Luck’s part of it, but I’ve seen roofs that “survived” a hurricane only to start leaking months later. One job sticks out—client thought everything was fine after the storm, but when I got up there, a few shingles were barely hanging on and the flashing had shifted just enough to let water sneak in. No obvious damage from the ground, but the attic told a different story.
I’m with you on photos. I always snap shots before and after storms, especially around chimneys and valleys. Makes it way easier to spot changes or prove something was storm-related if insurance gets involved.
Green roofs are a mixed bag. They look cool and can help with insulation, but I’ve had more callbacks for drainage issues than anything else. Sometimes it’s just clogged outlets causing pooling and leaks—not always easy to spot unless you’re up close.
Bottom line: regular checks matter more than luck in the long run. Even small stuff like a loose nail can turn into a big headache if it goes unnoticed.
Bottom line: regular checks matter more than luck in the long run. Even small stuff like a loose nail can turn into a big headache if it goes unnoticed.
That’s what I’m worried about—my shingles all look fine from the yard, but I haven’t checked the attic since last fall. Is there a checklist you use when you go up there? I always feel like I’m missing something. My roof’s only 8 years old (asphalt), but we get crazy wind off the lake, so I’m never sure what’s “normal” wear and what’s a red flag.
Attic checks are underrated, honestly. I always tell folks to look for water stains on the rafters or insulation—sometimes you’ll spot a leak before it shows outside. Any daylight peeking through is a red flag too. Wind off the lake can sneak water in weird places, even with newer shingles. Don’t stress if you miss something minor, but if you see damp spots or moldy smells, that’s worth a closer look.
Is it weird that I’m still not convinced my roof is totally fine, even though it “survived” the hurricane? I crawled up in the attic last weekend and didn’t see any obvious water stains or sunlight peeking through, but honestly, how much can you really tell just by looking? My insulation’s a mess from the previous owners, so half the rafters are buried anyway. Is there a trick for spotting hidden leaks, or am I just being paranoid?
I get it—after a big storm, I’m always half-expecting to find a puddle in the attic weeks later. Honestly, with old insulation hiding stuff, it’s tough to be sure. Ever tried running a hose over the roof while someone checks inside? Not fancy, but it’s saved me from surprises before.