I get where you’re coming from. I used to be in the “inspect after every storm” camp, but after a few years with my old asphalt roof, I started noticing that every time I got up there, I’d end up cracking a shingle or knocking loose some of that gritty stuff. It’s like the roof was fine until I started poking at it. Now, unless we get hail or something really wild, I just do a good look-over in spring and fall.
One time, I tried to reseal a flashing that looked a little sketchy, and I swear, it started leaking a month later—probably because I messed with it when it was still doing its job. Sometimes I think roofs are like old electronics: if they’re working, maybe just let them be. That said, I do keep an eye out for obvious stuff from the ground—missing shingles, sagging spots, or anything weird after a big storm.
Guess it’s all about balance. Too much fussing can backfire, but ignoring things completely isn’t great either.
- Totally get the urge to check after every storm, but yeah, walking on old shingles can do more harm than good sometimes.
- I usually stick to binoculars from the ground unless there’s obvious damage—less risk of cracking stuff or knocking granules loose.
- Flashing’s tricky. I’ve seen more leaks start after “fixes” than from just leaving it alone, especially if the sealant was still holding up.
- For me, big hail or wind is the only time I’ll climb up there right away. Otherwise, spring/fall checks seem to catch most issues before they get bad.
- One thing I’ve noticed: gutters tell a story. If you see a lot of shingle grit in there, it might be time for a closer look.
- Curious—anyone here tried using a drone for inspections? Seems like it could save some wear and tear on both the roof and my knees...
Not sure I totally buy that “just leave flashing alone” approach. I get it, messing with a good seal can backfire, but I’ve also had leaks sneak up on me where the caulk looked fine from the ground but was actually dried out and barely hanging on. Maybe it’s just my luck or the way our temperature swings mess with things here (Midwest weather is wild), but I’ve found it’s worth a close look every couple years, especially around chimneys.
About drones—I’ve thought about it, but honestly, do they really catch the small stuff? My neighbor let me try his once, and unless you’re willing to shell out for a high-end camera, you miss those little cracks or lifted shingles. Still better than risking your neck, though… just not a magic bullet. And man, shingle grit in the gutters always stresses me out. Sometimes it’s normal aging, sometimes it means trouble—hard to tell without getting up close.
Guess there’s no perfect system short of living on the roof full-time.
I hear you on the flashing. My uncle swears by the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” method, but I’ve seen enough hidden leaks under what looked like perfect caulk to be a little paranoid. Midwest weather is brutal—one day it’s sunny, next day it’s freezing, and that back-and-forth just eats away at seals. I’ll usually get up there every couple years, especially before and after winter.
Drones are cool for a quick check, but yeah, unless you’ve got a crazy-good camera, you’re not spotting hairline cracks or those tiny blisters in the shingles. I mostly use them to check for obvious stuff or after a big storm. As for the shingle grit, that always makes me nervous too. Sometimes it’s just normal, but if I start seeing a lot more than usual, I’ll poke around for soft spots or exposed mat. It’s a guessing game half the time… roofs keep you humble.
Drones are cool for a quick check, but yeah, unless you’ve got a crazy-good camera, you’re not spotting hairline cracks or those tiny blisters in the shingles.
I get what you mean about drones missing the small stuff, but honestly, I think they’re underrated for regular checks. Even if you can’t see every little crack, catching missing tabs or popped nails before they turn into leaks is still a win. Plus, it beats risking a fall just to poke at a spot that turns out to be nothing. I’d rather do more frequent flyovers than wait for something to go wrong up there—especially with how unpredictable Midwest storms can be.
