Roof Maintenance Checklist

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If you decide to do your own roofing maintenance, it is critical to develop a checklist to use during inspections.  Your roof maintenance checklist will help ensure that you do not overlook any of the elements that require inspection.  Your completed checklists will also serve as proof of proper maintenance should you need to submit an insurance or warranty claim.

Look for Red Flags Early

Your seasonal roof clearings create perfect opportunities for general inspections and repairs.  You just have to know what to look for while you’re up there.  The first part of roof inspection starts inside your home.  First, check in the attic for any stains that may indicate water leakage caused by a roof issue.  Have you noticed any stains on the ceilings in your home? Make note of where they’re located because they could actually be roof leaks.

Here’s the rest of the checklist for what to look for on your roof:

• Missing shingles
• Loose shingles
• Lifted shingles
• Signs of moss or mold
• Worn spots
• Cracking, peeling, or curling shingles
• Loose flashing
• Loose nails or metal roof bolts

Be sure to replace any loose shingles, flashing, or hardware as soon as you notice the issue to prevent damage.  Shingles that are displaced could be signs of mold growth and water damage beneath your shingles. This will require an intervention.  If you’re seeing excessive peeling, curling, and lifting in shingles throughout your roof, it’s possible that your roof has simply reached the end of its lifespan.  It may be time to bring in a local roofing pro to confirm that it’s time to move on from trying to extend the lifespan of your roof to picking out a new roofing option.

If you’re seeing excessive debris, consider if it’s time to rethink your landscaping plans.  Tall trees located near your roof could be giving leaves, twigs, and small animals a direct pathway to your roof. Shade allows mold and moss to grow.

Below are important elements to include on your checklist:

Interior Signs of Roof Problems

Before you go to the roof, examine the interior of the building for signs of water damage such as mold, mildew, drips and leaks, water stains, and peeling paint.  If you find any, be especially vigilant when you inspect the roof.  (Be aware that leaks can travel sideways through a building, so the cause of the damage may not be located directly above it.)  In locations with high snow load or on roofs that carry heavy equipment, you might also want to do an annual inspection of trusses and beams for signs of structural stress like cracking, rot, or rust.

Check for Cleanliness

Once you’re on the rooftop, inspect for accumulated dirt and debris.  These can clog drains and cause roofing surfaces to rot or decay prematurely.  Fallen tree limbs can damage roof membranes and elements. If you consistently notice fallen branches you may need to schedule tree maintenance as well.

Check the Roof Surface

Look for signs of damage or weathering.  On a flat roof, one of the biggest red flags is a low spot that will collect standing water.  Make note of any blistering, cracking, tears or holes, abrasions, or deep scratches in the membrane.  If it is a gravel-top roof, check to see that the gravel layer is uniform and free of bare spots.  For metal roofs, inspect for corrosion and loose or damaged panels.  Tile and shingle roofs should be checked for loose, missing or damaged pieces.  Make note as well of any fungus or moss growing on the roof. These should be slated for removal as they can deteriorate roof surfaces.

Flashings

If flashing were required to install skylights on your rooftop you need to pay extra attention to these areas! Make sure they are not pulling away from the roof or leaving gaps.  This can be an indication that you may have leaking or serious damage to your roof membrane.  This should also be a place in which you check for mold.

Drains

Backed up water, moss, watermarks, and mold are all signs of clogged drains.   Check also for deteriorated or damaged flashings and seals.  These will need immediate attention.

Exterior Structural Components

Elements such as chimneys, vents, pipes, skylights, and equipment should each appear separately on your checklist.  Inspect their surfaces for cleanliness, and look for signs of aging such as peeling paint, rust, rot, and moss or fungus. Also look for structural damage such as bent elements, missing parts, and sagging pipes.

Pipe and Equipment Supports

One of the most important things on your roof maintenance checklist should be your pipe and equipment supports.  Check to be sure that pipes are not sagging, there are no cracks in the base.

Old Repairs

Previous repairs are often the first thing to fail, especially if they were not done by an experienced professional.  List each repair separately on your roof maintenance checklist so all future inspectors know what to look for.  Double check to make sure the previous issue has been fixed and still working correctly.

Limit Moss & Algae Growth

Environmental factors can contribute to moss and algae growth on your roof, lots of shade trees and a wet climate. Moss absorbs water, and large clumps of moss growing on your roof can damage shingles by raising the shingle edges and exposing the undersides to water.  Algae can leave ugly dark streaks on a roof’s surface.  Algae stains can be minimized with a solution of chlorine bleach and water.  If your roof’s environment is conducive to moss or algae, your best solution may be regular treatments.

Trees provide shade in the summer and add beauty to your landscape.  Unfortunately, they’re a constant source of debris, from maple leaf helicopters in spring to fallen leaves in autumn.  Organic matter can absorb water, causing your shingles to remain in contact with moisture for lengthy periods.  In addition, when rainwater runs down your roof, it can pick up debris, leaving it to settle in your gutters.

Remove organic residue from your roof at least twice a year or more, depending on your region’s tree activity.  You may be able to gently remove the debris with a broom or leaf blower depending on roof access, for example, from an upstairs window.  Remember, don’t use a tool that would rub the shingles’ surface because it could dislodge granules.

Remove Nearby Tree Branches

Similar to the potential problems from walking on a roof, trees can disturb roof granules by rubbing against shingles, especially during windstorms.  Trim branches as much as necessary so that even on the windiest of days, they aren’t touching your roof or gutters.

Roof Check-Ups

Your roof may have been a perfect defense against the elements when it was brand new.  But over time, weathering and natural aging can affect even the best of designs.  That’s why it’s good practice to inspect vulnerable areas periodically.

How to Use Your Roof Maintenance Checklist

Once you have developed your checklist, it helps to have a system to prioritize issues.  One simple and effective system is to use a Good-Fair-Poor rating system.  A “Good” rating means the element is deemed in good shape and needs no attention beyond routine inspection.  “Fair” indicates elements that are showing some wear but have not yet reached a state of emergency.  These should be scheduled for maintenance and/or inspection or be put on the list for future replacement.  Items in “Poor” condition—including any issues that involve current or potential water damage—will need immediate attention.

It is also a good idea to decide ahead of time which issues you will be handling in-house and which ones you will call in a professional to address.  While doing your own repairs can be cost effective, it is better to err on the side of caution.  A compromised roof can result in tremendous structural damage to your building that could eclipse any savings you might realize if you do not have someone on staff who is truly qualified to do the work.  Additionally, it helps to have all your warranty information handy to double check what items can and cannot replaced free of charge.