Chalk's definitely handy, but honestly, I prefer painter's tape for marking trouble spots. Chalk can fade or smudge if things get damp or windy (like you mentioned—conditions change fast!), and tape stays put better in my experience. Plus, the bright blue color makes it easier to spot from a distance.
And yeah, scanning from different angles is key. One time I was convinced I'd covered everything, then took a quick look from the neighbor's yard and spotted a lifted shingle edge I totally missed. Felt pretty silly, but hey...better silly than sorry, right?
Also, speaking of changing conditions, it's worth mentioning how quickly shingles can become brittle when temps drop unexpectedly. I've seen guys crack shingles just walking on them early in the morning after a cold snap. Definitely pays to slow down and take your time up there—rushing rarely ends well.
Painter's tape works okay, but I've had it peel off bits of shingle granules when removing it. Not exactly ideal. I usually just snap a quick pic on my phone instead—easy enough to reference later without risking damage...
Yeah, painter's tape is a bit hit-or-miss for roof checks, isn't it? I've seen similar issues—granules coming off shingles can actually shorten their lifespan over time. Plus, shingles don't exactly regenerate those granules, so that's definitely something to be cautious about.
Quick snapshots on your phone are actually a pretty smart workaround. Do you find the photos clear enough to spot smaller issues like hairline cracks or minor curling at the edges? I've tried the phone method myself, but sometimes I wonder if I'm getting enough detail. Maybe it's just my phone or my shaky hands...
On another note, has anyone tried using chalk instead? I've heard of inspectors marking problem areas lightly with chalk—supposedly washes off easily after a rain or two without causing damage. Haven't personally tested it yet, so I'm curious if anyone here has had experience with that.
Either way, good on you for being proactive about roof checks. Catching small issues early can save a ton down the road.
I've actually tried the chalk method once, and honestly, it wasn't as great as it sounds. A surprise rainstorm washed it off before I could even double-check the spots... Maybe I just have bad luck, but I'd stick with photos for now.
I've never really had an issue with chalk washing away, but maybe that's because I always check the forecast first? Still, photos can miss subtle things—have you tried marking trouble areas with painter's tape instead? It's quick and holds up better in surprise showers.
