Couldn’t agree more with the “boring afternoon” approach. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been called out for a “small leak” that turned out to be a full-blown mess under the surface. Folks always seem surprised when I show them photos of what’s going on beneath the shingles or panels—out of sight, out of mind, I guess.
You nailed it about the quick checks after storms. Even just walking around the house and looking up can catch stuff early. I get that not everyone’s comfortable climbing ladders (and honestly, some roofs are just too steep or high for DIY), but even spotting a missing shingle or a sagging gutter from the ground can save a lot of grief.
I’ve seen people stretch it to every couple years and get lucky, but that’s rolling the dice. Especially in places with wild weather swings—freeze/thaw cycles are brutal on fasteners and flashing. A little prevention really does go a long way, even if it’s not the most exciting way to spend a Saturday.
