I get what you’re saying about not needing to climb up there every time. I used to think I had to get on the roof to spot problems, but honestly, a decent pair of binoculars and a walk around the house has caught most of my issues early. Last spring, I noticed a shingle curling up from the ground—turned out it was just a loose nail, easy fix. Way better than waiting for a leak. Some folks go years without checking and then act surprised when water starts dripping through the ceiling... seems like asking for trouble.
Binoculars are handy, but I’ve seen a few things get missed from the ground—especially flashing issues or small cracks around vents. Sometimes, what looks fine from below is hiding a bigger problem up close. I usually recommend getting up there (safely) once a year, just to be sure. Even a quick look at the gutters and chimney can catch stuff you’d never spot otherwise.
That’s interesting—makes me wonder if I’m missing stuff on my own roof. I’ve only ever looked from the ground, mostly because I’m not super comfortable with heights. My house has a pretty steep pitch, too, so I’m a bit nervous about climbing up there. Is it really worth the risk to get up close, or do most people just hire someone for that? Also, how do you even know what to look for if you’re not a pro? I can spot missing shingles, but those little cracks or flashing problems would probably go right over my head (no pun intended).
For folks who do their own checks, do you use any special gear or just a regular ladder? And if you find something small, like a tiny crack near a vent, is that a DIY fix or does it usually mean calling in a roofer? Just trying to figure out what’s realistic for someone who’s new to all this...
Is it really worth the risk to get up close, or do most people just hire someone for that?
Honestly, with a steep pitch and if you’re not comfortable with heights, I’d say it’s rarely worth the risk. Even pros use harnesses and roof jacks for safety. You can spot a lot from the ground with binoculars or even a drone—missing shingles, warped areas, or debris buildup. The tricky stuff like cracked flashing or small vent leaks is tough to catch unless you know exactly what to look for. I’ve seen plenty of DIYers miss those and end up with water damage down the line.
For minor issues like a hairline crack near a vent, some folks patch with roofing caulk, but unless you’re sure it’s superficial, it’s safer to have a roofer check it out. Sometimes what looks small is a symptom of something bigger. Regular ladder’s fine for gutters or low slopes, but anything steeper... I’d leave it to someone with the right gear.
Even pros use harnesses and roof jacks for safety.
Yeah, I’d second that—if you’re not used to being up there, it’s not worth a trip to the ER. I’ve seen folks try to “just check one shingle” and end up sliding halfway down the roof. Not fun. Even with all my gear, there are days I look at a steep pitch and think, “Is this really how I want to spend my afternoon?”
You can catch a lot from the ground, especially if you know what you’re looking for. But those little leaks around vents or flashing? They’re sneaky. Had a customer last fall who thought it was just a tiny crack by the chimney—turned out water had been getting in for months and rotted out part of the decking. Ended up costing way more than a quick checkup would’ve.
I get wanting to save a few bucks, but sometimes hiring someone with the right tools (and insurance) is just less stress. Plus, you don’t have to explain to your neighbors why you’re dangling from your gutters...
