Ten-minute checks really do save a ton of hassle down the line.
That’s been my experience too, but I’ll admit, sometimes I get pushback when I suggest regular checks to tenants or owners. Folks assume if it’s not leaking, it’s fine. Had a flat roof on one property where a clogged drain led to a pond up there—didn’t notice until water started seeping through the ceiling tiles. Could’ve avoided a whole mess (and a big bill) with just a quick look after storms. It’s wild how often the “little stuff” turns into the big stuff if you ignore it.
It’s wild how often the “little stuff” turns into the big stuff if you ignore it.
That’s exactly it. I’ve run into the same skepticism from owners—there’s this idea that unless you see water coming through, everything’s fine. But with flat roofs especially, you just can’t take that risk. I had a building where a minor seam split went unnoticed for a few months. By the time anyone realized, the insulation was saturated and we were looking at a partial tear-off. Not cheap, and definitely not quick.
I get why people push back on regular checks, though. It feels like overkill until something goes wrong. But in my experience, those ten-minute inspections after a heavy rain or windstorm are what keep you from dealing with insurance claims and emergency repairs later. Even just clearing debris from drains or checking for pooling water can make a huge difference.
One thing I’ve started doing is documenting every check—photos, notes, dates. Sometimes it helps convince skeptical owners when you can show them what you’re seeing up there, even if it’s just a pile of leaves or a small crack. It’s not about being alarmist, just practical.
I will say, though, sometimes I wonder if we overdo it with the frequency. Quarterly checks seem reasonable for most places, unless there’s been a big storm. Monthly feels like too much for some properties, unless they’re older or have known issues. Curious if anyone else has found that sweet spot for how often to get up there.
At the end of the day, it’s always the little things—clogged scuppers, loose flashing—that end up costing the most if you let them slide. I’d rather spend an hour here and there than deal with mold remediation or structural repairs down the line.
This is making me wonder if I’m being too chill about my own roof. Ours is pitched, not flat, and I’ve only really checked it after big storms—usually from the ground, squinting up and hoping for the best. Is it overkill to get up there every few months if you haven’t noticed any leaks? Or is that just asking for trouble down the line? I feel like my “if it ain’t broke” approach might come back to bite me...
- Pitched roofs definitely hold up better than flat ones, but “if it ain’t broke” can be risky. Thing is, a lot of roof issues don’t show up until they’re already a headache—like water getting behind flashing or under shingles.
- Ground checks are better than nothing, but they won’t catch loose nails, cracked caulk, or small lifted shingles. I’ve seen folks skip regular checks and then get hit with surprise leaks after a storm, usually when the damage has been building for months.
- But yeah, climbing up there every few months isn’t always realistic either (or safe if you’re not used to it). I usually tell people to do a close-up look at least once a year—spring or fall’s good—unless you’ve had some wild weather.
- Curious what kind of shingles you have? Some types (like architectural asphalt) hide wear and tear pretty well, while others (like wood shake) show age faster. Makes me wonder how much that changes how often you need to check things out.
- Ever had ice dams in winter? In colder spots, those sneak in and cause trouble even if everything looks fine from the ground.
- One thing I see a lot: gutters packed with leaves or granules—if you notice that from below, it’s a sign something’s wearing out up top.
- Noticed any shingle bits on the ground or driveway after storms? That’s usually my first clue something’s off before leaks even start.
How old is your roof? Sometimes peace of mind is worth an hour up there with binoculars or a camera. Makes me wonder if people check their attics for stains too...or just wait for drips to show up.
Sometimes peace of mind is worth an hour up there with binoculars or a camera. Makes me wonder if people check their attics for stains too...or just wait for drips to show up.
That’s such a good point—catching those attic stains early can save a ton of hassle. I’ve seen folks only realize there’s a problem once the ceiling’s already stained, and by then it’s usually a bigger fix. Even just poking your head up there after a heavy rain can make a difference. And yeah, I totally get not wanting to climb up every season...sometimes just using binoculars from the ground is enough to spot missing shingles or trouble spots. It’s not perfect, but it beats waiting for water to find its way inside.
