I get the temptation to just eyeball things and call it good, especially if you haven’t had any obvious issues. But I’ve got to push back a bit on the “skip a year here and there” idea—at least if you want to avoid nasty surprises down the line. Here’s why: a lot of roof problems start small and stay hidden until they’re suddenly not. I’ve seen more than a few cases where folks thought everything was fine, only to find out there was slow water intrusion or rot that had been brewing for ages.
Here’s how I usually break it down for people who ask me about this stuff:
1. **Visual checks from the ground are fine after storms**—but they won’t catch everything. Granule loss, cracked shingles, or popped nails can be subtle unless you’re up close. If you’re comfortable on a ladder, do a closer look once a year, minimum. If not, it’s worth hiring someone every couple years.
2. **Documentation matters more than people think**, especially with warranties or insurance. A quick annual set of photos (even just with your phone) can make all the difference if you ever need to prove maintenance or pre-existing condition.
3. **Moss and algae sneak up fast in certain climates**—I’m in the Midwest and even here, shaded roofs can get slimy in just a season or two. Once it starts growing under the shingles, you’re looking at bigger headaches.
4. **Attic checks get overlooked**—I’d argue these are as important as looking at the roof itself. Water stains, moldy smells, or daylight peeking through are all early warning signs that don’t show up outside.
I’m not saying everyone needs to treat their house like it’s under constant siege from Mother Nature, but “common sense” sometimes means catching stuff before it gets expensive. Skipping an inspection here or there might work out... until it doesn’t.
And yeah, raccoons are another story entirely—if you hear scratching at 2am, that’s probably not going away on its own.
I’m still figuring out the whole “home maintenance” rhythm, so this is super helpful. I’ll admit, I was kind of hoping I could just keep an eye out for missing shingles from the driveway and call it good. But after reading your points, I’m realizing that’s probably wishful thinking—especially since my house is surrounded by trees and we get a ton of shade (and, apparently, moss).
I did a quick attic check last month because I thought I smelled something weird after a rainstorm. Turns out there was a tiny water stain near one of the vents. No actual dripping yet, but now I’m paranoid about what else I might be missing. The idea of taking photos for documentation is new to me, but it makes sense—my insurance agent is already picky about everything.
One thing I’m still not sure about: how do you know when it’s time to call in a pro versus just keeping up with DIY checks? I’m not exactly fearless on ladders, and my roof’s got a pretty steep pitch. Also, if raccoons ever move in, I’m moving out...
One thing I’m still not sure about: how do you know when it’s time to call in a pro versus just keeping up with DIY checks? I’m not exactly fearless on ladders, and my roof’s got a pretty steep pitch.
Honestly, if you’re not comfortable on a ladder and your roof is steep, that’s already a solid reason to bring in someone who does this for a living. I’ve seen too many folks try to “just check one thing” and end up regretting it—either from a fall or missing something important because they were rushing.
That said, you’re not wrong to want to keep an eye on things yourself. I’d say if you spot water stains (even small ones), moss buildup, or anything that looks off from the ground, it’s worth at least getting an inspection every couple years. Especially with all those trees around—shade and debris can hide problems until they get expensive.
Photos are great for tracking changes over time, but insurance companies can be picky about what counts as “maintenance.” If you’re ever unsure, err on the side of caution. Paying for a pro once in a while is cheaper than dealing with major repairs later. And yeah...if raccoons move in, I’d be tempted to hand them the keys too.
I get the urge to do as much as possible myself, but I ran into a similar situation last fall. My roof’s got a 10/12 pitch and just looking up there made me dizzy. I tried binoculars from the yard and caught a couple spots where shingles looked curled, but honestly, I couldn’t tell if it was serious or not. Ended up hiring someone for an inspection and they found a few loose nails I’d have never noticed. For me, the peace of mind was worth the $150. If you’re even a little unsure, especially with a steep roof, it’s probably safer (and cheaper long-term) to call in a pro.
I get wanting to save a buck by doing things yourself—believe me, I’ve tried. Last spring, I figured I’d just check my gutters and roof from a ladder, but after a few wobbly steps and realizing how steep it was, I chickened out. Ended up calling someone too. The cost stung a bit, but they spotted a cracked vent boot that would’ve leaked for sure. Sometimes it feels like overkill to pay for inspections, but missing something small can get expensive real fast... especially with roofs. Still, I do wonder if yearly checks are really necessary or if every couple years is fine for most folks?
