Couldn't agree more about the flashing—it's crazy how often that's overlooked. I've been apprenticing with a roofing crew for about a year now, and honestly, I'd say at least half the leaks we see come down to poor flashing or sealing around vents and chimneys. People tend to panic and assume it's something major like shingles or structural damage, but usually it's just a simple fix.
One thing I'd add is gutters. Seriously underrated when it comes to roof maintenance. Last fall, we had a homeowner who swore up and down his roof was leaking badly, but turns out his gutters were just clogged solid with leaves and debris. Water was backing up under the shingles every time it rained. Took us maybe an hour to clear them out properly, and he hasn't had an issue since.
Preventive maintenance really is key—catching these small things early saves so much hassle (and money) down the road.
You're spot on about gutters—seen that scenario more times than I can count. Another sneaky culprit is attic ventilation. People rarely think about it, but poor ventilation can trap moisture and heat, causing shingles to deteriorate prematurely. I've inspected roofs that looked fine from outside, but inside the attic was a moldy mess. A quick check of soffit vents and ridge vents every season can save a lot of headaches later...and it's usually cheaper than dealing with mold remediation or structural repairs.
Good points on ventilation, but honestly, seasonal checks might be overkill for most homeowners. I've found that if the vents are properly installed and clear from debris, a yearly inspection usually does the trick. Also, don't underestimate the value of reflective or green roofing options—they can significantly reduce attic heat buildup and moisture issues. Seen plenty of homes where just switching to lighter-colored shingles or adding some greenery made a noticeable difference inside the attic...and saved money long-term.
Fair enough on the yearly checks, but have you considered climates with heavy snowfall or frequent storms? I've seen vents get blocked or damaged pretty quickly in those conditions...maybe seasonal checks aren't always overkill? Curious what others think about that.
Good point about heavy snowfall—I've had vents completely buried after just one big storm, and it wasn't even mid-season yet. But do you think seasonal checks are enough in areas prone to sudden extreme weather? I've seen situations where even monthly quick visual inspections saved us from bigger headaches down the line. Maybe it's overkill, but catching a blocked vent early beats dealing with water damage later...right?
