Check from the ground, not the roof
Walking on a roof is dangerous and can damage it. Use binoculars or your phone camera from the ground, and check inside the house.
- Water stains or peeling paint on ceilings and walls
- Missing, cracked or curled shingles, or bare patches
- Granules from shingles collecting in gutters and at downspouts
- Sagging or dips in the roofline
- Light visible through the roof boards in the attic
- Damaged or rusted flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights
Why small signs matter
Water travels along rafters and insulation before it shows up inside, so a small stain can point to a larger problem. Catching it early limits damage to decking, insulation and framing.
Look again after weather
High winds, hail and fallen branches can damage a roof in ways you cannot see from the ground. If you have had severe weather, a professional inspection is worth having even if nothing looks wrong.
When to call
Call right away if you see an active leak. Otherwise, get an inspection when you notice any of the signs above, or if your roof is approaching 20 years old and has never been looked at.
Common questions
How often should a roof be inspected?
It is sensible to have it inspected after major storms and every few years as it ages, and before buying or selling a home.
Is a small roof leak an emergency?
It can become one. Water spreads, so a small leak should be looked at promptly.
Inspections and estimates are free. We will tell you what we find, including when nothing needs doing.