Luck plays a part, sure, but honestly, the routine checks you’re doing are probably a bigger factor in your roof holding up. Most folks don’t realize how fast a tiny issue can snowball—one popped nail turns into a lifted shingle, then water creeps in and before you know it you’re looking at plywood rot or worse. I’ve seen roofs look fine from the ground after a storm, but missing one little split shingle up top leads to trouble months later.
I’ll say, though, walking the roof is good as long as it’s safe—some pitches or older materials can be sketchy underfoot. Sometimes I tell people to use binoculars from the ground or get an inspection every couple years if they can’t check it themselves. And yeah, insurance is rarely on your side for slow leaks—most claims I see denied are “maintenance issues.”
You’re doing what most people skip, and that’s why you haven’t had major problems yet. It’s not glamorous work but it beats shelling out thousands for repairs because of something that started as a $5 tube of sealant.
- Definitely agree, regular checks make a huge difference.
- Noticed a lot of folks skip checking flashing—honestly, that’s where I see leaks start most often, not just shingles.
- Even small gaps around vents or chimneys can let in water. I’ve seen caulk dry out and crack in under two years, especially after hot summers.
- Walking the roof is risky on steep pitches or if it’s damp—slipped once myself and learned to use a harness or just stick to ladders when possible.
- Insurance adjusters almost always call slow leaks “maintenance,” like you said. Had a neighbor get denied because they didn’t catch a cracked vent boot until the ceiling stained.
- One thing I’d add: after a big storm, check the attic too. Sometimes you’ll spot daylight or damp insulation before you see anything outside.
- Routine stuff isn’t fun, but it’s way cheaper than replacing decking or dealing with mold later on... Been there, not fun at all.
I always forget about the attic check until it’s too late—good call. I’ve had a couple of those slow leaks that only showed up as a weird smell months later. Never thought much about flashing before, but now I’m paranoid about every vent and chimney. Anyone else find that caulk just doesn’t last in the sun? I swear I’m redoing it every other year...
Ever notice how some caulks just seem to melt away in the sun, while others hang on for years? I’ve always wondered if it’s the brand or just the brutal UV we get here. Have you tried switching to a polyurethane or silicone-based sealant? I’ve seen those last longer than the standard stuff, but even then, nothing’s truly “set it and forget it.” Do you get a lot of direct sun on your roof, or is it more about the rain where you are? Sometimes I think flashing gets overlooked until it’s too late...
I’ve had the same problem with caulk just giving up after a year or two—especially on the south-facing side. Tried a couple “lifetime” silicones and even those started cracking after a few summers. I honestly think most brands exaggerate how long their stuff lasts in real-world sun. Polyurethane held up better for me, but it’s a pain to work with and cleanup is a mess. Flashing is definitely the sneaky culprit though… I learned that the hard way when a tiny gap turned into a mini waterfall in my attic.
