds. I’m in Texas, so we get those “surprise” storms where you wake up and half the neighborhood’s trash cans are in your yard. After one of those, I’ll at least do a quick walk-around or grab the ladder for a peek.
Warranties are a whole other circus. Some companies will try to wiggle out of a claim over the tiniest thing. I’ve heard of folks getting denied because they couldn’t prove they’d done regular maintenance—even though the paperwork never spelled out what that meant. Personally, I just keep receipts and take a couple photos after any big storm. Not saying it’s foolproof, but it’s saved me a headache once or twice.
The moss thing is real too, especially if you’re in the PNW. My cousin’s roof looked like it was trying to grow its own forest. He started using one of those zinc strips and it actually made a difference, though it took a while.
My take? Use common sense, keep an eye out after bad weather, and don’t stress if you miss a year here and there. Just don’t be that guy who waits until water’s pouring through the ceiling before checking things out. And if you ever hear scratching under a shingle at 2am... maybe just let the raccoon have that one.
